A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aqaba vs. Bodrum for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Aqaba or Bodrum?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Bodrum, 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: Aqaba or Bodrum?

Aqaba

Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.

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 Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Bodrum or Aqaba?

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 Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Bodrum is $77. 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 Aqaba and Bodrum in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Bodrum $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Bodrum $68
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Bodrum

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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.

Hotels in Aqaba


Hotels in Bodrum


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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Bodrum Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Bodrum $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Amman/Death Sea: 1-Way Transfer to/from Wadi Rum in Private: $266
  • Private Transfers To Petra: $200
  • Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
  • Private Transfer to Petra with Wi-Fi and Water: $191
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Allenby King Hussein Bridge: $173
  • Private Car Transfer with Wadi Rum Jeep Safari: $169
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Dead Sea Hotels: $160
  • Private Transfer Aqaba Airport to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
  • Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border: $153
  • Hassle-Free Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Transfer – 24/7 Service: $150
  • Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Wadi rum: $140

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum

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

  • Airport Transfer: Bodrum Airport BJV to Bodrum by Business Car: $68
  • Airport Transfer: Bodrum Airport BJV to Bodrum by Luxury Van: $78
  • Airport Transfer: Bodrum to Bodrum Airport BJV by Business Car: $68
  • Airport Transfer: Bodrum to Bodrum Airport BJV by Luxury Van: $78
  • Arrival Transfer Bodrum Airport BJV to Bodrum City by Minibus: $83
  • Arrival Transfer from Bodrum Airport BJV to Bodrum City by Van: $58
  • Arrival Transfer: Bodrum Airport BJV to Bodrum by Car/Van: $80
  • Authentic Turkish Hamam and Spa Unforgettable Ritual WithTransfer: $23
  • Bodrum Adventures Buggy Safari Tour with Roundtrip Transfer: $65
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyaka Hotels: $187
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Bitez Hotels: $84
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Didim (Altinkum) Hotels: $146

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Bodrum?

Prices for flights to both Bodrum and Aqaba 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
    Aqaba $73
    Bodrum $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

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

  • Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
  • "Wadi Rum Jeep Tour + Bedouin Camp & Dinner Under the Stars: $80
  • Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $82
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $100
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $109
  • From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
  • Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
  • Half Day Sunset Tour + Dinner & overnight stay in luxury tents: $286
  • Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425

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: $58
  • Turkish Cooking Class in a Local Home: $70
  • Christmas Dinner at Karnas Vineyards: $111
  • Etrim Village Turkish Cooking and Farm Experience: $120
  • Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $140
  • Market Visit and Cooking Class: $152
  • Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $204
  • Sunset Boat Trip including Dinner: $233
  • 3-Hour Private Sunset Boat Tour With Dinner in Bodrum: $237
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour with Optional Dinner: $388
  • From Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner & Swimming: $410
  • Private Sunset Yacht Tour with light Dinner: $528

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Bodrum $22

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • "Jordan: 3-Day Tour of Ancient Sites, Nature,&Local Culture": $317
  • 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $61
  • 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $73
  • 05 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $68
  • 06 Hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $84
  • 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
  • 2 Days 1 Night in Wadi Rum Jeep Tour: $204
  • 2 Days Tour | Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea From Amman.: $190
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 2 To 5 Hours Glass Bottom Boat Private Tour At Read Sea: $90
  • 2-Hour Desert Guided Activities Tour in Wadi Rum: $50

Tours and Activities in Bodrum

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bodrum.

  • Turkish Bath Hamam Spa Experience: $17
  • Authentic Ottoman Style Hammam Experience: $17
  • Private Turkish Carpet Experience - Exclusive Shopping Tour: $20
  • Bodrum to Kos Day Trip with Hotel Pickup And Ferry Tickets: $25
  • Bodrum Boat Tour with Lunch: Beaches and Islands: $28
  • Orak island Boat Tour - Lunch included: $28
  • Orak Island Boat Tour with Swim Stops and Lunch: $29
  • Karaada Boat Cruise with Lunch: $29
  • Bodrum Orak Island Boat Cruise with Lunch and Swimming: $33
  • Cleopatra Island Tour with Lunch and Swimming Stops: $34
  • Boat Tour to Orak Island: $35
  • Orakadasi Boat Tour From Bodrum (Maldives of Turkey) With Lunch: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Bodrum $9.54


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Bodrum, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Bodrum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba 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 Aqaba Expensive? and Is Bodrum Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Bodrum?

Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Bodrum?

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

Should I visit Aqaba or Bodrum in the Summer?

Both Bodrum and Aqaba during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Bodrum in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Bodrum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Bodrum. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Bodrum in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Bodrum. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round.

In the autumn, Aqaba is a little warmer than Bodrum. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Bodrum averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Bodrum. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Bodrum in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Bodrum. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Bodrum. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Bodrum fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite rainy in Bodrum. Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Bodrum. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Bodrum in the Spring?

Both Bodrum and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year.

Aqaba is much warmer than Bodrum in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Bodrum fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Bodrum. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Bodrum and Aqaba

Aqaba Bodrum
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)


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