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

Should you visit Ephesus or Kotor?

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

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

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).

Kotor

A coastal town of Montenegro, Kotor is also a beautifully-preserved fortified, medieval town, featuring a labyrinth of cobbled streets, lively piazzas, historic churches, and a spread of bars and restaurants throughout its historic Old Town.

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 Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Kotor 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 Kotor is $107. 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 Kotor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Kotor $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Kotor $104
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Kotor

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Kotor? 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 Kotor


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 Kotor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Kotor $9.92

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 Kotor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kotor:

  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Kotor: $333
  • Kotor Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Podgorica hotels: $297
  • Podgorica Airport (TGD): Transfer to Kotor Cruise Port: $297
  • Airport Transfer Tivat / Porto Montenegro to Podgorica City: $272
  • Private Transfer from Lustica to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $262
  • Transfer Portonovi / Herceg Novi to Dubrovnik Old Town: $251
  • Private transfer from Kotor to Dubrovnik: $240
  • Private Transfer from Tivat Airport (TIV) to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV): $214
  • Private Transfer from Herceg Novi to Dubrovnik City: $194
  • Private Transfer from Kotor or Perast to Dubrovnik airport: $185
  • Private Transfer from Herceg Novi to Podgorica: $155
  • Private Transfer from Herceg Novi to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $155

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Kotor?

Prices for flights to both Kotor 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
    Kotor $46
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kotor

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

  • Kotor City Tour and Cooking Class : $203
  • Kotor private cooking class with lunch and Old town guided tour: $226
  • Kotor and Perast Private Tour with Cooking Class and Boat Ride: $262
  • Cooking class in a local home & old town walking tour: $306

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Kotor $8.92

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 Kotor

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

  • Blue Cave, Lady of Rocks and Mamula Speed Boat Tour : $44
  • "Adriatic Adventure: Blue Cave & Islands Speedboat Tour": $46
  • 1-Day Montenegro Hiking Tour to Durmitor National Park : $119
  • 3 Hour Speed Boat Tour to Blue Cave with WiFi and Drinks: $55
  • 3-Hour Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks Private Speedboat Tour: $294
  • Adventure park ’Lovcen’ and Njegos’s Mausoleum : $198
  • All inclusive - Lovcen tour: $131
  • Bay of 2-Hour Stand Up Paddle Board Tour: $53
  • Bay of 2.5-Hour Kayak Tour: $53
  • Bay of 2.5-Hour Kayak Tour : $55
  • Bike & hike tour : $82
  • Bike tour - Downhill from Njegos Mausoleum to Kotor bay: $134

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Kotor $9.12
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

Sample the Local Flavors in Kotor

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kotor:

  • Private tour: Homemade food and wine tasting at my family home: $125
  • Private National Park Lovcen with food and wine tasting: $136
  • Wine tasting and magical tour from Kotor, Budva, Tivat (Lovcen,Skadar lake): $251
  • National Parks Skadar Lake and Lovcen+Wine tasting (Private tour): $260
  • Skadar Lake National Park with Wine Tasting: $428


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Kotor, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Kotor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kotor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kotor 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 Ephesus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ephesus than you might in Kotor.

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


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Kotor?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Kotor. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Kotor. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Kotor. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Kotor 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

Ephesus is a little warmer than Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Kotor. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Kotor 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kotor for the cuisine.

In the winter, Ephesus is much warmer than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ephesus in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Kotor. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Kotor 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Kotor. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kotor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 15°C (59°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Kotor during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Kotor. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Kotor 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kotor and Ephesus

Ephesus Kotor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (80°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (53°F) 224 mm (8.8 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 215 mm (8.5 in)