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

Should you visit Ephesus or Montpellier?

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

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

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).

Montpellier

Montpellier is the 8th largest city of France, and also has been the fastest growing city in the country over the past 25 years. Graceful and easy-going, Montpellier is a stylish metropolis with elegant buildings, grand hotels, private mansions, stately boulevards and shady backstreets, and gorgeous white-sand beaches on its doorstep. Unlike many southern towns, Montpellier has no Roman heritage. Instead it was founded in the 10th century by the counts of Toulouse and later became a prosperous trading port as well as a scholarly center - Europe's first medical school was established here in the 12th century. The population swelled in the 1960s when many French settlers left independent Algeria and relocated here, and it's now France's fastest-growing city and one of its most multicultural areas. Students make up over a third of the population, giving it a spirited vibe.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier 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 Montpellier is $126. 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 Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Montpellier $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Montpellier $148
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Montpellier? 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 Montpellier


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 Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Montpellier $28

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 Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier 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
    Montpellier $33
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montpellier.

  • Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $93
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
  • Cooking workshop: $106
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Montpellier $13

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 Montpellier

Here are a few actual costs in Montpellier for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Highlights of Sète : history, food and wine experience: $174
  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • Montpellier - Private Historic Walking tour: $428
  • Montpellier Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Montpellier Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $270
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • Personalized Day-Tour of the South of France: $1,059
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Montpellier $16
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 Montpellier

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

  • The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
  • Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353


When comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Montpellier. Additionally, many visitors come to Montpellier in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ephesus is a little warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ephesus in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Montpellier averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Montpellier. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 19°C (66°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Ephesus often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Montpellier. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Ephesus or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Montpellier. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In the spring, Ephesus is a little warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ephesus in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier 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 Montpellier during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Ephesus

Ephesus Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)