Which place is cheaper, Positano or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ephesus or Positano?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Positano, 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 Positano?
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).
Positano
Located on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, Positano is a very scenic town that offers spectacular coastal views. The town sits on the edge of a hill and flows down toward the sea. Because of its dramatic beauty, Positano attracts thousands of visitors year around.
The town dates back to medieval times when it was a port for the Amalfi Republic. It thrived throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries but by the mid-nineteenth century its prosperity was falling. During those times more than half of the population left, migrating predominantly to America. During the 1950s the town gained popularity as a tourist destination, in part because of John Steinbeck's essay about the area in Harper's Bazaar (May, 1953).
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $143Positano $241
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Positano is $241. 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 Positano in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $70Positano $160
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $140Positano $320
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Positano
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Positano? 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 Positano Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $51Positano $8.38
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Positano
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Positano:
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Bus Ticket$1.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Positano
Also for Positano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer to/from Rome & Pompeii Ruins: $839
- From Sorrento & Pompeii Private Tour w/ Transfers: $642
- Private Transfer from Positano to Naples Airport, Port or Train station: $288
- Transfer Naples - Positano: $273
- From Salerno Station: 1-Way Private Transfer to Positano: $266
- private transfer from Sorrento to Naples: $262
- From the Coast: Pompeii the Real All Inclusive Service(Guide,Transfer,Ticket): $256
- Private Transfer from Positano to Naples: $240
- Transfer from Naples to Positano or Positano to Naples : $240
- Positano to Rome hotels - Private Transfer : $224
- Positano to Fiumicino Rome Airport (FCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $223
- Private Transfer to Naples with WiFi: $214
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Positano?
Prices for flights to both Positano 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 $33Positano $57
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
Typical Food Prices in Positano
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Positano:
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Sitdown Dinner (for Two)$33
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Pizza in a Restaurant$10
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Sandwich in a Restaurant$13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Positano
For Positano, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner on the farm: $55
- Cooking class with Pasta, mozzarella and Tiramisu with wine: $64
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sant'Agnello with Show Cooking: $93
- Gluten Free Cooking School: $108
- Pizza e Tiramisù class with local mum in Positano: $136
- 3 Hours Sorrento Cooking Class in Sorrento Coast with Pickup: $142
- Small Group Positano Cooking Class Gnocchi Tiramisù with Drinks : $147
- Lemon & sea food cooking class at local's home: $169
- Small Group Home Cooking Class with a Local: $191
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $191
- Cesarine: Small group Pizza and Tiramisu Class in Positano: $195
- Vico Equense: Market Tour, Home Cooking Class, and Dinner: $202
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $59Positano $65
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Positano
For Positano, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Chair & Umbrella at Spiaggia Grande$18
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Day Trip of Capri & Amalfi$87
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Sunset Cruise$26
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Full Day Wine Tour$105
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Cooking Class$70
Tours and Activities in Positano
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Positano.
- Amalfi Coast Luxury Private Experience in Motor Boat: $1,572
- Amalfi Coast Premium Boat Tour From Sorrento Max 8 People: $245
- Amalfi Coast Private Half Day Tour from Positano/Praiano: $1,357
- Amalfi Coast Tour: $272
- Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $2,139
- Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $1,283
- Amalfi Coast: Path of the Gods Private Walking Tour: $134
- Amalfi Coast: Pompei & Vesuvius small group with Skip the line tickets: $147
- Amalfi Coast: Romantic Sunset Cruise with Music & Cocktails: $160
- Amalfi and Positano Boat Tour: $209
- Amalfi coast day tour from Positano: $299
- Breathtaking Journey on the Path of Gods: Tour from Positano: $2,055
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $15Positano $17
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Positano
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Positano:
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Bottle of Limoncello$17
Sample the Local Flavors in Positano
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Positano:
- 5 Wine Tastings with Typical Products in Sorrento Coast: $76
- Small Group Positano Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $108
- Pompeii Wine Tasting Tour from Positano: $245
- Pompeii Guided Tour With Lunch and Wine Tasting from Positano: $250
- Pompeii Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting from Positano: $272
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Positano, we can see that Positano 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 Positano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Positano 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 Positano Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Positano?
Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Positano, 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 Positano?
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 Positano in the Summer?
Both Positano and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Ephesus is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ephesus in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Positano averages at about 23°C (74°F).
It's quite sunny in Positano. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Positano during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Positano. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Positano 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Positano in the Autumn?
Both Positano and Ephesus during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Positano for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 19°C (66°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Positano. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.
Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Positano 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Positano in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Positano. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Positano because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Ephesus is a little warmer than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Positano during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.
Positano receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ephesus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Positano. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Positano 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Positano in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Positano. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Positano this time of year.
In the spring, Ephesus is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ephesus in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Positano averages at about 13°C (55°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Positano. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Positano 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Positano and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Positano | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 118 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.