Which place is cheaper, Lyon or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ephesus or Lyon?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Lyon, 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 Lyon?
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).
Lyon
Lyon, located within the region of Southeastern France, is France's third largest city in terms of population, with just over 500,000 inhabitants. This makes the city large, yet still small and personable enough to be explored properly in a short visit. Known as the gastronomic capital of Europe, your culinary needs are exceptionally well catered to here, and for those with historical and cultural interests, you will never be at a loss for new things to do and see.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $143Lyon $134
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Lyon is $134. 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 Lyon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $70Lyon $57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $140Lyon $114
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Lyon
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Lyon? 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 Lyon Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $51Lyon $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus
Also for Ephesus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi Hotels: $22
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $22
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi hotels: $24
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $24
- Kusadasi Buggy Car Safari With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $40
- Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer: $40
- Kusadasi Half Day Quad Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer: $50
- Kusadasi Samos Ferry Trip With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $55
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $58
- Scuba Diving Experience in Kusadasi with Instructor and Transfer: $60
- Kusadasi Port Private Departure Transfer: $63
- Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport - Kusadasi Centrum (All hotels, home...) transfers: $65
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lyon
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Lyon:
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Funiculaire$5.57
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Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus$20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lyon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lyon:
- Superior Private Transfer From Lyon City to Geneva City: $295
- Private Direct Transfer from Lyon to Geneva: $274
- Private Transfer Grenoble Airport GNB - Grenoble Ski Resort: $229
- Lyon Saint Exupery Airport to Morzine Avoriaz Round Trip Transfer: $185
- Lyon Saint Exupery Airport to Meribel - Arrival Private Transfer: $180
- Lyon St Exupery Airport to Courchevel/Les Arcs - Arrival Transfer: $180
- Private arrival OR departure transfer in Lyon (hotel OR airport pick-up): $177
- Lyon Saint Exupery Airport(LYS) to Alpe d'Huez - Arrival Transfer: $164
- Lyon Exupery Airport to Les Deux La Clusaz Round Trip Transfer: $142
- Lyon Private Transfer from Lyon Airport (LYS) to City centre: $131
- Lyon Private Transfer from Lyon city centre to Lyon (LYS) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer: (LYS) Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport to Lyon: $124
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Lyon?
Prices for flights to both Lyon 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 $33Lyon $44
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
Typical Food Prices in Lyon
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lyon are as follows:
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Pastry$1.82
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lyon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lyon.
- Street Food Tour: $64
- Croix-Rousse District Vegan Food Tour with Tastings: $64
- Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $66
- Afternoon Old Town Food tour: $76
- Lyon 2.5-Hour Dinner Cruise: $80
- Cultural Walking Food Tour in the Vieux Lyon District: $86
- Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch: $93
- Old Town Food Tour: $96
- Guided Food Tour with Tastings and Wine: $102
- Guided Evening Food Tour: $102
- Lyon Evening Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
- Food Tour in Lyon - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $59Lyon $22
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 Lyon
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lyon are as follows:
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Lunch for 2$48
Tours and Activities in Lyon
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lyon are as follows:
- 1 or 2-Hour Pedicab tour of Lyon: $27
- 1-hour tourist walk with guide: $38
- Access to a Self-Guided Tour of the archaeological site of Lyon: $8.72
- Access to a Self-Guided Tour to Traboules de Croix-Rousse: $8.72
- Alternative Tour: Murals and Hidden Frescoes of Lyon: $46
- An unusual city tour with sketches: $64
- Audio-Guided Tour of the United States Quarter and Painted Walls: $11
- Audio-guided tour of Old Lyon: $11
- Audio-guided tour of the Fourvière and the Sacred Hill: $11
- Beaujolais & Perouges Medieval Town (9:00 am to 5:15 pm - Small Group Tour Lyon: $136
- Beaujolais Wines & Castles - Private Tour - Half Day: $268
- Best Intro Tour of Lyon with a Local: $141
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $15Lyon $25
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lyon
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lyon from other travelers:
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Drinks for 2$7.29
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Bottle of Wine$16
Sample the Local Flavors in Lyon
Also in Lyon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Lyon : Music & Wine tasting tour: $96
- Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour including a Bouchon Lyonnais : $98
- Guided tour of Beaujolais by electric bike and wine tasting: $98
- Lyon Music & Wine tasting: $104
- Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tasting Trip from Lyon: $106
- Beaujolais: Half-Day Wine Tour: $106
- From Wine tasting and visits of the Beaujolais: $106
- Half-Day Côte-Rotie Wine Tasting Tour: $106
- From Beaujolais Region Wine Tour with Tastings: $106
- Beaujolais Half Day Wine Tasting Tour: $108
- Beaujolais 100% wine tour Small-Group Tour with Tasting from Lyon: $108
- Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley: $108
When comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Lyon, we can see that Ephesus 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 Lyon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Lyon?
Lyon has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Lyon, 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 Lyon?
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 Lyon in the Summer?
Both Lyon and Ephesus during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.
Ephesus is a little warmer than Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Lyon. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Lyon 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Lyon in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Lyon. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Ephesus is a little warmer than Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).
In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Lyon. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Lyon 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Lyon in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Lyon. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Lyon can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In the winter, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.
Ephesus receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Lyon. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Lyon 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Lyon in the Spring?
Both Lyon and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Ephesus is a little warmer than Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Lyon. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Lyon 11°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Lyon and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Lyon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.