A Travel Price Comparison for Turkey Bodrum vs. Ankara for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bodrum or Ankara?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bodrum and Ankara 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: Bodrum or Ankara?

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.

Ankara

Located at the heart of Turkey near Central Anatolia, Ankara is the capital city and second largest city in the country after Istanbul. Formerly known for its long-haired goats and textiles, the city has since developed into a metropolitan mix of modern cultures with historic landmarks.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Adventure Tours to Turkey, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Ankara or Bodrum?

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 Bodrum is $75, while the average daily cost in Ankara is $95. 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 Bodrum and Ankara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $33
    Ankara $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $66
    Ankara $78
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Ankara

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Ankara? 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 Bodrum


Hotels in Ankara


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: Bodrum Hotel Prices and Ankara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $16
    Ankara $25

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 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 from Bodrum Airport BJV to Bodrum City by Van: $59
  • Arrival Transfer: Bodrum Airport BJV to Bodrum by Car/Van: $81
  • Bodrum Adventures Buggy Safari Tour with Roundtrip Transfer: $65
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyaka Hotels: $188
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Bitez Hotels: $85
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Golturkbuku Hotels: $100
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Gumbet Hotels: $85
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Gumusluk Hotels: $117
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Guvercinlik Hotels: $82

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ankara

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ankara:


  • Metro Ride
    $0.03
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ankara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ankara:

  • Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Gordion Ancient City: $185
  • Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Kizilcahamam Town: $185
  • Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Beypazari Town: $185
  • Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers to Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels: $112
  • Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels to Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers: $112
  • Private Transfers Between Ankara Esenboga Airport - Ankara City Centre: $75
  • Ankara Esenboğa Airport From/To City Center Private Transfer: $69
  • Ankara Airport Transfer: Ankara by Private Luxury Vehicle: $63
  • Ankara Airport & Hotel Transfers: $56
  • Ankara Esenboga Airport to City Hotels Transfer: $55
  • Ankara Private Transfer from central Ankara hotels to Ankara Airport (ESB): $53
  • Private Transfer from Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB) to Central Ankara: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Ankara?

Prices for flights to both Ankara and Bodrum 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
    Bodrum $29
    Ankara $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bodrum

For Bodrum, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Bodrum Food, Culture & Cooking Experience transfer lunch included: $58
  • Bodrum Cooking Class with Local Couple: $64
  • Turkish Cooking Class in a Local Home: $69
  • Christmas Dinner at Karnas Vineyards: $112
  • Etrim Village Turkish Cooking and Farm Experience: $120
  • Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $141
  • Market Visit and Cooking Class: $150
  • Bodrum Cooking Class: $188
  • Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $205
  • From Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner & Swimming: $230
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $232
  • Sunset Boat Trip including Dinner: $235

Typical Food Prices in Ankara

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Ankara:


  • A Quick Lunch
    $0.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ankara

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

  • Turkish Cuisine Cooking Class at Local Home with Family: $70
  • Sustainable Home Cooking Class in Ankara: $85
  • Home Cooking Class, Sustainable Tables & Stories: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bodrum $21
    Ankara $23

Tours and Activities in Bodrum

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

  • Authentic Ottoman Style Hammam Experience: $18
  • Private Turkish Carpet Experience - Exclusive Shopping Tour: $20
  • Orak Island Boat Tour with Swim Stops and Lunch: $22
  • Bodrum Boat Tour with Lunch: Beaches and Islands: $27
  • Orakadasi Boat Tour From Bodrum (Maldives of Turkey) With Lunch: $28
  • Karaada Boat Cruise with Lunch: $29
  • Bodrum Orak Island Boat Cruise with Lunch and Swimming: $30
  • Cleopatra Island Tour with Lunch and Swimming Stops: $31
  • Bodrum Aquarium Bay Tour with Lunch & Swimming Stops: $31
  • Orak Island Boat Tour with Lunch & Swimming: $34
  • Traditional Turkish Hammam Experience: $35
  • Orak Island, German Bay & Red Bay Boat Tour w/ Lunch: $35

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ankara

Here are a few typical costs in Ankara for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Underground City
    $0.17

Tours and Activities in Ankara

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

  • 4-Day Eastern Anatolia Tour on the Touristic Eastern Express: $1,922
  • Ankara : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $34
  • Ankara : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $35
  • Ankara Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $33
  • Ankara Private Walking Tour with a Local: $27
  • Ankara Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $235
  • Ankara Private Walking Tour: Hidden Gems & Highlights: $24
  • Ankara Walking Tour with a Local: $30
  • Ankara Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $39
  • 6-Hour Private Tour with Guide, Car, and Lunch: $17,285
  • Atakule Tower Observation Deck Ticket: $13
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bodrum $9.32
    Ankara $10


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


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Ankara?

Ankara has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Ankara, 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.