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

Should you visit Bodrum or Messina?

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 Messina 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 Messina?

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.

Messina

Messina is a city in the northwest area of Sicily. There are only five kilometers across the Straits of Messina to the Calabria region of mainland Italy. You can reach Messina by boats which travel every hour from the town of Villa San Giovanni in mainland Italy. There are also a couple of hydrofoils that make the trip every day from Reggio di Calabria. During the summer season don't be surprised to see cruise ships arriving with crowds of tourists. They are usually docked right downtown and are therefore hard to miss. Messina is also connected to mainland Italy by train, which are transported across the Straits of Messina by ferry.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Messina 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 Messina is $127. 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 Messina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $48
    Messina $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $96
    Messina $140
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Messina

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Messina? 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 Messina


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 Messina Hotel Prices.

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Messina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Messina:

  • From Private Air-Conditioned Transfer to Taormina: $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Messina?

Prices for flights to both Messina 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
    Messina $40

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 Messina

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

  • Private Home Cooking Demo with a Four-Course Meal: $112
  • Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Messina: $115
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $149
  • Messina Private Home Cooking Class: $155
  • Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Messina: $158
  • Market Tour, Private Home Cooking Class and Dinner: $202

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bodrum $31
    Messina $23

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

Tours and Activities in Messina

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

  • Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion: $120
  • Messina Taormina: cultural heritage experience: $85
  • 2,5-Hour Messina Walking Tour: $46
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Messina: $271
  • 3-Hour Messina Segway PT Authorized Tour: $118
  • Alfotour 2/3 hour tour with swimming stop: $32
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Messina: $152
  • Etna Alcantara tour: the majestic lava landscape : $126
  • Etna Taormina and Castelmola The best excursion for cruise passengers from Messina: $208
  • Etna and Taormina Private Tour from Giardini Naxos: $240
  • From Private Guided Day Tour of Savoca and Taormina: $642
  • From Private Tour of Etna & Taormina with Pickup: $684

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bodrum $14
    Messina $19


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bodrum and Messina, we can see that Messina 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 Messina would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Messina 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 Messina Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Messina?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Messina, 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 Messina?

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 Messina in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Messina. Additionally, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Messina this time of year.

In July, Bodrum is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 27°C (81°F), and Messina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in July than Messina. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F) 
    Messina 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Messina in the Autumn?

Both Messina and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Bodrum is around the same temperature as Messina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Messina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. In October, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Messina. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F) 
    Messina 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Messina in the Winter?

Both Messina and Bodrum during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Messina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bodrum is cooler than Messina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bodrum in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Messina averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bodrum. Bodrum usually gets more rain in January than Messina. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F) 
    Messina 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Messina in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Messina. Also, most visitors come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Bodrum is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 15°C (59°F), and Messina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In April, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Messina. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F) 
    Messina 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Messina and Bodrum

Bodrum Messina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 113 mm (4.5 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 25°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)