Which place is cheaper, Marbella or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ephesus or Marbella?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Marbella, 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 Marbella?
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).
Marbella
Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.
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 Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $143Marbella $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Marbella is $125. 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 Marbella in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $70Marbella $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $140Marbella $132
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Marbella
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Marbella? 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 Marbella Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $51Marbella $26
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 Marbella
Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Malaga: Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Marbella: $235
- Private Transfer from Gaucín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $223
- Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $214
- Private Transfer from La Alcaidesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $205
- Private Transfer from Manilva to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $175
- Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
- Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $155
- Private Transfer from Cómpeta to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $138
- Private Transfer from El Paraíso to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $135
- Private Transfer from San Pedro de Alcántara to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from Istán to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Marbella?
Prices for flights to both Marbella 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 $33Marbella $41
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 Marbella
For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tour: $87
- The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
- Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $59Marbella $21
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 Marbella
For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
- 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 160€: $175
- Antequera Classic Winery Tour: $206
- Authentic Andalusia - Jeep Eco Tour (pick up from Marbella - Estepona) : $98
- Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
- Buggy Adventure with Incredible Views of the Sea and the Reservoir: $109
- Caminito del Rey and Ardales Guided Tour from Costa del Sol: $75
- Canyoning Experience Near Marbella (Benahavís River Walk): $49
- Discover Marbella's Old Town with five-star private tour: $97
- Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
- Dolphin Watching Tour on Sailboat in Marbella: $71
- E-Bike Tour through Marbella/ Puerto Banús and San Pedro: $101
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $15Marbella $6.12
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 Marbella
Also in Marbella, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
- From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
- Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
- From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
- From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
- Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
- VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272
When comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Marbella, 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 Marbella Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Marbella?
Marbella has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Marbella, 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 Marbella?
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 Marbella in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Marbella. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.
Ephesus is around the same temperature as Marbella in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Marbella fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Marbella during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Marbella. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Marbella 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Marbella in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Marbella. Also, many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Ephesus is around the same temperature as Marbella. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Marbella averages at about 19°C (67°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Marbella. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 213 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Marbella. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Marbella 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Marbella in the Winter?
Both Marbella and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Marbella in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Ephesus is generally cooler than Marbella. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Ephesus usually receives less sunshine than Marbella during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Ephesus. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Marbella. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Marbella 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Marbella in the Spring?
Both Marbella and Ephesus during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Ephesus is around the same temperature as Marbella in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Marbella fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the spring, Ephesus often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 220 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Marbella. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Marbella 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Marbella and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Marbella | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 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.