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

Should you visit Ephesus or Ponce?

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

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

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).

Ponce

Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).

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, Ponce 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 Ponce is $230. 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 Ponce in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $55
    Ponce $151
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $110
    Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Ponce

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Ponce? 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 Ponce


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
    Ponce $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • Kusadasi Quad Safari Adventure Included Transfer: $21
  • Kusadasi Boat Tour Lunch and Transfer Included: $38
  • Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer: $40
  • Kusadasi Half Day Quad Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Kusadasi Boat trip with BBQ Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer : $54
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi hotels: $55
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $55
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi Hotels: $63
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $63
  • Kusadasi Horse Riding Beach and Forest options with Transfer : $65
  • Kusadasi Scuba Diving Experience w/Instructor incl. Transfer: $66
  • Scuba Diving Experience in Kusadasi with Instructor and Transfer: $67

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:

  • Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
  • Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
  • Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
  • Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
  • Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
  • Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
  • Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
  • San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Ponce?

Prices for flights to both Ponce 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
    Ponce $61
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 Ponce

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

  • Latin Night with Dinner and Local Music with Transportation: $59
  • Puerto Rico Art and Wine Dinner with One Way Transportation: $89
  • Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
  • Private Half-Day Island Authentic Food Tour : $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $46
    Ponce $56

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 Ponce

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

  • Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
  • Scuba Boat Diving Experience in Gilligan's Island at Copamarina: $160
  • 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
  • 5 hours Tour in La Parguera Private Boat Charter: $200
  • 7 Hours River Tour with Beach and Learn to Make Piña Colada : $195
  • 8 Hours Private Tours in Puerto Rico: $150
  • Adventure in Cave and the Guayaney Spring: $99
  • Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140
  • Aguadilla 6 Hour Local Tour: $150
  • Camuy Caves Experience Tour with transportation: $130
  • Cave Hopping Tour: $198
  • Caves Coastlines and Beach; Cueva del Indio, Arecibo Adventure : $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $12
    Ponce $16
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

Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce

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

  • Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Ephesus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ephesus is in Europe and Ponce is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Ponce would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ponce 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 Ponce Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Ponce?

Ponce has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Ponce, 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 Ponce?

Ephesus has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ponce experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Ephesus or Ponce in the Summer?

Both Ponce and Ephesus during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ephesus this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.

Ephesus is around the same temperature as Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Ponce. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Ponce. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Ponce in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Ponce. Many travelers come to Ephesus for the shopping scene. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Ephesus is cooler than Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ponce receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Ponce. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Ponce in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Ponce. Many visitors come to Ephesus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.

In January, Ephesus is generally much colder than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In the winter, Ephesus often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.

Ephesus receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Ponce. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Ponce 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Ponce in the Spring?

Both Ponce and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Ephesus is much colder than Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Ponce. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Ponce 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Ponce and Ephesus

Ephesus Ponce
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)