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

Should you visit Ephesus or Santiago de Compostela?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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).

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of northwest Spain's Galicia region. Its famous cathedral marks the culmination of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route, and is the alleged burial site of the apostle himself. The pilgrimage route begins in the Pyrenees, 500 miles away, though travelers can decide to join the journey at certain points in between, depending on how far they want to walk and how much they want to see.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela is $97. 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 Santiago de Compostela in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Santiago de Compostela $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Santiago de Compostela $80
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Santiago de Compostela

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Santiago de Compostela? 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 Santiago de Compostela


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 Santiago de Compostela Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Santiago de Compostela $41

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago de Compostela

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago de Compostela:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela Airport to City Center by Minivan: $91
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer to SCQ Airport by Van: $91
  • Airport transfer Santiago de Compostela: $71
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from SCQ Airport to City centre: $51
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
  • Airport Transfer Santiago de Compostela: $45
  • Departure Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela to SCQ Airport by Business Car: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Santiago de Compostela?

Prices for flights to both Santiago de Compostela 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
    Santiago de Compostela $21
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 Santiago de Compostela

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santiago de Compostela:


  • Raspberries
    $3.75
  • Ice Cream
    $2.14
  • Cookie
    $1.07
  • Kebab
    $7.77
  • Dinner & Tapas (for 2)
    $29
  • Tuna Empanada
    $3.75
  • Fruit Shake
    $3.75
  • Crepe
    $4.29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Santiago de Compostela $41

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 Santiago de Compostela

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

  • 5-day Private Tour Northern Spain (from Bilbao or Santiago): $5,294
  • Christmas Enchantment: Walking Tour in Compostela: $459
  • Complete Santiago Tour with tickets- Full experience in 4H: $48
  • Excursion to Finisterre, Muxia and Cabo Vilan With Boat Cruise : $59
  • Exploration of Compostela Walking Tour for Families: $352
  • Exploring Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour for Couples: $352
  • Finisterre y Costa da Morte el tour más completo desde Santiago: $53
  • From Santiago: Finisterre Lighthouse Sunset Tour: $36
  • From Santiago: Fuciño do Porco Hiking Tour: $80
  • From Santiago: Rías Baixas Galicia Seafood & Wine Day Tour: $59
  • From Santiago: Ribeira Sacra Tour & Boat Trip: $61
  • Full-Day Excursion to Santiago from A Coruña- Cruisers Only: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Santiago de Compostela $24
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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Santiago de Compostela

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


  • 1 Pint Beer
    $2.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago de Compostela

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

  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $31
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $32
  • Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $33
  • Premium Porto Santiago Compostela tour lunch & wine tasting: $214


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Santiago de Compostela much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santiago de Compostela would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

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


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Santiago de Compostela. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Ephesus is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ephesus is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

In January, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Santiago de Compostela. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty.

Ephesus is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Ephesus

Ephesus Santiago de Compostela
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (67°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 128 mm (5 in)