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

Should you visit Bodrum or Palermo?

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 Palermo 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 Palermo?

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.

Palermo

Located on its north coast, Palermo is the capital city of Sicily. The city has a lot to offer visitors who decide to venture to this often overlooked part of Italy. There is an interesting history, some unique and delicious food, and a fascinating culture. Prices in Sicily are generally cheaper than elsewhere in Italy. There are a handful of budget accommodation options and plenty of mid range hotels that are spread throughout the city. The rooms are usually comfortable and clean but as always, read reviews before making your reservation.

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


Which place is cheaper, Palermo 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 Palermo is $99. 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 Palermo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $48
    Palermo $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $96
    Palermo $120
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Palermo

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Palermo? 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 Palermo


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 Palermo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $24
    Palermo $6.04

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palermo

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Palermo:


  • Bus to Monreale
    $3.21
  • Bus From Airport
    $6.43
  • 90 Minute Bus Pass
    $1.39
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palermo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palermo:

  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Verdura Resort Sciacca or vice versa: $233
  • Transfer from Palermo Airport to Verdura Resort: $214
  • Private Golf Club Class w/ Transfer, Ticket, & Food: $176
  • Palermo Airport (PMO) Departure Transfer (Palermo Hotels or address to Airport): $156
  • Private Transfer Palermo Airport to/from Adler SPA Resort Sicily: $149
  • Private Transfer Trapani or San Vito lo Capo to Palermo Airport by Car or Van: $146
  • Palermo Private Transfer from or to Palermo Airport in Sicily : $137
  • Transfer from Palermo Airport to Palermo: $131
  • Private Transfer from Palermo (PMO) Airport to Santa Flavia: $124
  • Private Transfer Palermo Airport to/from San Vito Lo Capo, Macari: $109
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Marsala port or vice versa: $109
  • Transfers From / to Palermo Airport: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Palermo?

Prices for flights to both Palermo 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
    Palermo $31

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 Palermo

Some typical examples of dining costs in Palermo are as follows:


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $34
  • Fast Food Lunch
    $5.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palermo

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

  • Street Food Tour: $42
  • Street Food Tour: $65
  • Explore Palermo's with a Food Tour & Pizza Making Class: $68
  • Small Group Night Street Food Tour: $68
  • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine: $74
  • Palermo Traditional Food Tour: $74
  • Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making: $75
  • Night Street Food Tour of Palermo : $75
  • Secret Food Tours Palermo: $85
  • Street Food Tour in Ballarò and Vucciria Markets: $86
  • Walking Street Food Tour with the Chef: $91
  • Sicilian Cooking Class: $101

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bodrum $31
    Palermo $18

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 Palermo

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Palermo are as follows:


  • Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)
    $6.43
  • Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)
    $13
  • Theater Tickets (for Two)
    $53

Tours and Activities in Palermo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palermo are as follows:

  • 4 Hours Private Architectural Tour in Palermo: $165
  • Agrigento - Private Tour to the Valley of the Temples from Palermo: $295
  • Agrigento Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale Tour from Palermo: $133
  • Ballaro 'street food market tour & Santa Rosalia Sanctuary: $208
  • Cappella Palatina and Palazzo dei Normanni Tour: $91
  • Captivating Agrigento Sunset Tour of Valle dei Templi: $43
  • Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral Private Tour: $192
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Palermo: $152
  • Discover the Charm of A 3-Hour UNESCO Sites Walking Tour: $38
  • Eating Street Food & Market Tour: $117
  • English or Spanish tour to immersive museum + lunch: $37
  • Entrance ticket to the Radici Piccolo Museo Della Natura: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bodrum $14
    Palermo $12

Typical Alcohol Prices in Palermo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Palermo:


  • Beer
    $2.74
  • Bottle of Quality Wine
    $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Palermo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Palermo:

  • Pub Crawl Palermo: $16
  • Wine Tasting with Snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $41
  • Natural Local Wine Tasting & Sicilian Tapas: $49
  • Natural Wine Tasting with snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $53
  • Eating Palermo Food & Wine Tour: $82
  • 2-Hour Sicilian Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour: $128
  • From Erice and Marsala Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Wine Tasting for Small Groups in the Palermo Countryside: $196


When comparing the travel costs between Bodrum and Palermo, we can see that Palermo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Palermo?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Palermo, 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 Palermo?

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 Palermo in the Summer?

Both Palermo and Bodrum during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Palermo this time of year.

In the summer, Bodrum is a little warmer than Palermo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bodrum in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Palermo averages at about 25°C (76°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in July than Palermo. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F) 
    Palermo 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Palermo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Palermo. Furthermore, many travelers come to Palermo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bodrum is generally around the same temperature as Palermo. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 19°C (66°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In October, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Palermo. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F) 
    Palermo 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Palermo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Palermo. Additionally, many visitors come to Palermo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bodrum is cooler than Palermo in the winter. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Palermo fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Bodrum receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bodrum usually gets more rain in January than Palermo. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F) 
    Palermo 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Palermo in the Spring?

Both Palermo and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Palermo for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Bodrum is around the same temperature as Palermo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bodrum in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Palermo averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In April, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Palermo. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F) 
    Palermo 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Palermo and Bodrum

Bodrum Palermo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 25°C (76°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)