Which place is cheaper, Ephesus or Tel Aviv?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
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.
-
Tel Aviv Prices
Israel PricesEphesus Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTel Aviv $192Ephesus $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Tel Aviv is $192, while the average daily cost in Ephesus is $109. 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 personTel Aviv $104Ephesus $45
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTel Aviv $208Ephesus $90
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.
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 $11Ephesus $33
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$1.90
-
Taxi to Airport$48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tel Aviv
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tel Aviv:
- Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Airport TLV to Cruise Port: $296
- Tel Aviv Prvate Transfer to Tel Aviv Airport TLV in Luxury Van: $285
- Tel Aviv Airport TLV Private Transfer to Tel Aviv in Business Car: $285
- Tel Aviv Private Transfer To Amman With VIP Service: $280
- Jerusalem: Private Airport Transfer - Great Service !: $249
- Tel Aviv Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $240
- Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) to Haifa Cruise Port: $224
- Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Int Airport (TLV) to Ashdod Port: $224
- Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) to Haifa Cruise Port: $224
- Private Round trip Airport Transfers - Airport to Tel Aviv Area and return: $210
- Private Transfer: Jerusalem Hotels ↔ Ben Gurion Airport: $210
- Netanya: Private Airport Transfer - Great Service !: $183
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: $171
- Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $119
- From-to Izmir AirPort to-from Kusadası Private Airport Transfer: $90
- Horse Riding Experience in Kusadasi for Everyone with Transfers: $45
- Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $100
- Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport - Kusadasi Centrum (All hotels, home...) transfers: $91
- Kusadasi Buggy Safari Adventure Included Transfer: $40
- Kusadasi Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $177
- Kusadasi Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $96
- Kusadasi Quad Safari Adventure Included Transfer: $30
- Kusadasi Scuba Diving Experience w/Instructor incl. Transfer: $74
- Kusadasi and National Park Boat Tours with Lunch and Transfer: $45
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 dayTel Aviv $58Ephesus $38
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$27
-
Dinner for 2 at Vatroshka$157
-
Lunch at Segev Sarona$41
-
Aroma Iced Coffee$4.51
-
Lunch at the airport$38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tel Aviv
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tel Aviv.
- Carmel Market Food Tour: $49
- Tel Aviv Food Tour: The Magic of Carmel Market: $49
- Carmel Market Food Tour: $75
- Tel Aviv Neve Tzedek White City and Carmel Market Food Tour: $120
- Levinsky Market Food Tour: $145
- Food Tour of Sarona Market and Azraeli Center: $165
- Christmas Eve Tour Jerusalem and Bethlehem Dinner from Tel Aviv: $180
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:
-
Sandwiches$0.10
-
Dessert$0.11
-
Lunch at Beach (for 2)$0.38
-
Snacks$0.16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus
For Ephesus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus, Selcuk City Stroll, and Street Food Tour: $63
- Ephesus and Selcuk City Food Tour Street Eats and History: $113
- Private Ephesus Tour & Cooking Experience with locals: $189
- Kusadasi Selcuk Ephesus Gourmet and Street Food Tour: $228
- Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $290
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tel Aviv $27Ephesus $38
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$95
-
Etzel museum$4.83
Tours and Activities in Tel Aviv
Here are a few actual costs in Tel Aviv for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Airport to City Public Transit Experience Israel: $150
- Ben Yehuda 7, Private Bike Tour with Yalla Bikes: $90
- Best of Jerusalem Full-Day Tour from Tel Aviv: $89
- Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jordan River Day Tour from Tel Aviv: $109
- Bethlehem, Jerusalem Desert and Monasteries Tour from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv: $125
- Caesarea Haifa and Akko Tour from Tel Aviv: $99
- Caesarea, Haifa, Akko & Rosh Hanikra Full Day Private Tour: $1,662
- Carmel Market Tasting Tour: $78
- Carmel Market Tour: $200
- Day Tour to Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Tel Aviv: $121
- Dead Sea and Masada 1 day tour: $130
- Dead Sea and Masada Day Tour: $167
Tours and Activities in Ephesus
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ephesus.
- Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi: $5.00
- Kusadasi Private Shopping Tour by Taxi – From Cruise Port: $5.00
- Ephesus Skip Line Tour From Kusadasi Port: $6.00
- Tranquil Ephesus Tour From Kusadasi Port: $6.00
- Private Tour : Customized Ephesus Private Tour: $6.00
- Private Ephesus Tour From Kusadasi Port with Temple of Artemis: $6.00
- Ephesus VIP Private Shore Excursion with Skip the Line Ticket: $6.00
- FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Line PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR & On Time Return: $6.00
- From Kusadasi Cruise Port : Best Seller PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR: $6.00
- Ephesus Private Tour with Historian Guide: $6.00
- Saints and Senators A Self Guided Ephesus Tour: $9.99
- VirginMary House Seven Sleepers &Turkish Bath Experience kusadasi: $10
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTel Aviv $26Ephesus $9.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Tel Aviv
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tel Aviv:
- Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour with Shots: $27
- Guided Pub Crawl Night Tour at Tel Aviv: $29
- Tel Aviv Pub Crawl: $30
- Pub Crawl with 4 Stops and Free Shots: $32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:
-
Beer$0.08
Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus
Also in Ephesus, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private Ephesus Guided Tour Fast Track Entry and Wine Tasting: $12
- PRIVATE & GROUP: EPHESUS TOUR with Wine Tasting (SKIP-THE-LINE): $20
- Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tour from Kusadasi Port for Cruisers: $23
- POTTERY PAINTING & WINE TASTING Tour from Kusadasi Port: $29
- Ephesus Shore Excursion & Wine Tasting + Lunch - Opt Turkish Bath: $35
- FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port: $41
- Guided Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting in Sirince Village: $45
- FOR CRUISERS:Kusadasi Port Private Wine Tasting and Ephesus Tour: $45
- Sirince Village and Wine Tour with Artemis Temple: $56
- LGBTQ+ Friendly Ephesus Shore Excursion & Local Wine Tasting: $69
- For Cruisers Ephesus Ruins and Sirince Village Wine Tasting Tour: $99
- FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus Tour & Wine Tasting in Sirince Village: $108
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tel Aviv and Ephesus, we can see that Tel Aviv is more expensive. And not only is Ephesus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tel Aviv is in Middle East and Ephesus is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Tel Aviv would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tel Aviv 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 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.
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.