A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bodrum vs. Luxor for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bodrum or Luxor?

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 Luxor 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 Luxor?

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.

Luxor

Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.

The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.

Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, and The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt.


Which place is cheaper, Luxor or Bodrum?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $92, while the average daily cost in Luxor is $17. 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 Luxor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $48
    Luxor $7.62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $96
    Luxor $15
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Luxor

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Luxor? 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 Luxor


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 Luxor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $24
    Luxor $3.91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum

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

  • Arrival Transfer Bodrum Airport BJV to Bodrum City by Minibus: $74
  • Bodrum Adventures ATV Quad Safari Tour with Roundtrip Transfer: $76
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyaka Hotels: $174
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyarlar Hotels: $109
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Bitez Hotels: $78
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Gumbet Hotels: $78
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Gundogan Hotels: $98
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Guvercinlik Hotels: $76
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kadikalesi Hotels: $114
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kusadasi Hotels: $202
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Mugla City Center Hotels: $174
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Ortakent Hotels: $98

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:

  • 3-Night Nile Cruise to Aswan with Transfers and Meals: $429
  • One Way Transfer From Luxor to Alexandria In A Private Vehicle: $295
  • Private transfer from Luxor to Aswan by Car: $280
  • Luxor to Marsa Alam Private Transfer: $277
  • Comfortable Private Transfer from Luxor to El Cairo: $273
  • Private Transfer from Luxor to Aswan: $270
  • Enjoy 2 days Luxor,Aswan,Abu Simbel includes daily lunch&transfers: $254
  • Private Transfer from Luxor to Hurghada : $230
  • Private Pickup Transfers from Luxor to Cairo by Bus : $220
  • Private Transfer from luxor to Aswan with 2 stops in Komombo & Edfu Temples : $220
  • Private Transfer Luxor City To El Gouna: $196
  • Private transfer - from Luxor to Hurghada and visit Dendara en route: $192

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Luxor?

Prices for flights to both Luxor 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 $24
    Luxor $5.83

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 Luxor

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

  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $35
  • Eat Like a Local:Traditional Egyptian Food / Dinner at Local Family Home - Luxor: $36
  • Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $38
  • Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $43
  • Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner Luxor: $45
  • Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner : $50
  • Private Half Day Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner From Luxor: $52
  • Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca  : $64
  • Luxor & Mummification Museums & City Tour by H. Carriage & Dinner: $70
  • Enjoy Half Day Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $90
  • Full day trip west Bank, Dandara and dinner on a boat.: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bodrum $31
    Luxor $6.74

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
  • Beaches and Islands Boat Tour with Lunch: $20
  • Orak Island Boat Tour with Swim Stops and Lunch: $24
  • Orakadasi Boat Tour From Bodrum (Maldives of Turkey) With Lunch: $25
  • Bodrum Black island Tour: $26
  • Bodrum Village Tour with Group: $26
  • Blue cruise around Bodrum bays: $28
  • Black Island Boat Tour with Lunch: $30
  • Turkish Bath Experience: $31
  • Boat Tour for Mein Schiff Cruise Passengers: $32
  • Half Day Guided Knidos Ancient City Tour: $35

Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor

Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Boat Ride (for 2)
    $0.57
  • Temple Karnak for Two
    $2.74
  • Camel Ride for Two
    $1.26

Tours and Activities in Luxor

Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 7 Hours Private Tour in Luxor with Lunch : $35
  • City Tour, Hot Air Balloon, Kings Valley, Felucca in Luxor: $110
  • Daily Tour at The East & West Bank of the Nile: $108
  • Day Private Tour to Karnak and Luxor Temples: $90
  • Day Tour to East and West Banks From Luxor: $24
  • Day Tour to Hathor Temple at Dendera from Luxor by car: $72
  • Day Tour to Madinet Habu Temple & the Workers Tombs: $54
  • Day tour to Aswan from Luxo visit Edfu,Kom Ombo,Phila Temples & Aswan dam.: $276
  • Dendera Temple Half Day Tour from Luxor: $29
  • Dendera and Abydos Temples Day Tour from Luxor with Lunch: $75
  • Dendera and Abydos Templs Full Day Tour: $170
  • East Bank Tour in Luxor: $87

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bodrum $14
    Luxor $2.26


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bodrum and Luxor, we can see that Bodrum is more expensive. And not only is Luxor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bodrum is in Europe and Luxor is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Luxor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luxor 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 Bodrum would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bodrum than you might in Luxor.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bodrum Expensive? and Is Luxor Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Luxor?

Luxor has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Luxor, 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 Luxor?

Bodrum has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luxor experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bodrum or Luxor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Luxor. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year.

The heat can be very extreme in Luxor. Bodrum is cooler than Luxor in the summer. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Luxor fluctuates around 33°C (91°F).

Bodrum usually gets more rain in July than Luxor. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F) 
    Luxor 33°C (91°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Luxor in the Autumn?

Both Luxor and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Bodrum is cooler than Luxor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bodrum in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Luxor averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In October, Bodrum usually receives more rain than Luxor. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F) 
    Luxor 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Luxor in the Winter?

Both Luxor and Bodrum during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round.

In January, Bodrum is generally cooler than Luxor. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 10°C (50°F), and Luxor fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bodrum. Bodrum usually gets more rain in January than Luxor. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F) 
    Luxor 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Luxor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Luxor. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Bodrum is much colder than Luxor in the spring. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Luxor fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In April, Bodrum usually receives more rain than Luxor. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F) 
    Luxor 25°C (77°F)

Typical Weather for Luxor and Bodrum

Bodrum Luxor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in)