Which place is cheaper, Ephesus or Pamukkale?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pamukkale or Ephesus?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Ephesus can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Ephesus?
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.
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).
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Adventure Tours to Turkey, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Turkey, and The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPamukkale $156Ephesus $143
The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $156, while the average daily cost in Ephesus is $143. 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 Pamukkale and Ephesus in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPamukkale $56Ephesus $70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPamukkale $112Ephesus $140
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Ephesus
Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Ephesus? 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: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Ephesus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pamukkale $35Ephesus $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale
Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Antalya: Private Airport Transfer to/from Pamukkale/Denizli: $153
- Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $136
- Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $103
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $103
- Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
- Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
- Transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $91
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
- Antalya: Guided Pamukkale Tour w/Lunch/Transfer: $84
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus
Also for Ephesus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Kusadasi to Pamukkale: $196
- Transfer from/to Izmir Airport ADB to/from Didim Area: $185
- Private Transfers From Kusadasi: $173
- Kusadasi Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $168
- Akbuk Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $163
- Milas Bodrum Airport (BJV) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $140
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Town: $131
- Private Transfer | KUSADASI - IZMIR Airport: $119
- Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $114
- Kusadasi Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport: $100
- Transfer izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Davutlar: $98
- Kusadasi Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Ephesus?
Prices for flights to both Ephesus and Pamukkale 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
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Food Meals for one dayPamukkale $69Ephesus $33
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:
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Sandwiches$0.15
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Dessert$0.17
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Lunch at Beach (for 2)$0.59
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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
- Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $227
- Kusadasi Gourmet & Street Food Tour From Port: $279
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pamukkale $54Ephesus $59
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale
For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance fees Travertines & Pool$2.01
Tours and Activities in Pamukkale
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tours: $119
- Antalya Exclusive Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour: $11
- Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $80
- Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $37
- Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour with Lunch from Izmir&Kusadasi: $298
- Best Rates Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour : $277
- Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour included Pick Up from Denizli Airport: $118
- Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Hotel in Pamukkale.: $92
- Daily Pamukkale Guided Tour with extra Red spring enjoyment.: $92
- Daily Pamukkale Tour from istanbul: $639
- Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Airport : $109
- Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Bus station: $103
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 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
- ( Skip The Line - Max 10 Pax) Small Group Ephesus Tour for Cruise Passengers : $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPamukkale $15Ephesus $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:
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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&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
- Full-Day Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting from Kusadasi: $148
- Virgin Mary Bread and Wine Tour included Lunch: $300
When comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Ephesus, we can see that Pamukkale is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pamukkale Expensive? and Is Ephesus Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Ephesus?
Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Ephesus, 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 Pamukkale or Ephesus?
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 Pamukkale or Ephesus in the Summer?
Both Ephesus and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In July, Pamukkale is generally around the same temperature as Ephesus. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 28°C (82°F), and Ephesus fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Ephesus. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ephesus during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Ephesus receives 378 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Ephesus. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPamukkale 28°C (82°F)Ephesus 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Ephesus in the Autumn?
Both Ephesus and Pamukkale during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Ephesus in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Ephesus fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the autumn, Pamukkale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ephesus. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 232 hours of full sun.
Pamukkale usually gets more rain in October than Ephesus. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPamukkale 19°C (67°F)Ephesus 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Ephesus in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Ephesus.
In the winter, Pamukkale is cooler than Ephesus. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamukkale in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Ephesus averages at about 10°C (50°F).
Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ephesus during winter. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Ephesus receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.
Ephesus receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pamukkale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Ephesus. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPamukkale 9°C (48°F)Ephesus 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Ephesus in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Ephesus.
In April, Pamukkale is generally around the same temperature as Ephesus. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 17°C (62°F), and Ephesus fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In the spring, Pamukkale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ephesus. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 231 hours of full sun.
Pamukkale usually gets more rain in April than Ephesus. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPamukkale 17°C (62°F)Ephesus 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Ephesus and Pamukkale
| Pamukkale | Ephesus | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (51°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 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.