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

Should you visit Ephesus or Rijeka?

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

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

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).

Rijeka

Rijeka is the main seaport city of Croatia. It is located in Kvarner on the Kvarner Bay, which is an inlet of the Adriatic Sea. There are over 100,000 residents, making it Croatia's third largest city. The city's economy is heavily dependent on shipbuilding and maritime transport. There is also the University of Rijeka, which was founded in 1973 with roots dating back to 1632.

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 Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka 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 Rijeka is $101. 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 Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Rijeka $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Rijeka $108
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Rijeka? 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 Rijeka


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 Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Rijeka $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi Hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi hotels: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $24
  • Kusadasi Buggy Car Safari With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $40
  • Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer: $40
  • Kusadasi Half Day Quad Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Kusadasi Samos Ferry Trip With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $55
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $58
  • Scuba Diving Experience in Kusadasi with Instructor and Transfer: $60
  • Kusadasi Port Private Departure Transfer: $63
  • Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport - Kusadasi Centrum (All hotels, home...) transfers: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka 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
    Rijeka $36
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
    Rijeka $9.48

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 Rijeka

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rijeka are as follows:

  • Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $44
  • From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $93
  • Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $122
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour: $631
  • Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $235
  • History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
  • Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
  • Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
  • Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $449

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Rijeka $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus

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


  • Beer
    $0.12

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 Rijeka, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Rijeka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rijeka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

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


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Rijeka?

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

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Ephesus during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ephesus is a little warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ephesus in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Rijeka averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Rijeka, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Rijeka. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In October, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 19°C (66°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Rijeka. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ephesus is much warmer than Rijeka in the winter. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

Ephesus receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Rijeka. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Ephesus is a little warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ephesus in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Rijeka averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Ephesus

Ephesus Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)