Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ephesus or Lake Garda?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Lake Garda, 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 Lake Garda?
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).
Lake Garda
As a gentle Mediterranean wind touches your skin, the aromatic fragrances of olive and lemon trees fill the air. Surrounded by lush gardens and Italian architecture in its ancient tans and beiges, you look to the horizon and find a paradise before your eyes: a shimmering lake, misty mountaintops, and a clear blue sky. Lake Garda is a popular holiday destination for locals of the Lombardy region and tourists alike. It has been shown that about 7% of Italy's tourists head straight for these gleaming blue shores. The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is located about halfway in between Brescia and Verona and between Venezia and Milano. Because it is surrounded by several different districts - Lombardy, Trentino, Alto, and the Veneto - Lake Garda is a culmination of culture that attracts cosmopolitan crowds. The lake is an ancient natural treasure Italy holds dear, with documents referring to Lake Garda dating as far back as the eighteenth century. The name "Garda" comes from the Germanic word "warda," which means "place of guard." Whether you are staying at one of the many luxurious resorts in Riva del Garda or are simply getting a pedicure in spa town Sirmione, Lake Garda continues to preserve its elegance and sophistication throughout the years.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $143Lake Garda $178
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Lake Garda is $178. 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 Lake Garda in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $70Lake Garda $90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $140Lake Garda $180
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Lake Garda
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Lake Garda? 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $51Lake Garda $70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus
Also for Ephesus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- VIP Transfer Kusadasi From/To Bodrum Airport: $128
- Transfer izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Davutlar: $98
- Scuba Diving Experience in Kusadasi with Instructor and Transfer: $60
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Town: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Selçuk, Ephesus, Şirince: $131
- Private Transfers From Kusadasi: $173
- Private Transfer | KUSADASI - IZMIR Airport: $120
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $22
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $24
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi hotels: $24
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi Hotels: $22
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda
Also for Lake Garda, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $128
- Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Lake Garda?
Prices for flights to both Lake Garda 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
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Food Meals for one dayEphesus $33Lake Garda $45
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:
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Sandwiches$0.15
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Dessert$0.17
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Lunch at Beach (for 2)$0.59
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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 Lake Garda
For Lake Garda, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $65
- Valpolicella Wine and Food Tour: $75
- Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $86
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cecina with Show Cooking: $93
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $59Lake Garda $32
Tours and Activities in Ephesus
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ephesus.
- Ephesus Half Day Small Group Tour: $40
- Ephesus Shared Tour from Kuşadası Port: $130
- Ephesus Tour With Small Group From Kusadasi: $76
- Ephesus Tour from Kusadası Port: $44
- Ephesus small groups Tour For Cruisers (skip the line): $100
- Ephesus tours Sirince Village from Kusadasi Port with lunch: $63
- Ephesus tours and Virgin Mary's House Temple Artemis tours : $67
- Private Tour Ephesus for Cruise Guests : $250
- Private Tour to Ephesus, Virgin Mary, and Artemis Temple From Cruise Ship/Hotel: $120
- Small Group Pamukkale Day Tour from Selcuk or Kusadası : $93
- "Ephesus Tours" Port Kusadasi lunch guide bus shopping Caravanserai artemis : $58
- "No Better Way to Explore History - Affordable Ephesus Tour": $30
Tours and Activities in Lake Garda
For Lake Garda, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
- 2 Hours Walking and Boat Tour in Sirmione Highlights: $53
- Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
- Best of Sirmione with Boat Tour and Grotte di Catullo : $97
- Boat Tour of the Islands of Lake Garda with Aperitif: $76
- Canyoning "Vione" - advanced tour, for sportive beginner: $106
- Dolomites Full-Day Tour from Lake Garda: $75
- Dolomites Full-day Tour from Lake Garda: $76
- Experience in Sirmione Lake Garda: $98
- Fabulous Heritage of Sirmione - Walking Tour: $185
- From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49
- From Dolomites Bus Tour: $73
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $15Lake Garda $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:
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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 Lake Garda
Also in Lake Garda, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $26
- Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
- Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
- Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
- Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
- Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
- Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
- E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $87
- E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $87
- Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $90
- Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $98
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. And not only is Ephesus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Ephesus or Lake Garda?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Ephesus or Lake Garda in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Lake Garda. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Ephesus is a little warmer than Lake Garda in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lake Garda this time of the year. In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Lake Garda in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Lake Garda. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Ephesus is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 14°C (57°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Lake Garda. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Lake Garda in the Winter?
Both Lake Garda and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.
It's quite cold in Lake Garda in the winter. In January, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Ephesus. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Lake Garda in the Spring?
Both Lake Garda and Ephesus during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Ephesus is a little warmer than Lake Garda in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Lake Garda. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Lake Garda | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.