Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Bodrum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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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 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.
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Bodrum Prices
Turkey PricesIstanbul Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBodrum $103Istanbul $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $103, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $139. 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 $45Istanbul $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBodrum $90Istanbul $88
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 $22Istanbul $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum
Also for Bodrum, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Ferry Transfer to Kos: $25
- Boat Cruise with Lunch and Optional Hotel Transfer: $26
- Bodrum Traditional Turkish Bath Experience With Hotel Transfer: $35
- From Private Village Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $37
- İzmir Airport - Kuşadası / İzmir Center : 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: $40
- Bodrum Airport Transfer Luxury Vito or Minibus: $43
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bodrum Airport to Central Bodrum or Bodrum Peninsula Hotels: $43
- Bodrum Private Transfer from Bodrum Peninsula hotels to Bodrum Airport: $43
- Comfortable Turkish Bath and Spa, from Bodrum include Transfers: $43
- Turkish Bath and Spa Experience with Hotel Transfers: $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Ferry$0.08
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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: $581
- From 2-Day Cappadocia Trip w/ Flight and Transfers: $431
- From Pamukkale Day Tour With Flights and Transfers: $412
- Layover Private Guided Istanbul City Tour with Transfers: $263
- Private Transfer to Bursa Uludag Hotels from Sabiha Gokcen airport: $245
- Private Guided Istanbul Luxury Tour (Tickets and Transfers): $240
- 3-Day Tours & Transfer Package: $222
- Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Airport Private Transfer or Vice Versa (1-13pax): $215
- Full-Day Old City Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $210
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Sabiha Airport SAW to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $210
- Istanbul Old City Tour With Professional Guide & Transfer: $209
- Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Airport Private Transfer or Vice Versa (1-10pax): $208
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 $39Istanbul $50
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: $53
- Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $129
- Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $129
- Bodrum Market Visit and Cooking Class: $137
- Bodrum Cooking Class: $172
- 3-Hour Private Sunset Boat Tour With Dinner in Bodrum: $211
- Sunset Boat Trip including Dinner: $215
- Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $240
- Bodrum Private Motor-Yacht Sunset Tour With Dinner For 3 Hour : $292
- Rustic cooking day at Bodrum country home: $554
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$0.25
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Pastries$0.04
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 with Entertainment: $21
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $21
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Private Table: $22
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Folklore Show & Dinner: $22
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour With Turkish Night Show: $22
- Bosphorus Cruise with Dinner Show: $26
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $26
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $26
- Dinner Cruise Bosphorus with Hotel Transfer: $28
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Dance Shows with Private Table: $29
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bodrum $29Istanbul $74
Tours and Activities in Bodrum
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bodrum.
- Bodrum Boat Tour with Lunch: Beaches and Islands: $21
- Daily Boat Tour (Akvaryum) around Bodrum and Black Island Coves : $21
- Orakadasi Boat Tour From Bodrum (Maldives of Turkey) With Lunch: $25
- Orak Island Boat Tour with Swim Stops and Lunch: $26
- Orak island Boat Tour: $27
- Traditional Turkish Hammam Experience: $32
- Bodrum Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $38
- Bodrum Aquapark Ticket: $38
- Bodrum Village Tour with Group: $38
- Bodrum Cleopatra & Orak Island Mix Tour by Boat: $42
- Private Bodrum Village Tour + 1 Glass Free Local Wine: $42
- Carpet Weaving Art Lessons & Experience: $43
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)$0.58
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Yerebatan Cistern for Two$0.58
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Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two$0.29
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Hagia Sofia entrance$0.87
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $269
- All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $162
- Full Day Guided Tour in Istanbul (SL-9): $107
- Hagia Sophia Private Tour - Skip the Ticket Line : $120
- "Ertugrul & Osman Gazi Film Set Tour with Lunch": $132
- 1 Tour: Istanbul Highlights Street Food & Hidden Pearls: $199
- 1 or 2- Day Istanbul Highlights Tour w/ a Professional Guide: $53
- 2 - Hours Bosphorus Yacht Cruise: $299
- 2 Day Cappadocia Tour with Istanbul Flights &Hot Air Balloon Tour: $214
- 2 Day Red & Blue Tour from Cappadocia Hotel Lunch,Fees,Guide: $159
- 2 Days Cappadocia Tour From Istanbul by Overnight Bus: $317
- 2 Days Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul and ending Antalya: $719
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBodrum $13Istanbul $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Bar Night Pub Crawl: $12
- Rooftop Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $26
- Istanbul Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus in Sultanahmet and Taksim: $28
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $30
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $90
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $242
- Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
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 | |||
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| 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.