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

Should you visit Tel Aviv or Ephesus?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tel Aviv 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: Tel Aviv or Ephesus?

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is the second largest city in Israel and is situated on the Mediterranean coast 60 kilometers north of Jerusalem. It's a rapidly growing city and is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in Israel. The official name is Tel Aviv-Yafo because the city has grown to include the ancient port city of Yafo. If you're looking for an embassy, you are likely to find it in Tel Aviv, despite Jerusalem being the official capital of Israel.

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 Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Ephesus or Tel Aviv?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tel Aviv is $140, 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 Tel Aviv and Ephesus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tel Aviv $87
    Ephesus $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tel Aviv $174
    Ephesus $140
Compare Hotels in Tel Aviv and Ephesus

Looking for a hotel in Tel Aviv 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.

Hotels in Tel Aviv


Hotels in Ephesus


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: Tel Aviv Hotel Prices and Ephesus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tel Aviv $8.78
    Ephesus $51
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tel Aviv

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tel Aviv are as follows:


  • Local Bus to Central Bus Station
    $1.59
  • Taxi to Airport
    $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tel Aviv

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tel Aviv:

  • Tel Aviv Airport (TLV): Private Transfer to Tel Aviv: $455
  • Private Transfers and Chauffeur Services: $300
  • Private transfer service from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: $298
  • Tel Aviv Airport TLV to Haifa hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $297
  • Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Airport TLV to Cruise Port: $283
  • Tel Aviv Airport TLV Private transfer to Tel Aviv in Luxury Van: $273
  • Tel Aviv Private Transfer to Tel Aviv Airport TLV in Business Car: $273
  • Private Transfer from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: $247
  • Private Transfer from Herzlia to Jerusalem: $247
  • Private Haifa Transfer - from/to Tel Aviv City or (TLV) Airport : $239
  • Tel Aviv Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $225
  • transfer from bengurion airport to Jerusalem : $200

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • Bodrum Scuba Diving tour with BBQ Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer: $74
  • 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: $66
  • 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 Tel Aviv or Ephesus?

Prices for flights to both Ephesus and Tel Aviv 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
    Tel Aviv $28
    Ephesus $33
Typical Food Prices in Tel Aviv

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tel Aviv:


  • Dinner for Two
    $23
  • Dinner for 2 at Vatroshka
    $131
  • Lunch at Segev Sarona
    $34
  • Aroma Iced Coffee
    $3.77
  • Lunch at the airport
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tel Aviv

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

  • Tel Aviv Food Tour of the Carmel Market: $49
  • Carmel Market Food Tour: $49
  • Tel Aviv Food Tour: The Magic of Carmel Market: $49
  • Private Jaffa Flea Market Hapishpeshim Food Tour: $60
  • 3 hours Levinsky Market Food Tour : $104
  • The 10 Tastings of Tel Aviv With Locals: Private Food Tour : $230
  • Private Food Tour to Carmel Market : $266

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
  • Taste of Traditional Turkish Cuisine | Small Group Kusadasi Food Tour: $211
  • Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $228

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tel Aviv $23
    Ephesus $59
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tel Aviv

Here are a few typical costs in Tel Aviv for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Masada tour from Tel Aviv
    $79
  • Etzel museum
    $4.04

Tours and Activities in Tel Aviv

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

  • Romantic Walking Tour In Tel Aviv for Couples: $240
  • Self-guided Graffiti tour in Tel Aviv in your own time and your own pace: $24
  • 1-Day Tour Jerusalem and the Dead Sea from Tel Aviv: $129
  • All the Best of Tel Aviv Walking Tour: $28
  • Best of Golan Heights Day Tour from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv: $190
  • Best of Jerusalem and Bethlehem Day Tour from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem: $189
  • Best of Tel Aviv and Jaffa Walking Tour - 1 Day: $89
  • Bethlehem and Jericho Day Biblical Tour from Tel Aviv: $190
  • Bethlehem and Jerusalem Day Biblical Tour from Tel Aviv: $183
  • Bethlehem and Jerusalem Day Tour from Tel Aviv: $99
  • Bethlehem, Jerusalem Desert and Monasteries Tour from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv: $200
  • Caesarea, Haifa, and Akko: Full-Day Tour: $99

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ephesus.

  • Self-guided Virtual Tour of The Highlights: $6.57
  • Entry Free: Drive by Ephesus and Ancient Wonder Tour: $12
  • Self-guided Virtual Tour of the ancient pearl of the Mediterranean: $18
  • Kusadasi Traditional Turkish Bath Hamam Experience : $18
  • Private Ephesus and Shopping Tour for Cruisers Only: $18
  • Half-Day Ancient City of Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port: $18
  • Skip the Line:Private& Small Group Ephesus Tour For Cruise Guest : $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 Quad Safari Adventure: $20
  • Kusadasi Scuba Diving Tour By Local Experts: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tel Aviv $22
    Ephesus $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Tel Aviv

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tel Aviv:

  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour with Shots: $22
  • Pub Crawl with Clubs, dance bars and free shots: $22
  • Guided Pub Crawl Night Tour at Tel Aviv: $24
  • Pub Crawl with 4 Stops and Free Shots: $30
  • Tel Aviv Craft Beers Pub Crawl: $42
  • Wine Tour North of Israel from Tel Aviv: $959

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: $54
  • Ephesus port tours and Wine Tasting Tours : $70
  • 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: $131
  • Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting: $134
  • Full-Day Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting from Kusadasi: $149
  • Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi with Private Guide and Van: $218


When comparing the travel costs between Tel Aviv and Ephesus, we can see that Ephesus 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. Even though Tel Aviv is in Middle East and Ephesus is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Tel Aviv or Ephesus?

Tel Aviv has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Tel Aviv 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.