Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ephesus or Rotterdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
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).
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $143Rotterdam $162
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is $162. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $70Rotterdam $82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $140Rotterdam $164
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Rotterdam
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $51Rotterdam $28
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $295
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $273
- Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam, With a 2 Hour Stop: $240
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $208
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $169
- Private Direct Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $169
- Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.: $167
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $165
- Private taxi transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $165
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport : $164
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Amsterdam: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Rotterdam?
Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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 $33Rotterdam $58
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
- 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
- Guided Food Tour: $79
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $84
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
- WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
- Food Tour by Bike: $91
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
- Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $160
- Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $273
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $59Rotterdam $34
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
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $27
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $19
- 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda: $21
- All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $220
- Best of small-group walking tour: $96
- Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $97
- Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $32
- Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
- Discover Breda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Dordrecht with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Gouda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Rotterdam during this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $15Rotterdam $20
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.02
- Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.02
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12
When comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Rotterdam?
Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
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 Rotterdam in the Summer?
Both Rotterdam and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Ephesus is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ephesus in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Rotterdam. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Rotterdam in the Autumn?
Both Rotterdam and Ephesus during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 19°C (66°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Rotterdam. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Rotterdam in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Rotterdam. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. Ephesus is much warmer than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.
Ephesus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Rotterdam in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Rotterdam. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.
In the spring, Ephesus is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ephesus in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°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 Rotterdam. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Rotterdam. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Rotterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.