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

Should you visit Ephesus or Quito?

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

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

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).

Quito

Nestled between two mountain ranges lies the world's highest capital city, Quito, Ecuador. For history lovers, Quito is a very desirable destination as it's home to the Quito Historic Center – one of the largest and best-preserved historic centers in the Americas.

Even though Quito is full of people – in fact, it's the second most populous city in the country – very few of its inhabitants speak English. Luckily, however, the citizens of Quito tend to speak a slower and more clear Spanish than surrounding areas. This is the perfect place to practice what you read in your Intro to Spanish book.

Before visiting Quito, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, give yourself a few days to grow accustomed to the elevation. Staying 9,350 feet above sea level takes some getting used to. Second, don't be fooled into thinking that just because you're visiting a town on the equator that you'll need all your summer clothes. Because of the city's elevation, the area keeps a relatively cool climate year round.

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


Which place is cheaper, Quito or Ephesus?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $118, while the average daily cost in Quito is $66. 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 Quito in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $49
    Quito $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $98
    Quito $44
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Quito

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Quito? 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 Quito


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 Quito Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $36
    Quito $6.99

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: $177
  • Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $124
  • Didim Quad or Buggy Safari Adventure Tour with Return Transfers: $75
  • From-to Izmir AirPort to-from Kusadası Private Airport Transfer: $90
  • Horse Riding Experience in Kusadasi for Everyone with Transfers: $46
  • Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $100
  • Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport - Kusadasi Centrum (All hotels, home...) transfers: $94
  • Kusadasi & National Park Boat Tours with Lunch and Transfer: $38
  • Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer: $55
  • Kusadasi Buggy Adventure Tour with Hotel Transfer: $59
  • Kusadasi Buggy Car Safari With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $45
  • Kusadasi Buggy Safari Adventure Included Transfer: $30

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quito

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Quito:


  • Taxi from Bus Terminal to Hotel
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quito

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quito:

  • Transfer In & Out from Quito: $117
  • Transfer Quito → Papallacta (one way / round trip): $85
  • Private Premium Transfer Quito Airport To Quito City/hotel: $63
  • Private Transfer Out From Quito to International Airport Mariscal Sucre: $59
  • Private Transfer IN from to the International Airport Mariscal Sucre to Quito: $48
  • Mariscal Sucre Airport to and from Quito Hotels Private Transfer: $45
  • Transfer Airport Quito-Hotel or vice versa with bilingual driver-guide: $43
  • Transfer Airport Quito-Hotel with bilingual driver: $43
  • Shared Transfer from Quito hotels to Airport: $42
  • Private Transfer in & out of the airport in Quito: $42
  • Transfer Private Airport–Hotel in Quito: $39
  • Transfers To and From the Airport in Quito Ecuador: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Quito?

Prices for flights to both Quito 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 $41
    Quito $34
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:


  • Sandwiches
    $0.11
  • Dessert
    $0.12
  • Lunch at Beach (for 2)
    $0.41
  • Snacks
    $0.17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus

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

  • Private Ephesus Tour & Cooking Experience with locals: $160
  • Kusadasi Selcuk Ephesus Gourmet and Street Food Tour: $236
  • Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $300

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quito

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

  • Quito Eats Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $55
  • Cooking Class in Quito with Chef, Market Tour and Transportation: $88
  • Cooking Class with a chef and local market including hotel pickup: $89
  • Premium Cooking Class Quito Tour: $122
  • Cooking Class at the Andes & Roses: PRIVATE Day trip from Quito: $178

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $41
    Quito $16

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

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

  • Best-Seller PRIVATE EPHESUS & SHOPPING Tour FOR CRUISERS: $5.90
  • Private Ephesus Tour from Cruise Port - Lunch & Skip The Lines: $7.00
  • Skip-the-Line Ephesus Tour with Lunch: $7.08
  • Mini Group Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Max. 10 guests): $9.90
  • Small Group Tour Ephesus and House of Mary with Lunch: $10
  • FOR CRUISERS: Best of Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi port: $11
  • Ephesus and Sirince Village Tour For Cruisers: $11
  • Skip the Line: Ephesus Tour For Cruise Guest: $12
  • Kusadasi Walking City and Shopping Tour from Kusadasi Port: $12
  • Private Ephesus and Temple of Artemis Tour from Kusadasi Port: $13
  • Skip-the-Line Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers with Opt Tickets: $13
  • Private Ephesus Shore Excursion from Kusadasi with Ticket Option: $13

Typical Entertainment Prices in Quito

Here are a few typical costs in Quito for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to Guyasimine Museum for Two
    $8.00

Tours and Activities in Quito

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

  • “Adventure in Baths: Waterfalls, End of the World Swing and More”: $190
  • 2 day 1 night tour to Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Lagoon all included: $280
  • Adventure in Quilotoa Lagoon by Lead: $150
  • Andean Adventure : Riding and Cotopaxi Refuge: $140
  • Antisana Birding Tours to see CONDORS - by Richard Hernandez: $185
  • Antisana Volcano Birding & Natural History Condor Tour PRIVATE, all included: $210
  • Antisana Volcano Condor Birdwatching Private Experience: $90
  • Antisana volcano private tour; birding and hike in the Andes: $130
  • Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities: $89
  • Between Murals & Flavors: Modern Quito Walking Tour: $45
  • Bloom to the Blue Quilotoa and Rose Plantation Tour: $100
  • Cable Car Quito & Volcano Pichincha Trekking – Full Day Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $10
    Quito $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.09

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 Shore Excursion & Wine Tasting: $21
  • PRIVATE & GROUP: EPHESUS TOUR with Wine Tasting (SKIP-THE-LINE): $29
  • LGBTQ+ Friendly Ephesus Shore Excursion & Local Wine Tasting: $30
  • FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port: $34
  • Ephesus Shore Excursion & Wine Tasting + Lunch - Opt Turkish Bath: $35
  • FOR CRUISERS:Kusadasi Port Private Wine Tasting and Ephesus Tour: $45
  • POTTERY PAINTING & WINE TASTING Tour from Kusadasi Port: $49
  • Wine Tasting-Village Shore Excursion from Kusadasi Port: $50
  • Sirince Village and Wine Tour with Artemis Temple: $58
  • Kusadasi Shore Excursions Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tours: $70
  • Private Ephesus and Sirince Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $92
  • FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus Ruins & Sirince Village Wine Tasting Tour: $99

Typical Alcohol Prices in Quito

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Quito from other travelers:


  • Beers for Two
    $9.00


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Quito, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Quito much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ephesus is in Europe and Quito is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Quito would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Quito 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 Quito.

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


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Quito?

Quito has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Quito, 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.