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

Should you visit Ephesus or Rhodes?

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

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

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).

Rhodes

Rhodes Island is one of the largest and most visited islands in Greece both because of its diversity of sights and its wonderful climate. On the island are some beautiful beaches, well preserved historic sights, and lovely towns. Rhodes City is the capital city on the island of Rhodes and is famous as the former site of the Colossus. Colossus is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe. Today Rhodes City has an interesting old town that is surrounded by the medieval wall. Inside you'll find countless souvenir shops and restaurants that cater to tourists. Cruise ships also frequent the island, so it's best visited during the off season when the crowds may be slightly less. You will also find that prices drop when the crowds are thinner and the cruise ships are scarce.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Rhodes 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 Rhodes is $145. 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 Rhodes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Rhodes $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Rhodes $124
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Rhodes

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Rhodes? 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 Rhodes


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 Rhodes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Rhodes $52

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rhodes

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $7.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rhodes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rhodes:

  • Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Kiotari (and return): $256
  • Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Glistra-Glystra (and return): $244
  • Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Pefki (and return): $228
  • Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Lardos - Lindos (and return): $225
  • Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Vlicha (and return): $192
  • Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Kalathos (and return): $186
  • Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Embona (and return): $154
  • Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Kamiros (and return): $154
  • Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Salakos (and return): $154
  • Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Stegna (and return): $138
  • Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Archangelos (and return): $132
  • Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Kolympia (and return): $122

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Rhodes?

Prices for flights to both Rhodes 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
    Rhodes $51
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

Typical Food Prices in Rhodes

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rhodes:


  • Coffee
    $2.09
  • Dinner for Two
    $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rhodes

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

  • Rhodes Sunset Cruise - Dinner with Live Music set: $44
  • Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner: $53
  • Guided Rhodes City By Night with Live Music & Dinner: $70
  • Rhodes by Night With Dinner - Laterna: $72
  • Food & Wine Tour: 11- Course Lunch, Cooking Class, Wine Tasting: $75
  • Vine & Dine Tale: 11-Plate Lunch, Wine Discovery, Cooking Mastery: $75
  • 3-Hours Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner all Inclusive: $76
  • Sunset Cruise w/ Gourmet Dinner, Drinks & Live Music: $77
  • 11 Course Lunch with Cooking Mastery and Wine Tasting in Rhodes: $84
  • Rhodes Wine & Food Tour: 10 Meal Course Lunch, Wine Tasting, Cooking Class : $85
  • Traditional Greek COOKING class and Wine Tasting in Rhodes: $86
  • Winery Tour, Tasting and cooking with the Winemaker in Rhodes: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Rhodes $21

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 Rhodes

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

  • 3 Hour Yellow Semi Submarine Swimming Cruise with Drinks Included!: $55
  • Full Day Sail Cruise In Greece: $140
  • Private Full Day Tour Introducing the Most & the Best of Rhodes : $96
  • Private Swimming Snorkeling Experience at the Most Beautiful Bays of Rhodes : $73
  • Rhodes Town Day Tour from Kolymbia in a High Speed Boat: $49
  • Rhodes, Lindos and Medieval City Guided Tour: $77
  • 3-hour Guided Submarine Tour in Saint Paul's Bay, Lindos and Navarone Bay: $38
  • 30m Wooden traditional Boat - 6.5 Hours Day Cruise in Rhodes: $71
  • 4 Hour Beach Tour with Meal and Unlimited Drinks in Rhodes: $120
  • 4x4 Buggy Adventures - Off-road Polaris Experience: $120
  • 6-Hour Guided Tour in the Main Ancient Attractions of Rhodes: $71
  • 90 min Sunset Cruise to Anthony Quinn Bay with Unlimited Drinks!: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Rhodes $13
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 Rhodes

Also in Rhodes, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tasting Experience for Beginners: $37
  • Rhodian Wines - Private Wine Tasting Under a Sommelier: $53
  • 1 Day Rhodes Island Tour with Olive Oil, Honey and Wine Tasting : $55
  • Enchanting Lindos, Old Town, History, Culture & Wine Tour: $56
  • Full Day Guided Rhodes Island Cultural & Wine Tour: $56
  • Rhodes Shore Excursion Including Olive Oil, Honey & Wine Tasting: $59
  • Wine tasting in Rhodes, inside the vineyards with the Producer: $60
  • Rhodes Island Tour: Lindos, Old Town, Pottery Workshop, Wine Tasting : $60
  • Full-Day Rhodes Island Tour with Wine Tasting Experience: $62
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience for Wine Lovers: $64
  • Rhodes Deluxe Tour including Lindos, Old Town, Wine Tasting : $64
  • Full-Day Š”omprehensive Tour of Rhodes including Wine Tasting : $67


When comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Rhodes, we can see that Rhodes 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 Rhodes Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Rhodes?

Rhodes has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Rhodes, 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.