Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Bodrum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Istanbul.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBodrum $92Istanbul $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $92, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $126. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBodrum $48Istanbul $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBodrum $96Istanbul $94
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bodrum $24Istanbul $55
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: $18
- Bodrum to Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) - Departure Private Transfer: $25
- İzmir Airport - Kuşadası : Private Airport Transfer: $26
- Boat Cruise with Lunch and Optional Hotel Transfer: $27
- From Ferry Transfer to Kos: $27
- From Private Village Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $29
- Turkish Bath and Spa Expereince with Hotel Transfers: $30
- Independent Day Trip to Kos Island from Bodrum with Transfers: $36
- Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) to Bodrum Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Bodrum Quad Safari Tour With Free Hotel Transfer By Locals: $40
- Private Departure Transfer: Central Bodrum or Bodrum Peninsula Hotels to Bodrum Airport: $41
- Private Transfer from Bodrum Port to Bodrum Milas Airport BJV: $42
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Ferry$0.09
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Local Bus$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Private Bosphorus Tour on Luxury Yacht w/transfer: $745
- From Pamukkale Day Tour With Flights and Transfers: $319
- Istanbul Airport S-Class Premium Luxury Sedan Transfer: $286
- Hagia Sophia, Topkapi & Mosque Tour with Transfer: $286
- Private Guided Istanbul Luxury Tour (Tickets and Transfers): $283
- Troy and Gallipoli Day Guided Tour with Transfer: $280
- Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $225
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Sabiha Airport SAW to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $224
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST in Luxury Car: $224
- 3-Day Tours & Transfer Package: $223
- Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Airport Private Transfer or Vice Versa (1-13pax): $218
- Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Airport Private Transfer or Vice Versa (1-10pax): $211
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
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Food Meals for one dayBodrum $24Istanbul $31
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: $43
- Christmas Dinner at Karnas Vineyards: $103
- Bodrum Vineyard Tour with Dinner and Wine Pairing: $117
- Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $126
- Bodrum Market Visit and Cooking Class: $128
- Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $131
- Bodrum Cooking Class: $174
- 3-Hour Private Sunset Boat Tour With Dinner in Bodrum: $186
- Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $222
- Shore Excursions - Istanbul by Night: Turkish Food Tour: $250
- Private Vineyard Tour with Dinner Under the Stars in Karnas: $292
- From Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner & Swimming: $318
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Juice$0.06
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Turkish Delight$0.02
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Dessert$0.26
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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 , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $21
- Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show: $25
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $26
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $29
- Half Day Sunset Luxury Yacht Dinner Cruise Tour in Istanbul: $29
- 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29
- Turkish Night on the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: $30
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bodrum $31Istanbul $79
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
- Orak Island Boat Tour with Swim Stops and Lunch: $19
- Beaches and Islands Boat Tour with Lunch: $20
- Orakadasi Boat Tour From Bodrum (Maldives of Turkey) With Lunch: $25
- Bodrum Black island Tour: $26
- Bodrum Village Tour with Group: $26
- Carpet Weaving Art Lessons & Experience: $27
- Orak island Boat Tour: $27
- Black Island Boat Tour with Lunch: $30
- Turkish Bath Experience: $31
- Boat Tour for Mein Schiff Cruise Passengers: $32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
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Bosphurus Boat (for 2)$0.62
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Yerebatan Cistern for Two$0.62
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Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two$0.31
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Hagia Sofia entrance$0.93
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- 2 Hours Ultimate Kebab Experience in Galata, Istanbul: $128
- 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $273
- All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $164
- Full Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour: $42
- Green Bursa ~ Uludag Mountain, private Tour;Solo ;Groups: $60
- Istanbul City Tour Full Day (ASIA AND EUROPE) and Bosphorus Tour: $120
- Istanbul Customized Daily Tour: $200
- Istanbul Half Day City Tour (Ottoman Relics): $55
- City Highlights Tour w/Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque: $35
- Must - See Istanbul Stops 1: Half Day Morning Tour: $139
- 1 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $68
- 1-Day Private Istanbul Layover Tour : $220
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBodrum $14Istanbul $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
- Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $45
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $84
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $246
- Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
- Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $840
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bodrum Expensive? and Is Istanbul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Istanbul?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and 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 along with the activities and attractions 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBodrum 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBodrum 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBodrum 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBodrum 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.