Which place is cheaper, Novalja or Bodrum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bodrum or Novalja?
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 Novalja 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 Novalja?
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.
Novalja
Novalja is a Croatian town in the north of the island of Pag in the Adriatic Sea. Novalja is known internationally as party central because of the infamous party beach, Zrce, which boasts 4 clubs open around the clock. The pumping house/techno music and dance parties typically start at around 4 pm and continue well past 2 in the morning. During the summer, many well-known DJs and groups from around the world, including Benni Benassi, Jamie Jones, and Swanky Tunes, host concerts in these nightclubs. Zrce is not just for party-goers though. Many families lay out their towels for a day at the beautiful stone beach. This Novalja beach has cafe-bars and restaurants so you can easily grab a bite to eat or quick drink at your convenience. In addition to Zrce, Novalja offers tourists a number of other gorgeous beaches. Cista and Babe and both are perfect if you're looking for a calmer location. Both of these beaches have a lot less activity than Zrce, making for a relaxing afternoon, and their waters tend to be a bit warmer too.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBodrum $92Novalja $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $92, while the average daily cost in Novalja is $62. 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 Novalja in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBodrum $48Novalja $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBodrum $96Novalja $68
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Novalja
Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Novalja? 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 Novalja Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bodrum $24Novalja $12
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 Novalja
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Novalja:
- Zrce, Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Crikvenica to Rijeka Airport (RJK): $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Novalja?
Prices for flights to both Novalja 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 $24Novalja $21
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bodrum $31Novalja $6.48
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 Novalja
Here are a few actual costs in Novalja for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- From Metajna/Pag Bay Guided Sea Kayaking Tour: $49
- From Kolan Bike Tour: $47
- From Svetojanj Bike Tour: $47
- Kayak and Via Ferrata Adventure: $71
- Bungee Tower Ticket with Zrce Beach Panoramic Views: $32
- Glowing Standup Paddleboard Guided Night Tour: $58
- Pag Island Light-Up Kayak Night Tour: $62
- Standup Paddleboard Guided Tour: $47
- Zrce Beach Bungee Jumping Experience: $74
- Zrce Booze Cruise - Novalja Boat Party: $52
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBodrum $14Novalja $7.76
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bodrum and Novalja, we can see that Bodrum is more expensive. And not only is Novalja much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Novalja would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Novalja 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 Novalja.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bodrum Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Novalja?
Bodrum has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Novalja, 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.
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.