A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ephesus vs. Marseille for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ephesus or Marseille?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Marseille, 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 Marseille?

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).

Marseille

Marseille is the second largest city in France and is the largest Mediterranean port in the region. For visitors, Marseille offers an authentic glimpse at France. It has many colorful markets, natural beauty such as the Calanques with its large, beautiful cliffs, and the old harbor area, which offers a glimpse at the areas working class history.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille or Ephesus?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Marseille is $158. 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 Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Marseille $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Marseille $152
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Marseille? 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.

Hotels in Ephesus


Hotels in Marseille


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 Marseille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Marseille $30

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:


  • Metro Pass
    $3.21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

Also for Marseille, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Between Marseille Airport and Nice Airport: $1,176
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Marseille: $738
  • Cannes Private Transfer to Marseille Airport: $642
  • Marseille or Aix ⟷Transfer to Nice 7 pax: $534
  • Marseille Airport private Transfer to Cannes: $448
  • Marseille Airport Transfer From/to Avignon: $356
  • Private transfer from Marseille Airport to Cavaillon: $279
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport to Avignon: $273
  • Marseille Provence Airport transfer ↔ Avignon: $267
  • Marseille Airport: VIP transfer to Baumaniere: $251
  • Marseille Provence One Way Airport transfer to Gordes: $251
  • Private Transfer Marseille to Saint Tropez With 2h Stop in Toulon: $241

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ephesus $33
    Marseille $45
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:


  • Sandwiches
    $0.15
  • Dessert
    $0.17
  • Lunch at Beach (for 2)
    $0.59
  • 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 Marseille

For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orangina
    $2.68

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $35
  • No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Marseille! (Cours Julien): $63
  • Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $74
  • Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $93
  • Sunset Apéro Food tour: $95
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $97
  • Marseille Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
  • Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $102
  • Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $102
  • Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Marseille $41

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 Marseille

For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "Old Marseille" district tour and treasure hunt: $29
  • 2H: City-Tour Marseille: $274
  • 3h Kayak Tour at Calanques National Park: $67
  • A Day in Provence Small Group Tour from Marseille: $180
  • Aix-en-Provence: Half-Day Shore Excursion Tour: $642
  • All Inclusive Food & History Tour of Marseille with Local Guide: $144
  • Beer tasting experience in Marseille: $43
  • Bookbinding experience in the Vieux Port: $93
  • Calanques National Park Guided Hiking Tour: $50
  • Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour: $112
  • Calanques Trilogy Electric Bike Tour from Marseille: $65
  • Canyoning Half Day Tour from La Ciotat : $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Marseille $29
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:


  • 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 Marseille

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marseille:

  • Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $21
  • Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $22
  • Marseille Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $43
  • New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $96
  • Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
  • Bandol and Cassis: Full Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Luberon: Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $146
  • Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $146
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $164
  • Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $164
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $164


When comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Marseille, we can see that Marseille 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 Marseille Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Marseille, 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 Marseille?

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 Marseille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Marseille. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

In the summer, Ephesus is a little warmer than Marseille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ephesus in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Marseille averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Marseille. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Marseille 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Marseille. Additionally, many travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 19°C (66°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Marseille. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Marseille. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Marseille 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Ephesus is a little warmer than Marseille in the winter. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Ephesus usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Ephesus. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Marseille. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Marseille 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Ephesus during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Ephesus is a little warmer than Marseille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ephesus in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Marseille averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Marseille, 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 Marseille. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Marseille. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Ephesus

Ephesus Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)