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

Should you visit Bodrum or Faro?

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 Faro 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 Faro?

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.

Faro

Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Faro 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 Faro is $144. 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 Faro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $48
    Faro $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $96
    Faro $162
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Faro

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Faro? 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 Faro


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 Faro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $24
    Faro $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum

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

  • Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Seferihisar: $218
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kusadasi Hotels: $202
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Mugla City Center Hotels: $174
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyaka Hotels: $174
  • Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Kusadasi: $131
  • Bodrum Akyarlar Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $125
  • Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Soke (Söke): $125
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kadikalesi Hotels: $114
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Bodrum Airport to Marmaris Hotels: $109
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyarlar Hotels: $109
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Yalikavak Hotels: $104
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Turgutreis Hotels: $101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Airport Transfer to Malaga: $743
  • Airport Transfer to Cadiz: $669
  • Airport Transfer to Sintra: $569
  • Airport Transfer to Lisbon: $533
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
  • Private Seville airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
  • Airport Transfer to Sevilla: $476
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Lisboa: $465
  • Airport Transfer to Evora: $414
  • From Faro Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Lisbon: $385
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Sevilha: $380
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 4pax cars): $374

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Faro?

Prices for flights to both Faro 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
    Faro $39

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

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

  • The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $83
  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $97
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $162

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bodrum $31
    Faro $10

Tours and Activities in Bodrum

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

  • 2 Hours Private Sightseeing and Walking Tour in Bodrum: $106
  • A Breathtaking Pamukkale Day Tour from Bodrum: $278
  • All Inclusive Private BODRUM to Ephesus, Mary's House, Lunch Tour: $299
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Virgin Mary's House from Bodrum: $104
  • Blue cruise around Bodrum bays: $28
  • Boat tour: Bodrum Private Boat Tour for Cruise Customers: $801
  • Bodrum ↔ Gulf of Gökova | Cabin Charter Cruise: $941
  • Bodrum Black island Tour: $26
  • Bodrum Buggy Safari Tours: $57
  • Bodrum City Sightseeing Walk: $150
  • Bodrum City Tour: 5-Hour Private Excursion with Lunch: $267
  • Bodrum City Walking Morning Sightseeing Tour: $213

Tours and Activities in Faro

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

  • Faro to Benagil Hiking Tour and Marinha beach: $60
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
  • 2:30 Hours Tour: $273
  • 3 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $33
  • 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $33
  • 5 hours tour in Ria Formosa: $49
  • 5-hour island hopping tour: $60
  • 6 hour boat tour navegating through the Islands of Ria Formosa National Park : $65
  • A Timeless Private Walking Tour Experience in Tavira: $202
  • Algarve Buggy Tours: $202
  • Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bodrum $14
    Faro $3.39

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $19
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
  • Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48


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


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Faro?

Faro has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Faro, 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 Faro?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bodrum or Faro in the Summer?

Both Faro and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bodrum is generally around the same temperature as Faro. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 27°C (81°F), and Faro fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

In July, Bodrum usually receives around the same amount of rain as Faro. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Faro receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F) 
    Faro 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Faro in the Autumn?

Both Faro and Bodrum during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Faro this time of year.

Bodrum is around the same temperature as Faro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Faro fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in October than Faro. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Faro receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F) 
    Faro 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Faro in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Faro. Also, many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bodrum is cooler than Faro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bodrum in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Faro averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Bodrum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bodrum usually receives more rain than Faro. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F) 
    Faro 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Faro in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Faro. Also, many visitors come to Faro in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Bodrum is generally around the same temperature as Faro. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 15°C (59°F), and Faro fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in April than Faro. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F) 
    Faro 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Faro and Bodrum

Bodrum Faro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)