Which place is cheaper, Bodrum or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Bodrum?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Bodrum can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Bodrum?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
Bodrum
Bodrum is a city on the Bodrum Peninsula, stretching from Turkey's southwest coast into the Aegean Sea. The city features twin bays with views of Bodrum Castle. This medieval fortress was built partly with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, completed in the 4th century B.C. The city is also a gateway for nearby beach towns and resorts. Although more than a million tourists flock to its beaches, boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and clubs each summer, the town of Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus) never seems to lose its cool. More than any other Turkish seaside getaway, it has an enigmatic elegance that pervades it. The evocative castle and the ancient ruins around town also help keep Bodrum a discerning step above the rest.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Bodrum $92
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Bodrum is $92. 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 Abu Dhabi and Bodrum in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Bodrum $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Bodrum $96
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Bodrum
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Bodrum? 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: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Bodrum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Bodrum $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
- Private Transfer from Qasr Al Sarab to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $274
- Private Transfer from Jebel Dhanna Resort to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Talal Liwa: $274
- Private Transfer from Talal Liwa to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Jebel Dhanna Resort: $274
- Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
- Abu Dhabi Helicopter Ride with optional Private Transfers: $222
- Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $212
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $202
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum
Also for Bodrum, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- İzmir Airport - Kuşadası / İzmir Center : Private Transfer: $24
- Boat Cruise with Lunch and Optional Hotel Transfer: $27
- From Ferry Transfer to Kos: $27
- Turkish Bath and Spa Expereince with Hotel Transfers: $30
- From Private Village Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $34
- Comfortable Turkish Bath and Spa, from Bodrum include Transfers: $35
- Independent Day Trip to Kos Island from Bodrum with Transfers: $36
- Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) to Bodrum Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- From Kos: A day ride to Bodrum with comfortable transfer: $39
- Bodrum Quad Safari Tour With Free Hotel Transfer By Locals: $40
- Private Transfer from Bodrum Milas Airport BJV to Bodrum Port : $43
- Private Transfer from Bodrum Port to Bodrum Milas Airport BJV: $43
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Bodrum?
Prices for flights to both Bodrum and Abu Dhabi 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
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $45Bodrum $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
- Dubai Best Dhow Cruise Dinner Marina: $46
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
- Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bodrum
For Bodrum, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class in Authentic Etrim Village: $44
- Christmas Dinner at Karnas Vineyards: $104
- Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $126
- Bodrum Market Visit and Cooking Class: $129
- Bodrum Vineyard Tour with Dinner and Wine Pairing: $129
- Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $131
- Bodrum Cooking Class: $175
- 3-Hour Private Sunset Boat Tour With Dinner in Bodrum: $186
- Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $222
- Shore Excursions - Istanbul by Night: Turkish Food Tour: $252
- Private Vineyard Tour with Dinner Under the Stars in Karnas: $292
- From Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner & Swimming: $322
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Bodrum $31
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi Full Day City Tour : $100
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
- Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
- Falcon Hospital Tour with Transportation : $101
- Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $234
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
- 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
- Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $32
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Abu Dhabi : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide: $43
- Abu Dhabi City Tour: $186
Tours and Activities in Bodrum
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bodrum.
- Muğla: Quick Tour, Essentials of Muğla: $6.00
- Daily Boat Tour (Orak Island) around Bodrum and Black Island Coves : $19
- Beaches and Islands Boat Tour with Lunch: $20
- Orak Island Boat Tour with Swim Stops and Lunch: $24
- Orakadasi Boat Tour From Bodrum (Maldives of Turkey) With Lunch: $25
- Bodrum Black island Tour: $26
- Orak island Boat Tour: $27
- Turkish Bath Experience: $31
- Black Island Boat Tour with Lunch: $32
- Boat Tour for Mein Schiff Cruise Passengers: $32
- Carpet Weaving Art Lessons & Experience: $33
- Traditional Turkish Hammam Experience: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Bodrum $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Bodrum, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Bodrum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Bodrum is in Europe, 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 Bodrum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bodrum 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 Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Bodrum.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Bodrum Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Bodrum?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Bodrum, 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 Abu Dhabi or Bodrum?
Bodrum has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Abu Dhabi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Bodrum in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Bodrum. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Bodrum. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Bodrum averages at about 27°C (81°F).
Abu Dhabi usually gets more rain in July than Bodrum. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Bodrum 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Bodrum in the Autumn?
Both Bodrum and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Bodrum. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Bodrum fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Bodrum. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Bodrum 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Bodrum in the Winter?
Both Bodrum and Abu Dhabi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Bodrum in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Bodrum fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Bodrum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Bodrum. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Bodrum 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Bodrum in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Bodrum. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Bodrum. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Bodrum averages at about 15°C (59°F).
In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Bodrum. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Bodrum 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Bodrum and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Bodrum | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
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.