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 $77Istanbul $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $77, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $159. 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 $34Istanbul $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBodrum $68Istanbul $148
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 $17Istanbul $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum
Also for Bodrum, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Traditional Turkish Hamam with Hotel or Port Transfer – Bodrum: $22
- Authentic Turkish Hamam and Spa Unforgettable Ritual WithTransfer: $23
- From Ferry Transfer to Kos: $28
- Orak Island Boat Trip with Lunch & Optional Transfer: $28
- Bodrum Orak Island Boat Trip Include Hotel Transfer and Lunch: $30
- İzmir Airport - Kuşadası / İzmir Center : Private Transfer: $31
- Turkish Bath and Spa Experience with Hotel Transfers: $37
- Bodrum Hotel to Bodrum Airport private Transfer w local Company: $41
- From Private Village Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $41
- Private Departure Transfer: Central Bodrum or Bodrum Peninsula Hotels to Bodrum Airport: $44
- Full-Day Jeep Safari with Lunch and Hotel Transfer: $44
- Bodrum Private Airport Transfer Service: $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Metro Cards$4.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $297
- Istanbul Old City Private Tour With Professional Guide & Transfer: $274
- Private Transfer from Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gökcen Airport: $268
- Private Transfer to Bursa Uludag Hotels from Sabiha Gokcen airport: $245
- Istanbul Layover Tour: Private & Personalized with Transfers: $186
- Istanbul Private Tour Designed for Layover Flight, Transfer incl.: $175
- Istanbul Private Guided Tour for Cruise Layovers. Transfers incl.: $175
- Istanbul Layover Tour –Private Guide & Airport / Port Transfers: $170
- Private Transfers Between Istanbul New Airport - Istanbul Far Anatolian Side: $166
- Istanbul NEW Airport Private Transfer: $165
- Istanbul Private Airport Transfer: $157
- Istanbul to Gallipoli Full Day Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $152
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 $29Istanbul $59
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: $58
- Turkish Cooking Class in a Local Home: $70
- Christmas Dinner at Karnas Vineyards: $111
- Etrim Village Turkish Cooking and Farm Experience: $120
- Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $140
- Market Visit and Cooking Class: $152
- Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $204
- Sunset Boat Trip including Dinner: $233
- 3-Hour Private Sunset Boat Tour With Dinner in Bodrum: $237
- Private Sunset Boat Tour with Optional Dinner: $388
- From Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner & Swimming: $410
- Private Sunset Yacht Tour with light Dinner: $528
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour: $23
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Optional 4 Course Dinner: $25
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Live Folk Dance & DJ Experience: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show Private Table: $29
- Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show with Private Table: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show in Istanbul: $30
- Istanbul Night Life : Bosphorus Dinner Cruise - Unlimited Drinks: $31
- Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Private Table: $31
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show: $33
- Istanbul Turkish Coffee Cooking and Tasting with Locals at Home: $33
- Luxury Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkis Night Show in Istanbul: $34
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $34
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bodrum $22Istanbul $39
Tours and Activities in Bodrum
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bodrum.
- Turkish Bath Hamam Spa Experience: $17
- Authentic Ottoman Style Hammam Experience: $17
- Private Turkish Carpet Experience - Exclusive Shopping Tour: $20
- Bodrum to Kos Day Trip with Hotel Pickup And Ferry Tickets: $25
- Bodrum Boat Tour with Lunch: Beaches and Islands: $28
- Orak island Boat Tour - Lunch included: $28
- Orak Island Boat Tour with Swim Stops and Lunch: $29
- Karaada Boat Cruise with Lunch: $29
- Bodrum Orak Island Boat Cruise with Lunch and Swimming: $33
- Cleopatra Island Tour with Lunch and Swimming Stops: $34
- Boat Tour to Orak Island: $35
- Orakadasi Boat Tour From Bodrum (Maldives of Turkey) With Lunch: $35
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- "Classic Wonders" Tour: $117
- "Walk Through History: A Bespoke Istanbul Adventure": $149
- 1 Istanbul Tour: Highlights, Street Food & Hidden Pearls: $280
- 1 or 2 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $72
- 1,2 or 3 DAY: Private Guided Istanbul Tour from CRUISE SHIP or HOTEL: $130
- 1-Day Best of Istanbul Private Tour with the Best Local Guides: $295
- 1-Day Private Istanbul Layover Tour: $240
- 10 Tastings of Istanbul Foodie Tour: $105
- 2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise ((MORNING TOUR)): $23
- 2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise with Audio Guide: $14
- 2 Hours Small Group Guided Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Cruise: $33
- 2-Hour Scenic Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul Throughout the Day: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBodrum $9.54Istanbul $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl: Bars, Dancefloors, & Beyond: $18
- Pub Crawler VIP Entry Rooftop Bars&Clubs with Party Bus: $27
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Istanbul Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus in Sultanahmet and Taksim: $30
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries: $209
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.