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

Should you visit Ephesus or Akureyri?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Akureyri, 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: Ephesus or Akureyri?

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).

Akureyri

Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Ephesus?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $131, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is $191. 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 Ephesus and Akureyri in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $55
    Akureyri $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $110
    Akureyri $206
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Akureyri

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Akureyri? 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 Ephesus


Hotels in Akureyri


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 and Akureyri Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $40
    Akureyri $23

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: $180
  • Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $126
  • Ephesus Private Guided Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $80
  • From-to Izmir AirPort to-from Kusadası Private Airport Transfer: $90
  • Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $100
  • Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport - Kusadasi Centrum (All hotels, home...) transfers: $96
  • Kusadasi Boat Tour Lunch and Transfer Included: $38
  • Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer: $40
  • Kusadasi Boat trip with BBQ Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer : $54
  • Kusadasi Half Day Quad Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Kusadasi Horse Riding Beach and Forest options with Transfer : $65
  • Kusadasi Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $185

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $126
  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Akureyri?

Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Ephesus 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
    Ephesus $45
    Akureyri $71
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus

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


  • Sandwiches
    $0.12
  • Dessert
    $0.13
  • Lunch at Beach (for 2)
    $0.46
  • Snacks
    $0.19

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $46
    Akureyri $18

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

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

  • SKIP-THE-LINE: Group & Private Ephesus Tour ENTRY FEE & LUNCH: $7.00
  • Skip-the-Line Ephesus Tour with Lunch: $7.21
  • Kusadasi Legacy of the Ottomans: Exploration Game and Tour: $7.51
  • SKIP-THE-LINE: BEST-SELLER PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR for Cruise Guests: $9.52
  • Ephesus and Sirince Village Tour For Cruisers: $9.90
  • Mini Group Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Max. 10 guests): $9.90
  • Ephesus Cruiser Private or Small Group Tour, TICKET and LUNCH Opt: $9.94
  • PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR: SKIP-THE-LINE & ON-TIME Return to Cruise: $10
  • Special Discounted Ephesus Tour For Cruise Passengers: $10
  • "private Ephesus tours "" wholesaler Shop Tours ""from cruise port Kusadasi ": $10
  • Private Biblical Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Cruise Port: $10
  • For Cruise Guests: Best of Ephesus Tour: $11

Tours and Activities in Akureyri

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

  • Akureyri Cruise Port: Mývatn Lakes, Waterfalls & Nature Trip: $282
  • Akureyri Guided E-Bike Tour: $167
  • Akureyri Port: Dettifoss, Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn Tour: $229
  • Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and Akureyri Botanical Garden Tour: $170
  • Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and the Forest Lagoon Tour: $203
  • Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $82
  • Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Guided Tour with Lunch: $329
  • Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $247
  • Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $143
  • Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $135
  • 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship: $108
  • E-Bike Tour with Forest Lagoon Entry: $217

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $12
    Akureyri $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus

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


  • Beer
    $0.10

Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus

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

  • PRIVATE & GROUP: SKIP-THE-LINE EPHESUS with Wine Tasting & Lunch: $12
  • SKIP-THE-LINE Ephesus & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port: $18
  • POTTERY PAINTING & WINE TASTING Tour from Kusadasi Port: $49
  • Wine Tasting-Village Shore Excursion from Kusadasi Port: $50
  • Ephesus Shore Excursion with Wine Tasting and Lunch: $64
  • Kusadasi Shore Excursions Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tours : $70
  • Ephesus & Şirince Village with Lunch& Wine Tasting (Fixed Price): $100
  • Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting and Traditional Turkish Lunch: $130
  • Private Ephesus Tour & Wine Tasting & Mediterrranean Lunch: $159


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Ephesus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Akureyri would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Akureyri 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 Ephesus Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Akureyri?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Akureyri, 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 Ephesus or Akureyri?

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 Ephesus or Akureyri in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Akureyri. The summer months attract visitors to Ephesus because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Akureyri. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Akureyri in the Autumn?

Both Akureyri and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Ephesus this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. Ephesus is much warmer than Akureyri in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Akureyri. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Akureyri in the Winter?

Both Akureyri and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ephesus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Akureyri can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Ephesus is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ephesus in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Akureyri averages at about -2°C (28°F).

In the winter, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Akureyri. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Akureyri in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Akureyri.

Akureyri can be very cold during spring. In April, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 15°C (59°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F)

Typical Weather for Akureyri and Ephesus

Ephesus Akureyri
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)