Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Bodrum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bodrum or Lake Garda?
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 Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda?
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.
Lake Garda
As a gentle Mediterranean wind touches your skin, the aromatic fragrances of olive and lemon trees fill the air. Surrounded by lush gardens and Italian architecture in its ancient tans and beiges, you look to the horizon and find a paradise before your eyes: a shimmering lake, misty mountaintops, and a clear blue sky. Lake Garda is a popular holiday destination for locals of the Lombardy region and tourists alike. It has been shown that about 7% of Italy's tourists head straight for these gleaming blue shores. The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is located about halfway in between Brescia and Verona and between Venezia and Milano. Because it is surrounded by several different districts - Lombardy, Trentino, Alto, and the Veneto - Lake Garda is a culmination of culture that attracts cosmopolitan crowds. The lake is an ancient natural treasure Italy holds dear, with documents referring to Lake Garda dating as far back as the eighteenth century. The name "Garda" comes from the Germanic word "warda," which means "place of guard." Whether you are staying at one of the many luxurious resorts in Riva del Garda or are simply getting a pedicure in spa town Sirmione, Lake Garda continues to preserve its elegance and sophistication throughout the years.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBodrum $92Lake Garda $178
The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $92, while the average daily cost in Lake Garda is $178. 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 Lake Garda in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBodrum $48Lake Garda $90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBodrum $96Lake Garda $180
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Lake Garda
Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Lake Garda? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bodrum $24Lake Garda $70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum
Also for Bodrum, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- İzmir Airport - Kuşadası / İzmir Center : Private Transfer: $24
- Yaliciftlik Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $87
- Turgutreis Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $87
- Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Soke (Söke): $125
- Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Seferihisar: $218
- Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Kusadasi: $131
- River Rafting Tour with Breakfast, Lunch & Transfer from Bodrum: $85
- Private Transfer: Bodrum to Bodrum Airport (BJV) : $54
- Private Transfer: Bodrum Airport (BJV) to Bodrum: $54
- Private Transfer from Bodrum Port to Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV): $47
- Private Transfer from Bodrum Milas Airport BJV to Bodrum Port : $43
- Private Transfer from Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) to Bodrum Port: $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda
Also for Lake Garda, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $128
- Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Lake Garda?
Prices for flights to both Lake Garda 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 $24Lake Garda $45
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 Lake Garda
For Lake Garda, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $65
- Valpolicella Wine and Food Tour: $75
- Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $86
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cecina with Show Cooking: $93
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bodrum $31Lake Garda $32
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 Lake Garda
For Lake Garda, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
- 2 Hours Walking and Boat Tour in Sirmione Highlights: $53
- Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
- Best of Sirmione with Boat Tour and Grotte di Catullo : $97
- Boat Tour of the Islands of Lake Garda with Aperitif: $76
- Canyoning "Vione" - advanced tour, for sportive beginner: $106
- Dolomites Full-Day Tour from Lake Garda: $75
- Dolomites Full-day Tour from Lake Garda: $76
- Experience in Sirmione Lake Garda: $98
- Fabulous Heritage of Sirmione - Walking Tour: $185
- From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49
- From Dolomites Bus Tour: $73
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBodrum $14Lake Garda $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda
Also in Lake Garda, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $26
- Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
- Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
- Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
- Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
- Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
- Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
- E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $87
- E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $87
- Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $90
- Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $98
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bodrum and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Bodrum or Lake Garda?
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 Lake Garda in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Lake Garda. Also, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Bodrum is a little warmer than Lake Garda in the summer. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
In July, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBodrum 27°C (81°F)Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Bodrum or Lake Garda in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Lake Garda. Also, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Bodrum is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bodrum in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 14°C (57°F).
Bodrum usually gets less rain in October than Lake Garda. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBodrum 19°C (66°F)Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Bodrum or Lake Garda in the Winter?
Both Lake Garda and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Lake Garda can be very cold. In January, Bodrum is generally much warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 10°C (50°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
It's quite rainy in Bodrum. In January, Bodrum usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBodrum 10°C (50°F)Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Bodrum or Lake Garda in the Spring?
Both Lake Garda and Bodrum during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.
Bodrum is a little warmer than Lake Garda in the spring. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Bodrum usually gets less rain in April than Lake Garda. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBodrum 15°C (59°F)Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Bodrum
| Bodrum | Lake Garda | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 51 mm (2 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.