Which place is cheaper, Ephesus or Paphos?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Paphos or Ephesus?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Ephesus, 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: Paphos or Ephesus?
Paphos
Located on the southwestern tip of Cyprus, Paphos has many different archaeological sights and it is renowned as the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The town is situated between the coast and the Troodos Mountains and it has grown in recent years as a tourist destination. As such, the local government has made efforts to improve the quality of the tourism infrastructure including investing in hotels, restaurants and transportation. There is also a commercial center to the city as well as a newly built "promenade" that travels from the marina along a long coastal path. This route offers excellent views, especially during the morning or evening hours when the sun is low.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPaphos €97Ephesus €134
The average daily cost (per person) in Paphos is €97, while the average daily cost in Ephesus is €134. 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 Paphos and Ephesus in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPaphos €48Ephesus €65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPaphos €96Ephesus €130
Compare Hotels in Paphos and Ephesus
Looking for a hotel in Paphos 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: Paphos Hotel Prices and Ephesus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Paphos €12Ephesus €48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paphos
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paphos:
- Private Transfer from Paphos Airport to Larnaca in Minivan(Taxi): $191
- Private Transfer Paphos Airport PFO to Paphos City by Luxury Car: $138
- Paphos Airport (PFO) to Paphos city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
- Choirokitia & Famagusta Guided Tour with Transfers: $43
- Private Airport Transfer from Hotel to Paphos Airport in a 4-seater taxi: $42
- Blue Lagoon trip with slide, music & transfer from Paphos: $32
- Paphos to Paphos Int Airport (PFO) - Departure Private Transfer: $31
- From Nicosia Sightseeing Tour with Hotel Transfer: $30
- Private Transfer from Paphos Airport (PFO) to Limassol Port: $25
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Paphos or Ephesus?
Prices for flights to both Ephesus and Paphos 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 dayPaphos €38Ephesus €31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paphos
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Paphos.
- From Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $52
- Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $54
- Wave Dancer Fireworks, Buffet Dinner & Show Cruise: $66
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:
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Sandwiches€0.14
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Dessert€0.16
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Lunch at Beach (for 2)€0.55
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Snacks€0.23
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Paphos €12Ephesus €55
Tours and Activities in Paphos
Here are a few actual costs in Paphos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Tour of Limassol with Kourion and Kolossi Castle : $49
- 100% Cyprus - Tour to Troodos mountains and villages (From Paphos) : $52
- 3 Hours Sunset Cruise in Atlantida Bay: $54
- 6 hour Buggy Tour Akamas incl lunch and Adonis Falls: $209
- 6-Hour Quad or Buggy Tour incl Lunch and Entrance to Adonis Falls: $87
- Adonis Falls Lazy Sunday Quad and Buggy Adventure : $76
- Akamas Jeep Safari Tour from Paphos: $62
- Akamas Panorama: Private Mini Bus Tour With Local Guide: $588
- Akamas Peninsula Full Day 4x4 Winter Tour: $71
- Ancient Kourion, Kolossi Castle, Omodos & Winery Tour - Paphos: $94
- Authentic Cyprus Historic Day Tour from Paphos: $33
- Blue Lagoon (Akamas) Cruise: $31
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPaphos €9.98Ephesus €14
Sample the Local Flavors in Paphos
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paphos:
- Wine tasting and winery tour at Fikardos Winery: $28
- Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $64
- Regional Wineries Tour with Wine Tastings: $80
- WINE TOUR from Paphos: $104
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 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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paphos and Ephesus, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Paphos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Paphos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Paphos 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 Paphos.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Paphos Expensive? and Is Ephesus Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Paphos or Ephesus?
Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos 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 Paphos or Ephesus?
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 Paphos or Ephesus in the Summer?
Both Ephesus and Paphos during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Paphos because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Paphos is around the same temperature as Ephesus. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paphos in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Ephesus averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the summer, Paphos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ephesus. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 378 hours of full sun.
Paphos usually gets less rain in July than Ephesus. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPaphos 27°C (80°F)Ephesus 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Ephesus in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Ephesus. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paphos this time of year.
In October, Paphos is generally a little warmer than Ephesus. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 21°C (70°F), and Ephesus fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Ephesus during autumn. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Ephesus receives 232 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Paphos usually receives less rain than Ephesus. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPaphos 21°C (70°F)Ephesus 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Ephesus in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Ephesus. Many travelers come to Paphos for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Paphos is a little warmer than Ephesus in the winter. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Ephesus fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In the winter, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Ephesus. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 131 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Ephesus. Paphos usually gets less rain in January than Ephesus. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPaphos 12°C (53°F)Ephesus 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Ephesus in the Spring?
Both Ephesus and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Paphos in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Paphos is a little warmer than Ephesus. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paphos in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Ephesus averages at about 15°C (59°F).
It's quite sunny in Ephesus. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Ephesus during spring. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Ephesus receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Paphos usually receives less rain than Ephesus. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPaphos 17°C (62°F)Ephesus 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Ephesus and Paphos
| Paphos | Ephesus | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (62°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (56°F) | 76 mm (3 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.