A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ephesus vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ephesus or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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).

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is an island community in Normandy, France. It is located about a half of a mile (or one kilometer) off of the country's northwest coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches. The population of the island, at last count, was just under 50 people. The island has been a strategic fortifications since ancient times and since the 8th century AD has been the seat of the monastery from which it was named. The structural composition of the town exemplifies the feudal society that constructed it: on top, God, the abbey and monastery; below, the great halls; then stores and housing; and at the bottom, outside the walls, houses for fishermen and farmers. One of France's most recognizable landmarks, visited by more than 3 million people each year, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Over 60 buildings within the commune are protected in France as historical monuments.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel is $168. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Mont-Saint-Michel $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Mont-Saint-Michel $150
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Mont-Saint-Michel

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 Mont-Saint-Michel


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 Mont-Saint-Michel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Mont-Saint-Michel $75

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Prices for flights to both Mont-Saint-Michel 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
    Mont-Saint-Michel $47
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Mont-Saint-Michel $32

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 Mont-Saint-Michel

Here are a few actual costs in Mont-Saint-Michel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour Guided Walking tour of the Mont Saint Michel : $33
  • Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel Priority Entrance Tickets: $16
  • Airborne Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Cherbourg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $44
  • Entrance ticket to the Battle of the Hedges Museum: $11
  • Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in the Middle Ages: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Mont-St-Michel: Private Walking Tour "Abbey Ticket Included": $261
  • Mont-St-Michel: Shared Tour (10 max) "Abbey Ticket Included": $162
  • Mt St. Michel Private Tour with Abbey tickets and tour guide: $272
  • Normandy Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Private Guided Tour in WW2 Jeep of the Landing Beaches: $272
  • Private walking tour of Mont Saint Michel with a licensed guide: $215

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Mont-Saint-Michel $8.42
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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel is more expensive. And not only is Ephesus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ephesus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ephesus and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Mont-Saint-Michel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mont-Saint-Michel than you might in Ephesus.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ephesus Expensive? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 790 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Ephesus is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mont-Saint-Michel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In the autumn, Ephesus is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Mont-Saint-Michel. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring for the natural beauty.

Ephesus is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Ephesus

Ephesus Mont-Saint-Michel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (65°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 18°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 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) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)