Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Bodrum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bodrum or Malaga?
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 Malaga 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 Malaga?
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.
Malaga
Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBodrum $92Malaga $150
The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $92, while the average daily cost in Malaga is $150. 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 Malaga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBodrum $48Malaga $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBodrum $96Malaga $160
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Malaga
Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Malaga? 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 Malaga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bodrum $24Malaga $33
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: $19
- İzmir Airport - Kuşadası / İzmir Center : Private Transfer: $24
- Bodrum to Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) - Departure Private Transfer: $25
- Boat Cruise with Lunch and Optional Hotel Transfer: $27
- From Ferry Transfer to Kos: $27
- Turkish Bath and Spa Expereince with Hotel Transfers: $30
- From Private Village Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $34
- Bodrum Traditional Turkish Bath Experience With Hotel Transfer: $35
- Independent Day Trip to Kos Island from Bodrum with Transfers: $36
- Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) to Bodrum Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- From Kos: A day ride to Bodrum with comfortable transfer: $39
- Bodrum Quad Safari Tour With Free Hotel Transfer By Locals: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Córdoba: $295
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ubrique: $291
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (Agp) to Granada City: $289
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ferreirola: $267
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Bubión: $266
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Adra: $262
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Cortes de la Frontera: $247
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Lanjarón: $242
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada: $242
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Órgiva: $232
- Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $230
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Gaucín: $223
Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Malaga?
Prices for flights to both Malaga 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 $24Malaga $37
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
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
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Dinner for 2$32
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Dinner for 2$47
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Breakfast for 2$8.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.
- Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
- Malaga Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $86
- Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
- Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bodrum $31Malaga $33
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 Malaga
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:
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Entrance to Castillos$7.61
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Concert$33
Tours and Activities in Malaga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:
- Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $153
- Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $240
- Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
- Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
- 1 Hour Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $87
- 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
- 1h buggy tour: $115
- 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $164
- 2 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142
- 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $125
- 2 Hours Kayak Tour in Cerro Gordo Natural Park, La Herradura: $28
- 2-Hour French Guided Walking Tour in Malaga: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBodrum $14Malaga $24
Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga
Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
- Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
- Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $60
- Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
- Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
- Ronda Tour & Winery Experience with Wine Tasting from Malaga: $109
- Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $136
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bodrum and Malaga, we can see that Malaga 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Malaga?
Malaga has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Malaga, 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 Malaga?
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 Malaga in the Summer?
Both Malaga and Bodrum during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Bodrum is around the same temperature as Malaga in the summer. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Bodrum usually gets less rain in July than Malaga. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBodrum 27°C (81°F)Malaga 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Bodrum or Malaga in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Malaga. Furthermore, many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Bodrum is around the same temperature as Malaga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bodrum in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Malaga averages at about 19°C (67°F).
In October, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Malaga. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBodrum 19°C (66°F)Malaga 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Bodrum or Malaga in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Malaga. Additionally, most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Bodrum is generally cooler than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 10°C (50°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Bodrum receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bodrum usually gets more rain in January than Malaga. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBodrum 10°C (50°F)Malaga 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Bodrum or Malaga in the Spring?
Both Malaga and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
Bodrum is around the same temperature as Malaga in the spring. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In April, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Malaga. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBodrum 15°C (59°F)Malaga 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Malaga and Bodrum
| Bodrum | Malaga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 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.