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

Should you visit Bodrum or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii

Pompeii was once a 160-acre Roman port city, called home by more than 20,000 residents. In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted and after burying the entire city 16 feet deep in ash, the debris destroyed everything in its path, killing thousands of people and affecting more than 200 square miles around the area.

However, the phenomenon is that the ash preserved everything as it was in that time and to this day, you can visit and observe life as it was nearly two thousand years ago, as figures of people running from the explosion have been burned permanently into history.

The best time to visit Pompeii is during spring, after the rains of March and before the scorching heat of June and July. On the downside, this is the beginning of the busy season for tourists, so while you'll enjoy pleasant weather, you won't be likely to avoid crowds. Conversely, November starts the low-season for travel, so you can easily skip the crowds, though you may have to compromise on weather, as the rains return this time of year. Rain and crowds won't be an issue if you visit during winter, but be warned, temperatures drop down to the 50's during the day, accompanied by winds.

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


Which place is cheaper, Pompeii 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 Pompeii is $161. 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 Pompeii in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $48
    Pompeii $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $96
    Pompeii $150
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Pompeii

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Pompeii? 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 Pompeii


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 Pompeii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $24
    Pompeii $57

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 Pompeii

Also for Pompeii, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Private from Ravello to Naples: $239
  • Transfers Ravello - Naples: $207
  • Organic Wine Tasting & Lunch on Vesuvius with Transfer from Pompeii: $132
  • Private transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Private transfer from Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Small Group Pompeii Wine Tasting with Lunch & Transfer Included : $97
  • Transfers from Naples to Sorrento Positano Amalfi Ravello Maiori: $97
  • Transfer from Pompeii to Naples or viceversa: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Pompeii?

Prices for flights to both Pompeii 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
    Pompeii $38

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 Pompeii

For Pompeii, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traditional Neapolitan Dinner in Pompei - Villa Franca - Family Restourant: $38
  • Cooking Class with Italian Mamma in Pompeii: $65
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Pompei: $93
  • Pompei tour with a 2000 years roman dinner: $112
  • Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Pompei: $142
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Pompei: $158
  • Private Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Pompei: $158
  • Private market tour and cooking class with lunch or dinner in Pompei: $206
  • guided tour of the ruins and cooking class fresh pasta : $272
  • Cooking class: Pasta Experience in Pompei, Italy: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bodrum $31
    Pompeii $82

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 Pompeii

For Pompeii, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Pompeii Archeological Site Fast Track Entry Ticket : $36
  • Pompeii Day Tour: $97
  • 2 Hour Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide in Pompeii: $251
  • 2 Hours Private Tour of Pompeii for Journey Through Time: $196
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Pompeii with an Archaeologist: $272
  • 2 days tour: Pompei & Naples center with underground: $207
  • 2 hours Pompeii Tour with local historian - ticket included: $60
  • 2-hour Private Guided Tour of Pompeii: $272
  • Best of Pompeii - 2 hour Private Tour with Alex: $271
  • Complete Pompeii Skip the Line Tour with Archaeologist Guide: $55
  • Discover Pompeii on this Guided Walking Tour of the Buried City: $63
  • Discover hidden secrets of Pompei on a Private tour with a local: $118

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bodrum $14
    Pompeii $7.84

Sample the Local Flavors in Pompeii

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

  • Wine Tasting Tour on the Slopes of Vesuvius: $46
  • Wine Tasting on Mt. Vesuvius: $55
  • Seafood Lunch with Wine Tasting & Tour on a golf cart: $87
  • Guided Tour of Pompeii Ruins with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $98
  • Private Wine Tour and Tasting in Pompeii with a Local: $124
  • Pompeii Guided Tour & Horse Riding on Vesuvius with Wine Tasting: $191
  • Pompeii, Herculaneum and scenic drive of the Mt. Vesuvius with wine tasting: $207


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



When is the best time to visit Bodrum or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Pompeii. Also, most visitors come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bodrum is a little warmer than Pompeii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bodrum in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Pompeii averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In July, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F) 
    Pompeii 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Pompeii.

In October, Bodrum is generally a little warmer than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 19°C (66°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Bodrum usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F) 
    Pompeii 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year.

Bodrum is a little warmer than Pompeii in the winter. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. It's quite rainy in Bodrum. In January, Bodrum usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F) 
    Pompeii 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Bodrum during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Bodrum is a little warmer than Pompeii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bodrum in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Pompeii averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F) 
    Pompeii 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Bodrum

Bodrum Pompeii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)