Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Reykjavik, 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.
Ephesus is a ancient, world-renowned, and fascinating archeological site. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Ephesus travel costs.
Reykjavik is a friendly, clean, and green city. Many visitors also come to Reykjavik because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Reykjavik travel costs.
Visitors will generally find more to do in Ephesus than Reykjavik. While Reykjavik is larger than Ephesus, Ephesus has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Ephesus is very popular for its museums and attractions and food, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty. Ephesus is more touristy than Reykjavik and is known for its well-preserved ruins and vast size It is also well known for the Library of Celsus. Reykjavik is famous for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Reykjavik and Ephesus. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Ephesus is an amazing archeological site to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.
Travelers visit Ephesus from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Of course, the iconic site is the ruins of Ephesus. There are also several fascinating museums in the area that offer deeper insights into the region's rich history and culture. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk is popular. It has an impressive collection of artifacts excavated from the ancient city, including statues, pottery, and inscriptions. Just outside the museum, the Temple of Artemis section displays remnants of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Selçuk Museum of Ephesus is another excellent spot to explore, with exhibits that highlight both the daily life of ancient Ephesians and their religious practices. A short drive from Ephesus is the House of the Virgin Mary museum, a revered site believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus, with a chapel and peaceful surroundings. Lastly, the İsa Bey Mosque and Museum in Selçuk adds to the area's historical depth, offering a glimpse into the Seljuk architecture and Islamic heritage of the region.
Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.
Ephesus is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.
There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Ephesus. Most of the food options are found in the nearby town of Selçuk. Popular dishes include kebabs, mezes, and pide (Turkish flatbread pizza). Many restaurants are casual and cater specifically to the tourist crowds.
You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).
Reykjavik is a nice place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Ephesus is not known for its evening party scene.
If you're looking for night time activities Reykjavik has a few options to choose from. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.
Most people don't head to Ephesus specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The there are a couple of bars and restaurants with live music in the town of Selçuk, but generally the nightlife is very low key.
Reykjavik is renowned for hiking. However, Ephesus is not a hiking destination.
Known for its hiking, Reykjavik draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.
Ephesus is not a hiking destination.
If you're looking to go shopping, Ephesus and Reykjavik both offer plenty of nice spots.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ephesus. Selçuk has a variety of local shops and markets. Traditional handicrafts such as carpet and kilim weaving, ceramics, and leather goods are popular souvenirs. The Selçuk Market is held on Saturdays and offers fresh produce, spices, and other local products.
Many visitors go to Reykjavik to go shopping. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.
Reykjavik is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Ephesus is not a destination known for its beauty.
Many visitors also come to Reykjavik because of it's amazing beauty. The city offers the perfect gateway to world-renowned natural beauty including waterfalls, hot springs, and active volcanoes.
Ephesus is not a destination known for its beauty.
Reykjavik is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its family-friendly activities.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Reykjavik is very family-friendly. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.
Ephesus is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who are into history or archeology will enjoy a visit to the famed ruins of Ephesus. There's also the Ephesus Archaeological Museum where everyone can learn about ancient Greek and Roman cultures in an interactive setting. The nearby House of the Virgin Mary offers a peaceful stop where kids can learn about its historical and religious significance in a tranquil environment. For an active experience, families can enjoy a short hike to Pamucak Beach, where children can swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.
Reykjavik is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for couples.
Reykjavik is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.
Ephesus is a good archeological site for couples to visit. Many couples stop off at these ruins as part of a bigger tour of Turkey. The ruins are well preserved and impressive, but can get crowded if you visit during the peak times.
For backpackers, both Ephesus and Reykjavik are nice places to visit.
It's common for backpackers to visit Ephesus. Many backpackers stay in the nearby town of Selçuk, which has several hostels. This is also where you'll find a number of restaurants and shopping opportunities.
Reykjavik is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.
Reykjavik is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Ephesus is not popular with students.
It's common for students to visit Reykjavik. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.
Ephesus is not popular with students.
Ephesus is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Ephesus. The town of Selçuk is well-connected by dolmuşes (shared minivans) that run frequently and offer affordable rides to nearby destinations, including Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Pamucak Beach area.
You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.
Reykjavik is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its ease of walking around.
Reykjavik is a very walkable city. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.
Ephesus is a somewhat walkable archeological site. The ruins are spread out over a large area, but most of the key sites, like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, are within walking distance of each other. From Selçuk, it's about a half hour walk to the entrance of the Ephesus ruins, but most visitors prefer to take a short taxi or dolmuş ride to the site. Within Selçuk, many of the sites can be reached on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Ephesus Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.
In either Ephesus or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Ephesus because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ephesus, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.
Families should spend more time in Reykjavik than Ephesus. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Reykjavik, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Reykjavik than Ephesus. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Reykjavik that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Reykjavik than Ephesus if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Reykjavik.
You'll find shopping and museums around the archeological site of Ephesus. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ephesus has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
In Reykjavik, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.
You'll find museums and food around the ancient destination of Ephesus. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this archeological site has to offer. This archeological site offers a variety of activities to choose from.
In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer.
Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the world-renowned archeological site of Ephesus. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Ephesus is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.
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 Reykjavik is $307. 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 Reykjavik in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Reykjavik? 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.
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.
Also for Ephesus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:
For Ephesus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ephesus.
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:
Also in Ephesus, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.
Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Reykjavik, 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.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Reykjavik. The summer months attract visitors to Ephesus because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
In July, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Reykjavik. The shopping scene are the main draw to Ephesus this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Ephesus is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Reykjavik and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ephesus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Ephesus is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ephesus in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).
Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Ephesus. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Reykjavik and Ephesus during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.
Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In April, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 15°C (59°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Ephesus | Reykjavik | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |