Which place is cheaper, Volterra or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Ephesus or Volterra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Volterra, 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 Volterra?
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).
Volterra
Located in Tuscany, Volterra has an interesting history and impressive sights for travelers who want to see more of the Tuscan region than the popular city of Florence. The town was originally a Neolithic settlement and is believed to have been continuously inhabited since the end of the 8th century BC. It was a bishop's residence during the 5th century and then an episcopal power during the 12th century. It was later conquered by the Florentines but opposition to their rule led to much rebellion.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $143Volterra $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Volterra is $108. 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 Volterra in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $70Volterra $65
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $140Volterra $130
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Volterra
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Volterra? 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 Volterra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $51Volterra $4.59
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 Volterra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Volterra:
- Private Transfer from San Gimignano to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $248
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Volterra?
Prices for flights to both Volterra 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 $33Volterra $38
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Volterra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Volterra.
- Buffet dinner at the farm: $49
- Dining experience at a local's home in San Gimignano with show cooking: $93
- Volterra - Olive oil tasting with lunch with lunch or dinner: $112
- Pizza Cooking Class: $112
- Fresh Pasta Cooking Class: $112
- "Hands in dough" Cooking Class with Lunch: $120
- Tuscan Cooking Class: $126
- Tuscany: Wine Tasting Lunch or Dinner: $128
- Winery Cave Dinner & Tasting in Tuscany - Romantic & Lovely : $137
- Fiorentina Steak Dinner & Wine Tasting: $164
- Cooking class, wine tasting and 2500 year old granaries: $175
- Cooking Classes in Tuscany among the Chianti Vineyards: $175
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $59Volterra $12
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 Volterra
Here are a few actual costs in Volterra for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cesani Wine Experience: $33
- Chianti and Castle Small Group Tour from San Gimignano: $93
- Discover Volterra with Licensed Tour Guide: $214
- Private Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Wine, Evo Oil & Meal: $69
- Private Tour in San Gimignano: $150
- Private Tour: San Gimignano Walking Tour: $207
- Private walking tour in San Gimignano with a local licensed guide: $218
- San Gimignano Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $293
- San Gimignano, Volterra, St Galgano Abbey small group tour: $149
- Truffle Lunch & Hunting Experience in San Gimignano: $180
- Tuscany: Volterra Truffle Hunting Experience: $203
- Volterra - Archeotour by e-bike with tasting: $187
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $15Volterra $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
Sample the Local Flavors in Volterra
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Volterra:
- San Gimignano: Chianti wine tasting : $33
- Casa Emma Wine Tasting : $34
- Gourmet Wine Tour San Gimignano Wine Tasting - San Quirico Winery: $36
- 5 Wine Tastings in San Gimignano: $60
- Lunch with Wine Tasting: $60
- "Gourmet" Wine Tasting at Cesani's: $66
- Wine Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $71
- Vineyard Walk & Wine Tasting in Tuscany: $115
- Brunello Wine Tasting from San Gimignano: $130
- Exclusive evening wine tasting at organic winery : $218
- Chianti e-bike tour from Florence with wine tasting: $284
- Private Excursion: Volterra & San Gimignano+wine tastings: $289
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Volterra, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Volterra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Volterra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Volterra 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 Volterra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ephesus Expensive? and Is Volterra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Volterra?
Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Volterra, 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 Volterra?
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 Volterra in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Volterra. Also, most visitors come to Volterra for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volterra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Volterra. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Volterra 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Volterra in the Autumn?
Both Volterra and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Volterra because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Ephesus is a little warmer than Volterra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Volterra fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Volterra. In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Volterra. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Volterra 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Volterra in the Winter?
Both Volterra and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.
In the winter, Ephesus is a little warmer than Volterra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ephesus in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Volterra averages at about 7°C (45°F).
In the winter, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Volterra. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Volterra 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Volterra in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Volterra. Furthermore, many travelers come to Volterra for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In April, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 15°C (59°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Volterra. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Volterra 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Volterra and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Volterra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 85 mm (3.3 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.