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

Should you visit Ephesus or Budva?

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

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

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).

Budva

A coastal resort in Montenegro, Budva is probably the country's most popular tourist destination. Not only does it host a number of great beaches, but it is also home to a picturesque old town center located on a small peninsula. Some of its best features include narrow winding lanes, historic buildings, churches, and small squares.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Budva 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 Budva is $133. 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 Budva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $55
    Budva $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $110
    Budva $86
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Budva

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Budva? 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 Budva


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 Budva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $40
    Budva $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • Ephesus Private Guided Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $80
  • Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $100
  • Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer: $40
  • Kusadasi Buggy Car Safari With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $50
  • Kusadasi Half Day Quad Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Kusadasi Horse Riding Beach and Forest options with Transfer : $66
  • Kusadasi Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport: $102
  • Kusadasi Samos Ferry Trip With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $90
  • Private Guided Ephesus Tour with Cruise port Transfers: $80
  • Private Transfer Kusadasi from/to Pamukkale: $263
  • Private Transfer Kusadasi, Port, Hotel From/To Izmir Airport: $299
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Kusadasi: $100

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:


  • Daily Car Rental
    $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:

  • Private Transfer from Bar to Tivat Airport (TIV): $168
  • Private transfer Tivat/Kotor/Budva-Podgorica: $149
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $131
  • Kotor to Budva one way transfer: $111
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat Airport (TIV): $111
  • Tivat to Budva private one way transfer: $107
  • AIRPORT TRANSFER Montenegro Budva Tivat Podgorica Kotor Perast: $68
  • Private Transfer from Budva to Podgorica Airport and city: $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Budva?

Prices for flights to both Budva 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
    Budva $63
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
    Budva $26

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

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

  • Kusadasi Legacy of the Ottomans: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.96
  • Skip-the-Line Ephesus Tour with Lunch: $7.17
  • SKIP-THE-LINE: BEST-SELLER PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR for Cruise Guests: $9.56
  • Ephesus and Sirince Village Tour For Cruisers: $9.90
  • Mini Group Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Max. 10 guests): $9.90
  • "private Ephesus tours "" wholesaler Shop Tours ""from cruise port Kusadasi ": $10
  • For Cruisers: Religious Ephesus Shore Excursion From Kusadasi Port: $11
  • For Cruisers: Best of Ephesus & Shopping Tour: $11
  • Private Ephesus Tour for Cruiser with Ticket and Lunch Options: $11
  • PRIVATE or SHARED: Ephesus & Mary's House Tour ENTRY FEES & LUNCH: $11
  • For Cruisers: Hidden Sights of Ephesus Tour: $11
  • Skip the Line: Ephesus Tour For Cruise Guest : $12

Tours and Activities in Budva

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

  • Private Swimming and Boat Tour Trsteno Beach Budva: $179
  • 1-Hour Guided Lipa Cave Adventure in Montenegro: $19
  • Adrenaline Speedboat Tours through the Bay of Kotor: $118
  • Boka Bay: Kotor, Cave, Herceg Novi, & Lady of the Rocks Tour: $69
  • Budva 1 hour Private walking tour: $85
  • Budva Bay: Boat Tour with Snorkeling and Sightseeing: $76
  • Budva Bay: Kayak & SUP Tour to Coastal Caves: $54
  • Budva Diving - Scuba Diving Experience: $74
  • Budva old town private tour: $236
  • 2-Hour «Night Lights» Kayak Tour: $54
  • 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $53
  • City Private Tour: $138

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $12
    Budva $17
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
  • Kusadasi Shore Excursions Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tours : $70
  • Ephesus Shore Excursion with Wine Tasting and Lunch: $80


When comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Budva, we can see that Budva 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 Ephesus Expensive? and Is Budva Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Budva?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Budva, 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.