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

Should you visit Ephesus or Zagreb?

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

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

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).

Zagreb

Zagreb, in central Croatia, is the country's capital. It has a wonderful old town that has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a great atmosphere. Many people travel to Croatia specifically for its beaches and coastal towns, but if you overlook this lovely capital city, you'll miss a large part of the culture and personality that is Croatia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Zagreb 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 Zagreb is $82. 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 Zagreb in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Zagreb $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Zagreb $102
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Zagreb

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb


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 Zagreb Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Zagreb $9.69

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 Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • private transfer from Trogir/Split to Zagreb via Plitvice: $1,754
  • Private transfer from Zagreb to Vienna: $930
  • Private transfer from Zagreb to Budapest: $930
  • Transfer Zagreb - Split or Split - Zagreb: $760
  • Private Transfer Zagreb-Split: $741
  • Private Transfer from Split to Zagreb via Plitvice & Rastoke: $642
  • Private Transfer Tour from Zagreb - Split via Plitvice Lakes: $603
  • Private transfer from Zagreb to Split or Split to Zagreb: $567
  • Private Transfer from Split to Zagreb with stop at Plitvice: $556
  • Zagreb to Budapest Private Transfer by Minivan: $534
  • Private Transfer Zagreb-Zadar: $528
  • Transfer Ljubljana - Zagreb: $452

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Zagreb?

Prices for flights to both Zagreb 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
    Zagreb $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
  • Taste of Traditional Turkish Cuisine | Small Group Kusadasi Food Tour: $211
  • Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $228

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagreb

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zagreb.

  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $74
  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $75
  • Private Authentic Croatian Cooking Class in Central Zagreb: $114
  • Private Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $144
  • PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $196
  • Wine & Food tour of Plešivica near Zagreb: $952

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Zagreb $13

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 Zagreb

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

  • Grand Zagreb Tour : $99
  • Zagreb History Walking Tour: $32
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in Zagreb City with Guide (up to 10): $153
  • 2-Hour Unveiling A Captivating History Tour: $107
  • 4 Day Touristic Adventure from Zagreb: $2,449
  • 4-hour Private Zagreb & the Mountain Tour in a Yugo car: $115
  • All-Inclusive Day Tour Zagreb-Rastoke-Plitvice Lakes-Split: $1,068
  • Back to Yugoslavia Private City Tour in Old-Timer Yugo Car: $93
  • Baroque Varaždin and Trakošćan Castle Private Tour: $176
  • Beautiful Christmas in Zagreb - Walking Tour: $432
  • Best of ISTRIA: Amphitheater PULA + ROVINJ + HUM or POREČ - fully Private Tour: $262
  • Best of SLOVENIA - Bled + Postojna + Ljubljana - Day Tour from Zagreb: $224

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Zagreb $9.49
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 Zagreb

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

  • Zagreb Pub Crawl: $16
  • Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $32
  • Zagreb Wine Tasting & Jarun Lake Tour: $75
  • Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $199
  • Fairytale castle & delicious wine tasting and lunch: $202
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour from Zagreb: $208


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

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


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Zagreb?

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

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 Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Zagreb. Additionally, many visitors come to Zagreb in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Ephesus is a little warmer than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zagreb. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Zagreb 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Ephesus is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Zagreb can be very cold. In January, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Zagreb. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Zagreb 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Zagreb. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

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

In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Ephesus

Ephesus Zagreb
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)