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

Europe / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Bodrum or Istanbul?

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 Istanbul 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 Istanbul?

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.

Istanbul

Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.

Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Bodrum?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $104, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $142. 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 Istanbul in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $54
    Istanbul $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $108
    Istanbul $108
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Istanbul

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Istanbul? 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 Istanbul


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 Istanbul Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $27
    Istanbul $62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum

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

  • Bodrum to Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) - Departure Private Transfer: $19
  • Bodrum Orak Island Boat Trip with Lunch and Hotel Transfer: $25
  • Bodrum to Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) - Departure Private Transfer: $25
  • Boat Cruise with Lunch and Optional Hotel Transfer: $27
  • From Private Village Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $33
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Bodrum Airport to Central Bodrum or Bodrum Peninsula Hotels: $35
  • Private Departure Transfer: Central Bodrum or Bodrum Peninsula Hotels to Bodrum Airport: $35
  • Bodrum Traditional Turkish Bath Experience With Hotel Transfer: $35
  • Independent Day Trip to Kos Island from Bodrum with Transfers: $36
  • Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) to Bodrum Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
  • Private Transfer from Bodrum Milas Airport BJV to Bodrum Port : $43
  • Private Transfer from Bodrum Port to Bodrum Milas Airport BJV: $43

Typical Local Transportation prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Ferry
    $0.10
  • Local Bus
    $0.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul 5-Day City Package with Hotel, City Tours and Airport Transfers: $1,646
  • 2-Hour Private Luxury Yacht Cruise on Bosphorus with Transfers: $850
  • Transfer From Kusadasi to/from Istanbul : $711
  • Transfer From Istanbul to Bodrum: $682
  • Transfer From Istanbul to Izmir: $576
  • 4-Day Istanbul City Package including Full-Day Istanbul City Tour plus Airport Transfers: $490
  • Luxury Boat Tour in Bosphorus with Hotel Transfers: $490
  • 4-Day Wonderful Istanbul Including Accommodation Plus Transfer: $474
  • Istanbul Private 2 hours Bosphorus Yacht Cruise + Hotel Transfers: $384
  • Gallipoli Day Trip from Istanbul with Return Transfer with Lunch Included: $375
  • Ephesus Private Tour From Istanbul including transfers & domestic fights: $350
  • From Pamukkale Day Tour With Flights and Transfers: $327

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Istanbul?

Prices for flights to both Istanbul 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 $28
    Istanbul $35

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 Village: $27
  • Christmas Dinner at Karnas Vineyards: $104
  • Bodrum Vineyard Tour with Dinner and Wine Pairing: $120
  • Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $126
  • Bodrum Market Visit and Cooking Class: $131
  • 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
  • Shore Excursions - Istanbul by Night: Turkish Food Tour: $203
  • Private Vineyard Tour with Dinner Under the Stars in Karnas: $292
  • Bodrum Private Motor-Yacht Sunset Tour With Dinner For 4 Hour : $519

Typical Food prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Juice
    $0.07
  • Turkish Delight
    $0.02
  • Dessert
    $0.30
  • Pastries
    $0.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

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

  • Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour With Turkish Night Show: $20
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $22
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks & Shows: $22
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $22
  • Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $23
  • İstanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Traditional Turkish Show: $25
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with All inclusive Dinner and Belly-Dancer Show : $27
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: $28
  • Dinner Cruise Bosphorus with Hotel Transfer: $28
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Private Table: $29
  • Pasha Istanbul Dinner Cruise: $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bodrum $35
    Istanbul $89

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
  • Private Full-Day Tour to Knidos, Palamutbuku and Old Datca: $6.38
  • Daily Boat Tour (Orak Island) around Bodrum and Black Island Coves : $19
  • Bodrum Village Tour with Group: $26
  • Orak island Boat Tour: $27
  • Carpet Weaving Art Lessons & Experience: $27
  • Blue cruise around Bodrum bays: $28
  • Orak Island Boat Tour with Swim Stops and Lunch: $33
  • Half Day Guided Knidos Ancient City Tour: $35
  • Turkish Baths and Spa Experience in Bodrum: $35
  • Full Day Tour to Pamukkale and Hierapolis From Bodrum: $35
  • Traditional Turkish Hammam Experience: $38

Typical Entertainment prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Bosphurus Boat (for 2)
    $0.70
  • Yerebatan Cistern for Two
    $0.70
  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two
    $0.35
  • Hagia Sofia entrance
    $1.05

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:

  • 2 Days Private Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul: $659
  • 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $274
  • 9 Days Turkey Tour Package: $1,500
  • All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $176
  • Bosphorus Cruise And Asia Minor Tour: $220
  • Bosphorus Morning or Sunset Guided Cruise Tour: $23
  • Cappadocia Underground City & Air Balloon Tour From Istanbul: $784
  • Dolmabace Palace, Bosphorus Boat Tour , Eyüp Sultan Mosque Tour: $150
  • Full Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour: $44
  • Green Bursa ~ Uludag Mountain, private Tour;Solo ;Groups: $51
  • Hagia Sophia Private Tour : $120
  • Highlights of Cappadocia with Mehmet ( Private Tour ): $92

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bodrum $15
    Istanbul $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul Pub Crawl Big Nightout . Rooftop parties,party Bus & Nightlife: $22
  • Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $27
  • #1 Rated Istanbul Party Pub Crawl w Party Bus/Sultanahmet&Taksim: $27
  • Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $33
  • Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $94
  • Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $110
  • 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
  • Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $280
  • Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Istanbul : $300
  • Full-Day Wine Tour from Istanbul: $350
  • Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Istanbul?

Istanbul is bigger, and its population is about 284.2 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the population of Bodrum vs. Istanbul, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Bodrum or Istanbul?

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 Istanbul in the Summer?

Both Istanbul and Bodrum during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bodrum is generally a little warmer than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 27°C (81°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in July than Istanbul. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F) 
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Istanbul in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Istanbul. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

Bodrum is a little warmer than Istanbul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Istanbul fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In October, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Bodrum or Istanbul in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Istanbul. Also, many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bodrum is much warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bodrum in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Istanbul averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Bodrum receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bodrum usually gets more rain in January than Istanbul. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F) 
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Istanbul in the Spring?

Both Istanbul and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Bodrum is generally a little warmer than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 15°C (59°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In April, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F) 
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Istanbul and Bodrum

Bodrum Istanbul
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 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.
About BudgetYourTrip.com
More City Comparisons
Pamukkale vs. Bodrum
Pamukkale vs. Istanbul
Ephesus vs. Bodrum
Ephesus vs. Istanbul
Izmir vs. Bodrum
Izmir vs. Istanbul
Cappadocia vs. Bodrum
Cappadocia vs. Istanbul
Fethiye vs. Bodrum
Fethiye vs. Istanbul
Diyarbakir vs. Bodrum
Diyarbakir vs. Istanbul
Bodrum vs. Antalya
Bodrum vs. Ankara
Bodrum vs. Olympos
Antalya vs. Istanbul
Ankara vs. Istanbul
Istanbul vs. Olympos
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Bodrum vs. Istanbul Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.