Which place is cheaper, Messina or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ephesus or Messina?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Messina, 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 Messina?
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).
Messina
Messina is a city in the northwest area of Sicily. There are only five kilometers across the Straits of Messina to the Calabria region of mainland Italy. You can reach Messina by boats which travel every hour from the town of Villa San Giovanni in mainland Italy. There are also a couple of hydrofoils that make the trip every day from Reggio di Calabria. During the summer season don't be surprised to see cruise ships arriving with crowds of tourists. They are usually docked right downtown and are therefore hard to miss. Messina is also connected to mainland Italy by train, which are transported across the Straits of Messina by ferry.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $143Messina $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Messina is $127. 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 Messina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $70Messina $70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $140Messina $140
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Messina
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Messina? 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 Messina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $51Messina $24
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Messina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Messina:
- From Private Air-Conditioned Transfer to Taormina: $99
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Messina?
Prices for flights to both Messina 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 $33Messina $40
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 Messina
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Messina.
- Private Home Cooking Demo with a Four-Course Meal: $112
- Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Messina: $115
- Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $149
- Messina Private Home Cooking Class: $155
- Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Messina: $158
- Market Tour, Private Home Cooking Class and Dinner: $202
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $59Messina $23
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
Tours and Activities in Messina
Here are a few actual costs in Messina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion: $120
- Messina Taormina: cultural heritage experience: $85
- 2,5-Hour Messina Walking Tour: $46
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Messina: $271
- 3-Hour Messina Segway PT Authorized Tour: $118
- Alfotour 2/3 hour tour with swimming stop: $32
- Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Messina: $152
- Etna Alcantara tour: the majestic lava landscape : $126
- Etna Taormina and Castelmola The best excursion for cruise passengers from Messina: $208
- Etna and Taormina Private Tour from Giardini Naxos: $240
- From Private Guided Day Tour of Savoca and Taormina: $642
- From Private Tour of Etna & Taormina with Pickup: $684
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $15Messina $19
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 Messina, 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 Messina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Messina?
Messina has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Messina, 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 Messina?
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 Messina in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Messina. Also, many travelers come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Messina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Messina. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Messina. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Messina 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Messina in the Autumn?
Both Messina and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Messina in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Ephesus is around the same temperature as Messina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Messina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Messina during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Messina. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Messina 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Messina in the Winter?
Both Messina and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Ephesus is cooler than Messina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ephesus in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Messina averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In the winter, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Messina. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 115 hours of full sun.
Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Messina. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Messina 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Messina in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Messina. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In April, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 15°C (59°F), and Messina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Messina during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Messina. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Messina 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Messina and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Messina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 14 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 117 mm (4.6 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.