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

Should you visit Ephesus or Zurich?

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

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

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).

Zurich

Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Zurich 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 Zurich is $268. 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 Zurich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Zurich $170
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Zurich $340
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Zurich

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Zurich? 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 Zurich


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 Zurich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Zurich $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi Hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi hotels: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $24
  • Kusadasi Buggy Car Safari With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $40
  • Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer: $40
  • Kusadasi Half Day Quad Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Kusadasi Samos Ferry Trip With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $55
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $58
  • Scuba Diving Experience in Kusadasi with Instructor and Transfer: $60
  • Kusadasi Port Private Departure Transfer: $63
  • Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport - Kusadasi Centrum (All hotels, home...) transfers: $65

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

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


  • City Pass (2)
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • ST. Moritz Luxury Private Transfer to Zurich Airport: $1,411
  • SUV LUXURY TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT ZURIGO to MILANO MALPENSA: $1,083
  • TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT MILANO MALPENSA TO ZURIGO: $1,083
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Scuol: $857
  • Switzerland: Private Transfer to Interlaken & Grindelwald: $809
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Gstaad Saanen: $651
  • Private Transfer From Zurich Airport to Adelboden: $642
  • TRANSFER VAN LUXURY DA AIRPORT ZURIGO A BASEL: $640
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Disentis: $636
  • Private Transfer Interlaken to Zurich Airport: $634
  • Privat Transfer Zurich Airport to Interlaken: $634
  • Private Transfer From Zurich Airport to Thun: $613

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Zurich?

Prices for flights to both Zurich 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
    Zurich $62
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 Zurich

Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $13

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Zurich $36

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 Zurich

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:

  • 007-Elegance: Exclusive Private Tour Schilthorn from Zürich: $627
  • 3 Hours Private Tour Around Zurich: $224
  • 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $101
  • Adventure to Mount Pilatus Gold and Silver tour: $157
  • Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Zürich: $650
  • Alpine Majesty:Zürich to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $799
  • Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich: $129
  • Best Intro Tour of Zurich with a Local: $124
  • Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.87
  • Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride : $73
  • Best of Zurich and Surroundings - Extended City Sightseeing Tour: $87
  • Bike Private Tour with Pickup and Drop off From Zurich: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Zurich $29
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 Zurich

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

  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $31
  • eTukTuk Hot Stone BBQ and Wine Tour Zürich: $129


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Ephesus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ephesus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ephesus 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich than you might in Ephesus.

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


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Zurich?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Zurich, 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 Zurich?

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 Zurich in the Summer?

Both Zurich and Ephesus during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Ephesus is a little warmer than Zurich in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Zurich 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Zurich in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Zurich. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Ephesus is a little warmer than Zurich. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Zurich averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Zurich 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Zurich in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Zurich. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Zurich can be very cold. In January, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.

Ephesus receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Zurich. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Zurich 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Zurich in the Spring?

Both Zurich and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

Ephesus is a little warmer than Zurich in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Zurich. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Zurich 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Zurich and Ephesus

Ephesus Zurich
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)