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

Should you visit Ephesus or Porto?

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

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

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).

Porto

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. It is also the capital of the Northern Region and a hub for commercial and industrial activity. The city is not as large as you might expect, with a population of only about 300,000 residents, but the metropolitan area has a population of about 2.5 million. This includes nearby cities such as Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia and Gondomar.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Porto 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 Porto is $135. 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 Porto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Porto $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Porto $138
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Porto

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Porto? 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 Porto


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 Porto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Porto $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • Private Airport Transfer In Ephesus: $205
  • Private Transfer From Kusadasi to Pamukkale: $196
  • Private Transfers From Kusadasi: $173
  • Kusadasi Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $169
  • Akbuk Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $164
  • Milas Bodrum Airport (BJV) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $140
  • Kusadasi to Pamukkale Hotels Private Transfer: $136
  • 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
  • VIP Transfer Kusadasi From/To Bodrum Airport: $128
  • Private Transfer | KUSADASI - IZMIR Airport: $120
  • Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $115

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto

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

  • Transfer to Algarve: $1,069
  • Private Transfer to Algarve with Stops up to 2 Cities: $909
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Lisbon: $642
  • Luxury Sedan car transfer to Lisbon.: $642
  • From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Coimbra & Fatima: $627
  • From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Stop at Óbidos: $583
  • From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Stop at Nazaré: $583
  • Transfer to Santiago Compostela: $556
  • Private transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Oporto: $491
  • Private Transfer to Lisbon with Stops up to 3 Cities: $481
  • Porto to Braga Transfer: Explore Sameiro Sanctuary: $481
  • Private Transfer to Lisbon: $455

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Porto?

Prices for flights to both Porto 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
    Porto $39
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 Porto

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

  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Downtown Porto: $37
  • Tastiest Calories Food Tour: $48
  • Bolhão Market and Codfish Tasting Guided Food Tour: $52
  • Porto Food Tour: Full Meal & Drinks: $56
  • Porto Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $57
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $68
  • Half-Day Food Tour: $68
  • Portuguese Craft Beer and Food Tour: $74
  • Semi - Private Oporto Food Tour: $74
  • Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto: $75
  • Secret Food Tour: $77
  • Semi Private Oporto Fado Show with Dinner: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Porto $27

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 Porto

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Porto.

  • 4 Hour Blissful Wave Experience at Maceda Haven: $76
  • Ultimate Ribeira Walking Tour: $2.60
  • 1 Day Tour to Douro Valley from Porto: $207
  • 1.5-Hour Private Electric Tuk Tuk Sightseeing Tour Historic Porto: $26
  • 2 Hour Private Tuktuk Tour in Porto Douro to Left bank: $63
  • 2 Hour Private Tuktuk Tour in Porto to Monastery and Cellars: $81
  • 2 Hour Private Tuktuk Tour in Porto to Monastery and Cellars: $79
  • 3-Hour Cano-Rafting Tour on the Paiva River: $49
  • 3-Hour Electric Porto Bike Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour Porto Highlights on a Electric Bike Guided Tour: $48
  • 3-Hour Private Bike Tour Porto: $135
  • 3-Hour Walking Tour: Tiles of Porto: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Porto $20
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 Porto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:

  • Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket and Wine Tasting: $8.56
  • Guided City Pub Crawl with Club Entry: $13
  • Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Tastings: $15
  • Mysterious Pub Crawl Interactive City Discovery Game: $19
  • Pub Crawl with 5 Drinks: $19
  • Porto Pub Crawl With Unlimited Beer: $20
  • Pub Crawl with Shots and Drinking Games: $21
  • Poças: Guided Tour & Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Poças Guided Visit and Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Rooftop Fado concert, Port wine tasting, Portuguese tart: $21
  • Classic Wine Tasting with GUIDED TOUR: $22
  • Pub Crawl Porto: $23


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


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Porto?

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

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 Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Porto during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Porto. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Porto 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Porto in the Autumn?

Both Porto and Ephesus during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

Ephesus is a little warmer than Porto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Porto. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Porto. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Porto 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Porto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Porto. Also, many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Ephesus is around the same temperature as Porto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ephesus in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Porto averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Ephesus usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Porto during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ephesus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Porto. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Porto 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Porto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Porto. Also, many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 15°C (59°F), and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the spring, Ephesus often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Porto. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Porto 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Porto and Ephesus

Ephesus Porto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)