Which place is cheaper, Ephesus or Samos?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Samos or Ephesus?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Samos and Ephesus can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Samos or Ephesus?
Samos
Samos, an enchanting Greek island located in the eastern Aegean Sea, is a destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty, historical significance, and vibrant culture. Known for its lush landscapes, stunning beaches, and rich heritage, Samos offers an array of experiences for travelers. Whether you are traveling on a budget, exploring historic sites, engaging in various activities, enjoying local cuisine, or figuring out transportation, Samos promises an unforgettable journey. Traveling to Samos on a budget is quite feasible, as the island offers various affordable options without compromising on the experience. Accommodations range from budget hotels and guesthouses to camping sites, ensuring there is something for everyone. The villages of Vathy, Pythagoreio, and Kokkari offer a variety of economical lodgings, with many family-run establishments providing a personal touch at reasonable prices.
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).
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey.
-
Samos Prices
Greece PricesEphesus Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySamos €290Ephesus €112
The average daily cost (per person) in Samos is €290, while the average daily cost in Ephesus is €112. 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 Samos and Ephesus in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSamos €126Ephesus €46
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSamos €252Ephesus €92
Compare Hotels in Samos and Ephesus
Looking for a hotel in Samos or Ephesus? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Samos Hotel Prices and Ephesus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Samos €56Ephesus €34
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Samos or Ephesus?
Prices for flights to both Ephesus and Samos 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 daySamos €129Ephesus €39
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:
-
Sandwiches€0.10
-
Dessert€0.11
-
Lunch at Beach (for 2)€0.39
-
Snacks€0.16
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.Samos €30Ephesus €39
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySamos €18Ephesus €9.90
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:
-
Beer€0.08
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Samos and Ephesus, we can see that Samos 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 Samos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Samos 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 Samos Expensive? and Is Ephesus Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Samos or Ephesus?
Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Samos. When comparing the sizes of Samos and Ephesus, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.