Which place is cheaper, Marbella or Bodrum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bodrum or Marbella?
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 Marbella 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 Marbella?
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.
Marbella
Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.
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 Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBodrum $92Marbella $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $92, while the average daily cost in Marbella is $126. 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 Marbella in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBodrum $48Marbella $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBodrum $96Marbella $134
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Marbella
Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Marbella? 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 Marbella Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bodrum $24Marbella $26
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 Marbella
Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Malaga: Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Marbella: $235
- Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $214
- Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
- Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $155
- Private Transfer from La Quinta Golf Resort to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Guadalmina to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Benamargosa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $120
- Private Transfer from Torrox Costa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $120
- Private Transfer from Torrox to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $120
- Private Transfer from Algarrobo to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $109
- Private Transfer from Los Monteros to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Marbella?
Prices for flights to both Marbella 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 $24Marbella $41
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 Marbella
For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tour: $87
- Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bodrum $31Marbella $21
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 Marbella
For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
- 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 160€: $174
- Antequera Classic Winery Tour: $206
- Authentic Andalusia - Jeep Eco Tour (pick up from Marbella - Estepona) : $98
- Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
- Buggy Adventure with Incredible Views of the Sea and the Reservoir: $109
- Caminito del Rey and Ardales Guided Tour from Costa del Sol: $75
- Canyoning Experience Near Marbella (Benahavís River Walk): $43
- Discover Marbella's Old Town with five-star private tour: $97
- Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
- Dolphin Watching Tour on Sailboat in Marbella: $71
- E-Bike Tour through Marbella/ Puerto Banús and San Pedro: $101
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBodrum $14Marbella $6.19
Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella
Also in Marbella, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
- From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
- Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
- From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
- From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
- Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
- VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $271
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bodrum and Marbella, we can see that Marbella 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 Marbella would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marbella 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 Marbella Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Marbella?
Marbella has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Marbella, 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 Marbella?
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 Marbella in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Marbella. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Bodrum is around the same temperature as Marbella in the summer. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Marbella fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In July, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Marbella. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBodrum 27°C (81°F)Marbella 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Bodrum or Marbella in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Marbella. Additionally, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.
In the autumn, Bodrum is around the same temperature as Marbella. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bodrum in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Marbella averages at about 19°C (67°F).
Bodrum usually gets less rain in October than Marbella. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBodrum 19°C (66°F)Marbella 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Bodrum or Marbella in the Winter?
Both Marbella and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Bodrum is generally cooler than Marbella. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 10°C (50°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It's quite rainy in Bodrum. In January, Bodrum usually receives more rain than Marbella. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBodrum 10°C (50°F)Marbella 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Bodrum or Marbella in the Spring?
Both Marbella and Bodrum during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Marbella in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Bodrum is around the same temperature as Marbella in the spring. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Marbella fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Bodrum usually gets less rain in April than Marbella. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBodrum 15°C (59°F)Marbella 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Marbella and Bodrum
| Bodrum | Marbella | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.