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

Should you visit Bodrum or Arles?

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 Arles 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 Arles?

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.

Arles

Arles is a city (and commune) in the south of France, in the Bouches-du-Rhone department. A large part of the Camargue is located on the territory of the commune, making it the largest commune in Metropolitan France in terms of territory. The city has a long history, and was considerably important in the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis. The Roman and Romanesque Monuments of Arles were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1981. The Dutch post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles from 1888 to 1889 and produced over 300 paintings and drawings during his time there. The Arles area is full of culture and rich in history. It has many treasures, points of interest, and colorful sunbaked houses and is a great introduction into the Camarguais culture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Arles or Bodrum?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $92, while the average daily cost in Arles is $152. 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 Arles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $48
    Arles $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $96
    Arles $152
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Arles

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Arles? 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 Arles


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 Arles Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum

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

  • Arrival Transfer Bodrum Airport BJV to Bodrum City by Minibus: $74
  • Bodrum Adventures ATV Quad Safari Tour with Roundtrip Transfer: $76
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyaka Hotels: $174
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyarlar Hotels: $109
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Bitez Hotels: $78
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Gumbet Hotels: $78
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Gundogan Hotels: $98
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Guvercinlik Hotels: $76
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kadikalesi Hotels: $114
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kusadasi Hotels: $202
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Mugla City Center Hotels: $174
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Ortakent Hotels: $98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arles

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arles:

  • Arles to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Arles?

Prices for flights to both Arles 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 $24
    Arles $55

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: $125
  • Bodrum Market Visit and Cooking Class: $128
  • Bodrum Vineyard Tour with Dinner and Wine Pairing: $128
  • Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $131
  • Bodrum Cooking Class: $174
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $221
  • Shore Excursions - Istanbul by Night: Turkish Food Tour: $252
  • Private Vineyard Tour with Dinner Under the Stars in Karnas: $291
  • From Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner & Swimming: $320
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner: $368

Typical Food Prices in Arles

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


  • Cooked Clams
    $4.82
  • Ice Cream
    $1.07

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bodrum $31
    Arles $33

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
  • Bodrum Village Tour with Group: $26
  • Blue cruise around Bodrum bays: $28
  • Black Island Boat Tour with Lunch: $30
  • Turkish Bath Experience: $31
  • Boat Tour for Mein Schiff Cruise Passengers: $32
  • Half Day Guided Knidos Ancient City Tour: $35

Typical Entertainment Prices in Arles

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


  • Castle Entrance Fee
    $5.89

Tours and Activities in Arles

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

  • Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $187
  • Arles Private guided walking tour from Marseille: $342
  • Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux De Provence: Guided Tour: $1,176
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $201
  • Art and History Walking Tour: $299
  • City tour 1 hour of the city, its history, its monuments,: $84
  • City tour 45mn of the city, its history, its monuments,: $70
  • From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour: $106
  • Half Day Private Guided Tour of Arles: $202
  • Private Guided Tour of Arles: $218
  • Provence Region Roman Abbey of Montmajour Entrance Ticket: $7.64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bodrum $14
    Arles $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Arles

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Arles:

  • Lavender Field & Distillery Tour between Nimes & Arles: $6.20


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bodrum and Arles, we can see that Arles 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 Arles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arles 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 Arles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Arles?

Arles has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Arles, 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 Bodrum or Arles?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bodrum or Arles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Arles. Additionally, most visitors come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bodrum is a little warmer than Arles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bodrum in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Arles averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in July than Arles. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F) 
    Arles 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Arles because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bodrum is generally a little warmer than Arles. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 19°C (66°F), and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. In October, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Arles. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F) 
    Arles 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Bodrum during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

Bodrum is a little warmer than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bodrum. Bodrum usually gets more rain in January than Arles. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F) 
    Arles 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Arles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Arles. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bodrum is a little warmer than Arles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bodrum in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Arles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In April, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Arles. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F) 
    Arles 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Arles and Bodrum

Bodrum Arles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)