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

Should you visit Ephesus or Kiev?

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

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

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).

Kiev

Kiev is the capital city and also the largest city in the Ukraine, with a population of almost 3 million in the metropolitan area. It is situated on the Dnieper River in the north central part of the country and is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, dating back to the fifth century. The people in Kiev are quite friendly and welcoming, and are happy to have you in their city. It can, however, be difficult to communicate and get around if you don't speak at least a little Russian. It is doable with a little sign language and the help of a guide book with translations though.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Kiev 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 Kiev is $29. 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 Kiev in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $55
    Kiev $16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $110
    Kiev $32
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Kiev

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Kiev? 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 Kiev


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.
    Ephesus $40
    Kiev $0.98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer: $40
  • Kusadasi Half Day Quad Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Kusadasi Buggy Car Safari With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $50
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $63
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi Hotels: $63
  • Kusadasi Horse Riding Beach and Forest options with Transfer : $66
  • Scuba Diving Experience in Kusadasi with Instructor and Transfer: $67
  • Transfer: $72
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $74
  • Ephesus Private Guided Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $80
  • Private Guided Ephesus Tour with Cruise port Transfers: $80
  • Kusadasi Samos Ferry Trip With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $90

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:

  • Private Transfer Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Zhytomyr.: $173
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Chernihiv city: $147
  • Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $66
  • Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV in Luxury Van: $66
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $66
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Boryspil Airport KBP: $66
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $60
  • Private Transfer: From Kyiv city to Zhulyany International Airport: $54
  • Private transfer: Boryspil International Airport to Kyiv: $48
  • Private Arrival Transfer: International Airport Kyiv Zhuliany to Kiev hotel: $38
  • Private Departure Transfer: Kyiv Boryspil International Airport from Kyiv Hotel: $38
  • Zhyliany Airport Kyiv: Private Arrival or Departure Transfer from Kiev: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Kiev?

Prices for flights to both Kiev 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
    Kiev $12
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kiev

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kiev.

  • Kyiv Restaurant Food Tour: Ukrainian Cuisine Tasting: $122

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $46
    Kiev $1.94

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 Kiev

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kiev are as follows:

  • 1- or 3-Hour Private Kyiv Guided Bike Tour: $85
  • 2 hours Private Walking Tour in Ancient Kiev: $45
  • 3-Hour Kiev Private Gastro Tour: $95
  • BBQ tour - absolutely like a local experience in (or outside) Kyiv!: $190
  • Bohemian Podil Tour: $120
  • Custom Kyiv Walking Tour with Private Local Guide: $31
  • Discover Kyiv: The Most Complete 6 Hours Private Sightseeing Tour by car: $179
  • Full Day Kiev Private Tour: $82
  • Full day group tour to Chernobyl and Prypiat: $111
  • Highlights of Different Religions in Kyiv Private Tour: $61
  • Jewish History of Kyiv including Babi Yar Memorial Private Tour: $60
  • Jewish Kiev Tour - private tour: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $12
    Kiev $6.07
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

Sample the Local Flavors in Kiev

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kiev:

  • Private Pub Crawl - Beer Tasting: $76
  • Speakeasy Bar Crawl: $135


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Kiev, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Kiev much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kiev would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kiev 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 Ephesus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ephesus than you might in Kiev.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ephesus Expensive? and Is Kiev Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Kiev?

Kiev has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Kiev, 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 Kiev?

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 Kiev in the Summer?

Both Kiev and Ephesus during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ephesus for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Ephesus is a little warmer than Kiev. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ephesus in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Kiev averages at about 21°C (70°F).

Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Kiev. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Kiev 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Kiev in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Kiev. The autumn months attract visitors to Ephesus because of the shopping scene.

In October, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Kiev. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 19°C (66°F), and Kiev fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Kiev. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Kiev 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Kiev in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Kiev. 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 Kiev. Ephesus is much warmer than Kiev in the winter. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Kiev fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

Ephesus receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Kiev. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Kiev -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Kiev in the Spring?

Both Kiev and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Ephesus is a little warmer than Kiev. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ephesus in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Kiev averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Kiev. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Kiev 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Kiev and Ephesus

Ephesus Kiev
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) -4°C (24°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) -3°C (27°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (69°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) -1°C (30°F) 52 mm (2 in)