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

Should you visit Ephesus or Kiel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Kiel, 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 Kiel?

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).

Kiel

Kiel is a port city on Germany's Baltic Sea coast. Much of the city center it was obliterated during WWII by bombing raids on its U-boat pens. In the old town, the rebuilt, medieval St. Nikolai Church hosts classical concerts and Holstenstrasse and Danische Strasse are streets lined with shops. The city also has several indoor malls linked by pedestrian bridges. Along the Kiel Fjord, the Maritime Museum displays model ships and nautical instruments in a former fish auction hall. Nearby, cruise ships dock at the Ostseekai Terminal in Germania Harbor. This grand harbor in Kiel continues on as it has for centuries and should be the focus of your visit. Huge ferries transport millions of passengers to and from Scandinavia, while summer sees locals strolling the long waterfront promenade.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Kiel or Ephesus?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Kiel is $148. 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 Kiel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Kiel $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Kiel $144
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Kiel

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Kiel? 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 Kiel


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 and Kiel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Kiel $58

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: $164
  • Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $115
  • Ephesus Private Guided Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $80
  • From-to Izmir AirPort to-from Kusadası Private Airport Transfer: $75
  • Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $100
  • Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport - Kusadasi Centrum (All hotels, home...) transfers: $65
  • Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer: $40
  • Kusadasi Buggy Car Safari With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $40
  • Kusadasi Half Day Quad Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Kusadasi Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $169
  • Kusadasi Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $93
  • Kusadasi International Golf Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $93

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiel:

  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg: $645
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $235
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $118
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM) - Departure Private Transfer: $118
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Port to Hamburg Airport: $79
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg city: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Kiel?

Prices for flights to both Kiel 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 $33
    Kiel $41
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus

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


  • Sandwiches
    $0.15
  • Dessert
    $0.17
  • Lunch at Beach (for 2)
    $0.59
  • Snacks
    $0.25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus

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

  • Cooking Class in Kusadasi Ephesus: $110
  • Ephesus Tour with Cooking Class in the Village: $149
  • Taste of Traditional Turkish Cuisine | Small Group Kusadasi Food Tour: $211
  • Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $228

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Kiel $20

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

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

  • For Cruisers: Skip-the-line Private Free Ephesus Tour : $0.05
  • Self-guided Virtual Tour of The Highlights: $6.53
  • Entry Free: Drive by Ephesus and Ancient Wonder Tour: $12
  • Self-guided Virtual Tour of the ancient pearl of the Mediterranean: $17
  • Kusadasi Traditional Turkish Bath Hamam Experience : $17
  • SKIP THE LINE :Best Seller Ephesus Private Tour For Cruiser Guest: $19
  • Private & Mini Group Classical Ephesus Tour For Cruisers: $19
  • Skip the Line - Best of Ephesus: $19
  • Time Travel in Affordable and Spectacular Experience: $20
  • Best of Ephesus Guided Tour For Cruise Guest : $20
  • Kusadasi Scuba Diving Tour By Local Experts: $20
  • Kusadasi Quad Safari Adventure: $20

Tours and Activities in Kiel

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

  • Bicycle tour to Friedrichshafen with a visit to the Zeppelin & Dornier Museum: $141
  • Bike Tour of Lubeck with Top Attractions and Private Guide: $244
  • Boat Cruise and a Private Walking Tour of Lubeck's Old Town: $205
  • Christmas Stories of Lubeck – Private Walking Tour: $256
  • City Sightseeing Kiel Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • Discovering Lubeck – Private Walking Tour for Couples: $202
  • Fascinating Pearls of Lubeck - Guided Walking Tour: $191
  • Kiel - Private Historic Walking Tour: $384
  • Kiel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Kiel Private Guided Walking Tour: $281
  • Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port: $12
  • Kiel's Historical Port: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Kiel $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus

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


  • Beer
    $0.12

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 & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port: $53
  • Ephesus port tours and Wine Tasting Tours : $70
  • Ephesus&Sirince Village with Wine Tasting Shore Ex: $100
  • Ephesus and Sirince with Wine tasting Private Half Day Shore Excursion: $100
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Wine Tasting in the village and visit to Mother's Mary House: $130
  • Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting: $134
  • Virgin Mary Bread and Wine Tour included Lunch: $300


When comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Kiel, we can see that Kiel is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Kiel?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Kiel, 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.


When is the best time to visit Ephesus or Kiel?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ephesus or Kiel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Kiel. Also, most visitors come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Ephesus is much warmer than Kiel in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kiel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Kiel. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Kiel 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Kiel in the Autumn?

Both Kiel and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kiel because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Ephesus is much warmer than Kiel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Kiel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Kiel. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Kiel 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Kiel in the Winter?

Both Kiel and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kiel this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kiel in the winter. In January, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Kiel. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Kiel 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Kiel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Kiel. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Ephesus is much warmer than Kiel in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Kiel. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Kiel 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Kiel and Ephesus

Ephesus Kiel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (61°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)