Which place is cheaper, Saint Petersburg or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Ephesus or Saint Petersburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg?
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).
Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg is a beautiful city that sits on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea. Its historical city center is threaded with canals and architecturally impressive buildings, leaving little doubt as to why this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the second largest city in Russia, but perhaps a favorite among travelers. The metropolitan area has a population of over 5 million as well as an impressive culture with fascinating museums, restaurants, and architecture. The city has no shortage of sights and attractions, and many days can be passed while you wander its intricate streets.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Antalya, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Turkey.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $143Saint Petersburg $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Saint Petersburg is $63. 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 Saint Petersburg in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $70Saint Petersburg $36
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $140Saint Petersburg $72
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Saint Petersburg
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Saint Petersburg? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $51Saint Petersburg $7.29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus
Also for Ephesus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vip Transfer Kusadasi To/From Izmir Airport: $67
- Transfer izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Davutlar: $98
- Transfer from/to Izmir Airport ADB to/from Didim Area: $185
- Transfer: $65
- Scuba Diving Experience in Kusadasi with Instructor and Transfer: $60
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Town: $131
- Private Transfers From Kusadasi: $173
- Private Transfer | KUSADASI - IZMIR Airport: $119
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $24
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Port to Adnan Menderes Airport ADB: $64
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi hotels: $24
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi Hotels: $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:
-
Metro Passes$1.34
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Saint Petersburg?
Prices for flights to both Saint Petersburg 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 dayEphesus $33Saint Petersburg $18
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
- Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $227
- Kusadasi Gourmet & Street Food Tour From Port: $279
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg
For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch for Two$4.61
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $59Saint Petersburg $18
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 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
- ( Skip The Line - Max 10 Pax) Small Group Ephesus Tour for Cruise Passengers : $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $15Saint Petersburg $9.68
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&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
- Full-Day Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting from Kusadasi: $148
- Virgin Mary Bread and Wine Tour included Lunch: $300
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Saint Petersburg, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Petersburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ephesus Expensive? and Is Saint Petersburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Saint Petersburg?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg?
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 Saint Petersburg in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Saint Petersburg.
Ephesus is much warmer than Saint Petersburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Saint Petersburg.
In the autumn, Ephesus is much warmer than Saint Petersburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 6°C (42°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 70 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Saint Petersburg. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?
Both Saint Petersburg and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the winter. In January, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around -8°C (18°F).
Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 22 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Ephesus. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?
Both Saint Petersburg and Ephesus during the spring are popular places to visit.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. Ephesus is much warmer than Saint Petersburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 180 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint Petersburg. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Saint Petersburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 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.