Which place is cheaper, Mainz or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ephesus or Mainz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Mainz, 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 Mainz?
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).
Mainz
On the Rhine River, the ages of the medieval stand before you in their half-timbered constructions, giving this quaint, old town a hint of the spellbinding. A time capsule of Germany, Mainz is enriched by its vast history as well as its cosmopolitan air. Dating back to around 38 BC, Mainz was built by Romans and founded as the the episcopal seat of the influential Prince-Electors. With its history spanning more than 2,000 years, Mainz is rich in its exquisite architecture, such as its stunning cathedrals, medieval market squares, and Renaissance fountains. However, Mainz also has been blessed with the joys and comforts of modernization, giving way to fantastic shopping centers, tasty restaurants, and absolutely fascinating museums. A media hub and regional capital, Mainz is also known as the wine capital of Germany as its civilians have a long history of winegrowing throughout the city. Whether you seek to oogle at artifacts at the Gutenberg Museum or sit a spell at one of the town's fine eateries, the possibilities are endless in Mainz!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $143Mainz $152
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Mainz is $152. 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 Mainz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $70Mainz $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $140Mainz $160
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Mainz
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Mainz? 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 Mainz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $51Mainz $39
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Mainz?
Prices for flights to both Mainz 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 $33Mainz $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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $59Mainz $36
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 Mainz
For Mainz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Jewish Mainz: $207
- 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Cathedral and Diocesan Museum Mainz: $131
- 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Chagall Windows in Saint Stephan’s Mainz: $131
- 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Gutenberg Museum Mainz : $131
- 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $131
- 2 Hour Private Guided Family Walking Tour in Mainz : $207
- 2 Hour Private Guided Gentle Walking Tour: Mainz with the Elderly: $207
- 2 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $207
- 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Cathedral and Old Mainz: $207
- 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Mainz Cathedral : $197
- 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Old Mainz: $197
- 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Gutenberg and Mainz Cathedral: $207
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $15Mainz $23
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 comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Mainz, we can see that Mainz 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 Mainz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Mainz?
Mainz has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Mainz, 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 Mainz?
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 Mainz in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Mainz. Also, many travelers come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mainz this time of the year. In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Mainz. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Mainz 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Mainz in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Mainz. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Ephesus is much warmer than Mainz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°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 Mainz. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Mainz. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Mainz 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Mainz in the Winter?
Both Mainz and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Mainz can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Ephesus is much warmer than Mainz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ephesus in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Mainz averages at about 2°C (35°F).
Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Ephesus. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Mainz. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Mainz 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Mainz in the Spring?
Both Mainz and Ephesus during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Mainz because of the natural beauty.
In April, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 15°C (59°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Mainz. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Mainz 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Mainz and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Mainz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 54 mm (2.1 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.