A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thiva (Thebes) vs. Ephesus for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Thiva (Thebes) or Ephesus?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Thiva (Thebes) and Ephesus can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Thiva (Thebes) or Ephesus?

Thiva (Thebes)

The City of Thiva (Thebes in ancient times) is a place built on top of history. Dating back to its powerful city-state status in the 4th Century BC, the city was home to legends like Hercules and Dionysus, and laid basis to the famous story of Oedipus as well. Following the Trojan War, Thiva had reached its golden age as a dominant city of the Boeotia region. The glory however was short to last. Around 335 BC, Thiva was all but destroyed by Alexander the Great for siding with the Persians under Xerxes against Athens.

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 Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Greece, The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Ephesus or Thiva (Thebes)?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Thiva (Thebes) is €127, while the average daily cost in Ephesus is €131. 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 Thiva (Thebes) and Ephesus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thiva (Thebes) 61
    Ephesus 64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thiva (Thebes) 122
    Ephesus 128
Compare Hotels in Thiva (Thebes) and Ephesus

Looking for a hotel in Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes)


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: Ephesus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thiva (Thebes) 37
    Ephesus 47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $116
  • Ephesus Private Guided Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $80
  • From-to Izmir AirPort to-from Kusadası Private Airport Transfer: $75
  • 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 Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $94
  • Kusadasi International Golf Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $94
  • Kusadasi Port Private Departure Transfer: $63
  • Kusadasi Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport: $102
  • Kusadasi to Pamukkale Hotels Private Transfer: $139
  • Milas Bodrum Airport (BJV) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Thiva (Thebes) or Ephesus?

Prices for flights to both Ephesus and Thiva (Thebes) 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
    Thiva (Thebes) 41
    Ephesus 31

Typical Food Prices in Ephesus

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:


  • Sandwiches
    0.14
  • Dessert
    0.16
  • Lunch at Beach (for 2)
    0.54
  • 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:

  • PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR: LOCAL Street Food Tour from Kusadasi PORT: $49
  • Cooking Class in Kusadasi Ephesus: $110
  • Ephesus Tour with Cooking Class in the Village: $179
  • Taste of Traditional Turkish Cuisine | Small Group Kusadasi Food Tour: $214
  • Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $232

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thiva (Thebes) 26
    Ephesus 53

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: $6.64
  • Ottoman Culture Quest Experience in Kusadasi: $7.20
  • Best Seller Ephesus Tour For Cruise Guest: $17
  • Classical Ephesus Tour For Cruisers: $17
  • SKIP THE LINE : EPHESUS TOUR & Guaranteed ON-TIME Return CRUISERS: $17
  • Self-guided Virtual Tour of the ancient pearl of the Mediterranean: $18
  • Half-Day Ancient City of Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port: $18
  • Skip the Line: Ephesus Tour For Cruise Guest : $18
  • Best of Ephesus Guided Tour For Cruise Guest : $19
  • Biblical Ephesus Tour For Cruise Guest : $19
  • Skip-the-Line Best of Ephesus Group Tour: $19
  • Private Walking Tour to Discover Ephesus without Distractions: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thiva (Thebes) 18
    Ephesus 14

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:


  • Beer
    0.11

Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus

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

  • Ephesus port tours and Wine Tasting Tours : $63
  • Ephesus&Sirince Village with Wine Tasting Shore Ex: $90
  • Private Ephesus Tour & Wine Tasting & Lunch: $129
  • Full-Day Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting from Kusadasi: $152
  • Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi with Private Guide and Van: $221


When comparing the travel costs between Thiva (Thebes) 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. 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 Thiva (Thebes) Expensive? and Is Ephesus Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Thiva (Thebes) or Ephesus?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Thiva (Thebes). When comparing the sizes of Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) or Ephesus in the Summer?

Both Ephesus and Thiva (Thebes) during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Thiva (Thebes) for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Thiva (Thebes) is around the same temperature as Ephesus in the summer. The daily temperature in Thiva (Thebes) averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Ephesus fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Thiva (Thebes). In the summer, Thiva (Thebes) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ephesus. Thiva (Thebes) gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 378 hours of full sun.

Thiva (Thebes) usually gets more rain in July than Ephesus. Thiva (Thebes) gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thiva (Thebes) 27°C (81°F) 
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Ephesus in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Thiva (Thebes) and Ephesus. The autumn months attract visitors to Thiva (Thebes) because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Thiva (Thebes) is around the same temperature as Ephesus. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Ephesus averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In Thiva (Thebes), it's very sunny this time of the year. Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less sunshine than Ephesus during autumn. Thiva (Thebes) gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Ephesus receives 232 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives more rain than Ephesus. Thiva (Thebes) gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thiva (Thebes) 19°C (67°F) 
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Ephesus in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Thiva (Thebes) as well as Ephesus. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thiva (Thebes) this time of year.

In January, Thiva (Thebes) is generally around the same temperature as Ephesus. Daily temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) average around 10°C (51°F), and Ephesus fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Thiva (Thebes) often gets more sunshine than Ephesus. Thiva (Thebes) gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 131 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ephesus. Thiva (Thebes) usually gets less rain in January than Ephesus. Thiva (Thebes) gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thiva (Thebes) 10°C (51°F) 
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Ephesus in the Spring?

Both Ephesus and Thiva (Thebes) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Thiva (Thebes) for the activities around the city.

Thiva (Thebes) is around the same temperature as Ephesus in the spring. The daily temperature in Thiva (Thebes) averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Ephesus fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Ephesus. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thiva (Thebes). Thiva (Thebes) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ephesus during spring. Thiva (Thebes) gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Ephesus receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less rain than Ephesus. Thiva (Thebes) gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thiva (Thebes) 16°C (60°F) 
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Ephesus and Thiva (Thebes)

Thiva (Thebes) Ephesus
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)