Which place is cheaper, Luxor or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ephesus or Luxor?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Luxor, 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 Luxor?
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).
Luxor
Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.
The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.
Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, and The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $143Luxor $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Luxor is $17. 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 Luxor in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $70Luxor $7.62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $140Luxor $15
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Luxor
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Luxor? 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 and Luxor Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $51Luxor $3.91
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:
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Taxi Ride$0.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:
- 3-Night Nile Cruise to Aswan with Transfers and Meals: $429
- One Way Transfer From Luxor to Alexandria In A Private Vehicle: $295
- Private transfer from Luxor to Aswan by Car: $280
- Luxor to Marsa Alam Private Transfer: $277
- Comfortable Private Transfer from Luxor to El Cairo: $273
- Private Transfer from Luxor to Aswan: $270
- Enjoy 2 days Luxor,Aswan,Abu Simbel includes daily lunch&transfers: $254
- Private Transfer from Luxor to Hurghada : $230
- Private Pickup Transfers from Luxor to Cairo by Bus : $220
- Private Transfer from luxor to Aswan with 2 stops in Komombo & Edfu Temples : $220
- Private Transfer Luxor City To El Gouna: $196
- Private transfer - from Luxor to Hurghada and visit Dendara en route: $192
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Luxor?
Prices for flights to both Luxor 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 $33Luxor $5.83
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 Luxor
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.
- Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $35
- Eat Like a Local:Traditional Egyptian Food / Dinner at Local Family Home - Luxor: $36
- Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $38
- Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $43
- Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner Luxor: $45
- Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner : $50
- Private Half Day Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner From Luxor: $52
- Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca : $64
- Luxor & Mummification Museums & City Tour by H. Carriage & Dinner: $70
- Enjoy Half Day Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $90
- Full day trip west Bank, Dandara and dinner on a boat.: $128
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $59Luxor $6.74
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor
Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Boat Ride (for 2)$0.57
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Temple Karnak for Two$2.74
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Camel Ride for Two$1.26
Tours and Activities in Luxor
Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 7 Hours Private Tour in Luxor with Lunch : $35
- City Tour, Hot Air Balloon, Kings Valley, Felucca in Luxor: $110
- Daily Tour at The East & West Bank of the Nile: $108
- Day Private Tour to Karnak and Luxor Temples: $90
- Day Tour to East and West Banks From Luxor: $24
- Day Tour to Hathor Temple at Dendera from Luxor by car: $72
- Day Tour to Madinet Habu Temple & the Workers Tombs: $54
- Day tour to Aswan from Luxo visit Edfu,Kom Ombo,Phila Temples & Aswan dam.: $276
- Dendera Temple Half Day Tour from Luxor: $29
- Dendera and Abydos Temples Day Tour from Luxor with Lunch: $75
- Dendera and Abydos Templs Full Day Tour: $170
- East Bank Tour in Luxor: $87
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $15Luxor $2.26
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Luxor, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Luxor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ephesus is in Europe and Luxor is in Africa, 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 Luxor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luxor 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 Luxor.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ephesus Expensive? and Is Luxor Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Luxor?
Luxor has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Luxor, 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 Luxor?
Ephesus has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luxor experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Ephesus or Luxor in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Luxor. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year.
The heat can be very extreme in Luxor. Ephesus is cooler than Luxor in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Luxor fluctuates around 33°C (91°F).
Ephesus usually gets more rain in July than Luxor. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Luxor 33°C (91°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Luxor in the Autumn?
Both Luxor and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Ephesus is cooler than Luxor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Luxor averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In October, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Luxor. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Luxor 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Luxor in the Winter?
Both Luxor and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round.
In January, Ephesus is generally cooler than Luxor. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Luxor fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Luxor. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Luxor 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Luxor in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Luxor. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Ephesus is much colder than Luxor in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Luxor fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In April, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Luxor. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Luxor 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Luxor and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Luxor | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 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.