A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ephesus vs. Kerala for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ephesus or Kerala?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Kerala, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Ephesus or Kerala?

Ephesus

The ancient city of Ephesus was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC). It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was destroyed in 401 AD and rebuilt by Emperor Constantine I along with new public baths. The town was again partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. The city's importance as a commercial center declined as the harbor was slowly silted up by the Cayster River (Kucuk Menderes).

Kerala

Palm trees, sandy beaches, and vibrant culture. You'll find all of these things in Kerala, India. Located in the south of the country, Kerala is known as one of the top ten paradises in the world.

This area is covered in a beautiful, natural ecosystem including backwaters, mountains, coconuts and spices. The heavy, yearlong rains provide lush and gorgeous vegetation, and earn the area a spot on the list of the wettest spots on earth.

Kerala is very different from the rest of India. For one, this area is the most literate and diverse area in in the country with churches, mosques, Hindu temples and even synagogues. This states' education and healthcare are far beyond the rest of the country- putting them on par with many Western areas of the world. However, even though this area is incredibly diverse and progressive, do not expect everyone to speak or understand English.

The best part is that this area is by far the safest in all of India. There is almost no incidence of tourists being cheated or taken for granted.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Luxury Tours to India, and The Best Budget Tours to India.


Which place is cheaper, Kerala or Ephesus?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $117, while the average daily cost in Kerala is $464. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ephesus and Kerala in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $49
    Kerala $256
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $98
    Kerala $512
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Kerala

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Kerala? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Ephesus


Hotels in Kerala


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ephesus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $36
    Kerala $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

Also for Ephesus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Akbuk Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $175
  • Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $123
  • Didim Quad or Buggy Safari Adventure Tour with Return Transfers: $74
  • From-to Izmir AirPort to-from Kusadası Private Airport Transfer: $90
  • Horse Riding Experience in Kusadasi for Everyone with Transfers: $45
  • Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $100
  • Kusadasi & National Park Boat Tours with Lunch and Transfer: $38
  • Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer: $55
  • Kusadasi Boat trip with Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer: $53
  • Kusadasi Buggy Adventure Tour with Hotel Transfer: $58
  • Kusadasi Buggy Car Safari With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $45
  • Kusadasi Half Day Quad Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer: $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kerala

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kerala:

  • Private Transfer from Trivandrum to Alleppey: Travel Guide: $191
  • Private Transfer from Cochin to Isha Foundation Coimbatore: $170
  • Kovalam to Alleppey Private Transfer: $130
  • Private Transfer from Kovalam to Alleppey: Hassle-Free Journey: $108
  • Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Munnar: $105
  • Private Transfer:Fort Kochi to Munnar: $100
  • Cochin to Vagamon Transfer: $80
  • Athirappilly Waterfalls Day Trip from Kochi with Transfers: $67
  • Airport to Hotel Transfers Kochi: $53
  • Affordable transfer from Kochi to Munnar: $40
  • Cochin - private departure transfer from hotel to airport: $39
  • Private Transfer from Trivandrum (TRV) Airport to Trivandrum City: $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Kerala?

Prices for flights to both Kerala and Ephesus change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ephesus $40
    Kerala $165
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:


  • Sandwiches
    $0.11
  • Dessert
    $0.12
  • Lunch at Beach (for 2)
    $0.41
  • Snacks
    $0.17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus

For Ephesus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus, Selcuk City Stroll, and Street Food Tour: $92
  • Private Ephesus Tour & Cooking Experience with locals: $160
  • Kusadasi Selcuk Ephesus Gourmet and Street Food Tour: $233
  • Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $296

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kerala

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kerala.

  • Enjoy the best Food tour in kochi with a local !: $19
  • Kerala Traditional Village Cooking Class in Munnar: $20
  • Private candle light dinner: $20
  • WE COOKS- Home Cooking Class in Munnar: $23
  • Cooking classes @ Aryavilla heritage, Varkala: $35
  • Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class - Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!: $35
  • Biryani - Cooking Class in Fort Kochi: $54
  • Private Traditional Home Cooking Class in Kochi with Archana: $70
  • Group Kerala Cooking Demo & Home Dining Experience in Kochi: $75
  • Authentic Kerala Syrian Christian Cooking Class in a Cochin Home: $79
  • Tour of Kochi with Lunch: Kathakali and Dinner With Evening Tour.: $110
  • Kochi Over View: Kathakali, Dinner, Pick & Drop Included Tour: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $41
    Kerala $78

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ephesus.

  • Best-Seller PRIVATE EPHESUS & SHOPPING Tour FOR CRUISERS: $5.83
  • Private Ephesus Tour from Cruise Port - Lunch & Skip The Lines: $7.00
  • Small Group Tour Ephesus and House of Mary with Lunch: $10
  • FOR CRUISERS: Best of Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi port: $11
  • FOR CRUISERS: Biblical Ephesus Shore Excursion from Kusadasi Port: $11
  • Ephesus and Sirince Village Tour For Cruisers: $11
  • Ephesus Shopping Tour: $11
  • Kusadasi Walking City Tour from Kusadasi Port Turkiye: $12
  • Kusadasi Walking City and Shopping Tour from Kusadasi Port: $12
  • Skip-the-Line Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers with Opt Tickets: $13
  • Private Ephesus Shore Excursion from Kusadasi with Ticket Option: $13
  • FOR CRUISERS: 4 Hour Ephesus PRIVATE Tour from Kusadasi Port: $14

Tours and Activities in Kerala

Here are a few actual costs in Kerala for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Day Activity Adventure Trekking Kerala: $111
  • 2 Nights Misty Munnar Sightseeing (Private Tour with Car) - Iris Holidays: $112
  • 2 Nights, 3 Days Kerala Backwaters & Beaches Tour: $310
  • 3-4 hours Kochi Tuk-Tuk Tour with Pickup from Cruise Ships: $12
  • 4 Days - Munnar, Alleppey Houseboat & Kochi sightseeing: $283
  • 4 Days Best of Kerala Tour with Private Houseboat, Sightseeing & Car: $187
  • 4 Days Private Kerala Tour -Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady with 3* Hotel: $195
  • 4 Hour Private Tuk Tuk Tour in Kochi From Cruise terminal: $14
  • 4 Hours Private Village Life Experience in Kochi with Pickup: $61
  • 4 nights-Budget Tour- Cochin/Munnar/Thekkady/Houseboat / Cochin: $263
  • 5 Days Luxury Kerala Tour with Houseboat Experience Private Tour: $4.34
  • A Private day Tour Through Alleppey, Marari, and Fort Kochi: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $10
    Kerala $73
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.09

Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus

Also in Ephesus, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Skip-the-Line: Ephesus Shore Excursion & Wine Tasting: $21
  • PRIVATE & GROUP: EPHESUS TOUR with Wine Tasting (SKIP-THE-LINE): $29
  • LGBTQ+ Friendly Ephesus Shore Excursion & Local Wine Tasting: $30
  • FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port: $34
  • Ephesus Shore Excursion & Wine Tasting + Lunch - Opt Turkish Bath: $35
  • FOR CRUISERS:Kusadasi Port Private Wine Tasting and Ephesus Tour: $45
  • POTTERY PAINTING & WINE TASTING Tour from Kusadasi Port: $49
  • Wine Tasting-Village Shore Excursion from Kusadasi Port: $50
  • Sirince Village and Wine Tour with Artemis Temple: $57
  • Kusadasi Shore Excursions Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tours: $70
  • Ephesus & Şirince Village with Lunch& Wine Tasting (Fixed Price): $115
  • Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting and Traditional Turkish Lunch: $130


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Kerala, we can see that Kerala is more expensive. And not only is Ephesus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ephesus is in Europe and Kerala is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Ephesus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ephesus and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Kerala would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kerala than you might in Ephesus.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ephesus Expensive? and Is Kerala Expensive?.


Which has a larger population, Ephesus or Kerala?

Kerala has a larger population, and is about 500 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Kerala, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.