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

Should you visit Ephesus or Karlovy Vary?

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

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

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).

Karlovy Vary

Founded in 1370, Karlovy Vary translates to "Charles' Bath" for its founder Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, as well as its famous hot springs. It is located in Bohemia in the western Czech Republic and is also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English). Another highlight is the International Film Festival in July with draws celebrities and other film enthusiasts worldwide.

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


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary is $115. 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 Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $55
    Karlovy Vary $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $110
    Karlovy Vary $90
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Karlovy Vary? 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 Karlovy Vary


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 Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $40
    Karlovy Vary $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • Private Transfer Kusadasi, Port, Hotel From/To Izmir Airport: $299
  • Private Transfer Kusadasi from/to Pamukkale: $263
  • Transfer from/to Izmir Airport ADB to/from Didim Area: $203
  • Private Transfer | KUSADASI - IZMIR Airport: $161
  • Private Transfers İzmir City Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Selçuk, Ephesus, Şirince: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Town: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Town: $131
  • Kusadasi Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport: $102
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Kusadasi: $100
  • Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $100
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $93
  • Kusadasi Samos Ferry Trip With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $90

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary

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

  • Karlovy Vary to Prague Airport (PRG) - Departure Private Transfer: $167
  • Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $141
  • Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary 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
    Karlovy Vary $52
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
    Karlovy Vary $13

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

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

  • Ephesus Shared Tour from Kuşadası Port: $150
  • Ephesus Tour With Small Group From Kusadasi: $137
  • Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Tour From Kusadasi Port : $16
  • Ephesus private skip line tour from the cruise port: $167
  • Private Tour to Ephesus, Virgin Mary, and Artemis Temple From Cruise Ship/Hotel: $200
  • "Ephesus Tours" Port Kusadasi lunch guide bus shopping Caravanserai artemis : $64
  • "private Ephesus tours "" wholesaler Shop Tours ""from cruise port Kusadasi ": $10
  • 2 Days Ephesus & Pamukkale Tour: $209
  • 2 Days Ephesus and Istanbul Tour from Kusadasi and Istanbul Ports: $299
  • 3-Hour Guided Tour in Ephesus and Temple Of Artemis: $50
  • 3-Hour Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses, Cruiser Only: $49
  • ALL INCLUSIVE Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses tour with LUNCH: $99

Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary

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

  • A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $245
  • Karlovy Vary Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $42
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $273
  • Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $184

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $12
    Karlovy Vary $7.53
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 Karlovy Vary, 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 Ephesus Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Karlovy Vary?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Karlovy Vary, 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 Karlovy Vary?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ephesus or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

Both Karlovy Vary and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Ephesus for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Karlovy Vary. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

Both Karlovy Vary and Ephesus during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Ephesus because of the shopping scene.

Ephesus is much warmer than Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Karlovy Vary. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ephesus this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Karlovy Vary. In the winter, Ephesus is much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ephesus in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

Ephesus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Karlovy Vary.

In April, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 15°C (59°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Ephesus

Ephesus Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)