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

Should you visit Ephesus or Sarajevo?

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

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

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).

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo is $70. 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 Sarajevo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Sarajevo $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Sarajevo $54
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Sarajevo

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Sarajevo? 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 Sarajevo


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 Sarajevo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Sarajevo $7.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • VIP Transfer Kusadasi From/To Bodrum Airport: $128
  • Transfer izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Davutlar: $98
  • 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 İzmir City Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Selçuk, Ephesus, Şirince: $131
  • Private Transfers From Kusadasi: $173
  • Private Transfer | KUSADASI - IZMIR Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi hotels: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi Hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $58

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo

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


  • Tram Tickets (for 2)
    $1.64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo

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

  • Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Split: $321
  • Split Private Transfer Service: $299
  • Dubrovnik Private Transfer Service: $299
  • Transfer from/to Sarajevo - Belgrade: $288
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Lukavac: $271
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Doboj: $271
  • Transfer from city of Sarajevo to city of Mostar: $251
  • Private transfer (FROM-TO) Sarajevo - Kotor - Budva : $245
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Travnik: $232
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Živinice grad: $232
  • Private transfer (FROM-TO) Sarajevo - Dubrovnik: $229
  • Sarajevo ⇄ Mostar / Private Transfer: $203

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Sarajevo?

Prices for flights to both Sarajevo 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
    Sarajevo $31
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 Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sarajevo Local Food Tour: $27
  • Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $44
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $53
  • Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Sarajevo $12

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • National Museum (for 2)
    $7.64

Tours and Activities in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Days Private Guided Tour in Sarajevo and Mostar: $163
  • 4-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour with Food Tastings and Craft Experience: $44
  • 8 to 9 Hours Daily Tour To Travnik and Jajce From Sarajevo: $104
  • Amazing Prokoško jezero - Full day Tour: $82
  • Assassination Tour: $27
  • BOSNIAN PYRAMIDS TOUR (nature, history & archeology): $64
  • Best of Sarajevo - Full Day All Inclusive Tour: $76
  • Bijambare Cave & Bosnia Spring Park: Half-Day Tour from Sarajevo: $81
  • Bijambare Cave & Bosnia Spring Park: Tour from Sarajevo: $79
  • Bijambare Cave and Spring of River Bosna Tour: $45
  • Bosnia's Treasures: 7-Day Private Tour: $1,310
  • Bosnian Castles Tour: Vranduk Tešanj Srebrenik from Sarajevo: $161

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Sarajevo $7.34
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 Sarajevo

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

  • Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $70


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

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


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Sarajevo. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ephesus is around the same temperature as Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarajevo this time of the year. In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Sarajevo during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Sarajevo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Sarajevo. Also, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Ephesus is a little warmer than Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°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 Sarajevo. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Sarajevo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Sarajevo in the Winter?

Both Sarajevo and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. It's quite rainy in Ephesus. In January, Ephesus usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sarajevo. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Sarajevo 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Ephesus during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

Ephesus is around the same temperature as Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Sarajevo. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Sarajevo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Ephesus

Ephesus Sarajevo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)