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

Should you visit Ephesus or Potsdam?

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

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

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).

Potsdam

Before you lays a treasure chest of historic beauties. From the glimmering Renaissance Orangery Palace that overlooks its sumptuous fountains to the neoclassical Charlottenhof Castle that is surrounded by lush England gardens, you find yourself in none other than Potsdam, Germany. The capital and largest city of the German federal state of Brandenburg, Potsdam borders the German capital Berlin and is located right on the bay of the River Havel. A home for Prussian kings until 1918 and a brainchild of the Enlightenment, Potsdam was constructed thoughtfully and carefully by its architects to create what many to believe as "a picturesque, pastoral dream" and a "balance between both nature and reason." From interconnected lakes to historic landmarks, Potsdam is a city that is bursting with life all year around. With its rich history, it was no wonder various parts of the city were named a World Heritage Site. With its landscape and cityscape rivaling in beauty, Potsdam is simply a breathtaking city that must be explored!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Potsdam 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 Potsdam is $119. 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 Potsdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Potsdam $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Potsdam $128
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Potsdam

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Potsdam? 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 Potsdam


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 Potsdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Potsdam $30

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 Potsdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:

  • Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174
  • Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
  • Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Potsdam?

Prices for flights to both Potsdam 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
    Potsdam $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

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

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 Potsdam

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

  • 2 hours: Private Harbor and Castle Sightseeing Cruise: $364
  • 4 hours Private Romantic River Boat Cruise with Wine: $620
  • 4h Private Havelland Discovery Boat Cruise with Skipper: $620
  • 8h: Private Potsdam Islands Sightseeing Boat Cruise: $1,358
  • AbenteuerPark Adventure Climbing in the Trees: $31
  • Babelsberg Park Walking Tour: $152
  • Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Christmas Walking Tour of Magical Potsdam: $502
  • Christmas Walking Tour of Magical Potsdam: $257
  • City Sightseeing Potsdam Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • City and Palaces Tour Potsdam - Stadt- und Schloesserrundfahrt Potsdam: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Potsdam $7.18
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 Potsdam, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Potsdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Potsdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Potsdam 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 Ephesus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ephesus than you might in Potsdam.

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


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Potsdam?

Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Potsdam, 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 Potsdam?

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 Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Potsdam. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Ephesus is a little warmer than Potsdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Potsdam. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Potsdam. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Potsdam in the Autumn?

Both Potsdam and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

In the autumn, Ephesus is much warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Potsdam averages at about 10°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Potsdam. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Potsdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Potsdam. In January, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Potsdam. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Potsdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Potsdam. Furthermore, many visitors come to Potsdam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Ephesus is much warmer than Potsdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Ephesus

Ephesus Potsdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)