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

Should you visit Bodrum or Positano?

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 Positano 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 Positano?

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.

Positano

Located on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, Positano is a very scenic town that offers spectacular coastal views. The town sits on the edge of a hill and flows down toward the sea. Because of its dramatic beauty, Positano attracts thousands of visitors year around.

The town dates back to medieval times when it was a port for the Amalfi Republic. It thrived throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries but by the mid-nineteenth century its prosperity was falling. During those times more than half of the population left, migrating predominantly to America. During the 1950s the town gained popularity as a tourist destination, in part because of John Steinbeck's essay about the area in Harper's Bazaar (May, 1953).

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Positano 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 Positano is $238. 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 Positano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $48
    Positano $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $96
    Positano $316
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Positano

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Positano? 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 Positano


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 Positano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $24
    Positano $8.28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum

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

  • Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Seferihisar: $218
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kusadasi Hotels: $202
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Mugla City Center Hotels: $174
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyaka Hotels: $174
  • Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Kusadasi: $131
  • Bodrum Akyarlar Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $125
  • Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Soke (Söke): $125
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kadikalesi Hotels: $114
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Bodrum Airport to Marmaris Hotels: $109
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyarlar Hotels: $109
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Yalikavak Hotels: $104
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Turgutreis Hotels: $101

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Positano

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


  • Bus Ticket
    $1.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Positano

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

  • Private Transfer to/from Rome & Pompeii Ruins: $839
  • From Sorrento & Pompeii Private Tour w/ Transfers: $642
  • Private Transfer from Positano to Naples Airport, Port or Train station: $288
  • Private Transfer from Positano to Naples Airport: $283
  • Transfer Naples - Positano: $273
  • From Salerno Station: 1-Way Private Transfer to Positano: $266
  • Private Transfer from Positano to Naples Central Station: $262
  • From the Coast: Pompeii the Real All Inclusive Service(Guide,Transfer,Ticket): $257
  • Transfer from Naples to Positano or Positano to Naples : $240
  • Positano to Fiumicino Rome Airport (FCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $224
  • Private Transfer to Naples with WiFi: $214
  • Transfers Positano - Naples: $207

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Positano?

Prices for flights to both Positano 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
    Positano $57

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 Positano

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Positano:


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $33
  • Pizza in a Restaurant
    $9.99
  • Sandwich in a Restaurant
    $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Positano

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

  • Gastronomical Amalfi Coast Hike with Cooking Class: $45
  • Cooking class with Pasta, mozzarella and Tiramisu with wine: $64
  • Cooking lesson: tagliatelle, mozzarella and tiramisu: $76
  • Amalfi Coast Cooking Class: Pasta Mozzarella & Tiramisu with Wine: $88
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sant'Agnello with Show Cooking: $93
  • Sorrento Pizza School Activity in Italy: $98
  • Small Group Positano Cooking Class Gnocchi Tiramisù with Drinks : $147
  • Lemon & sea food cooking class at local's home: $169
  • Small Group Home Cooking Class with a Local: $191
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $191
  • Cesarine: Small group Pizza and Tiramisu Class in Positano: $195
  • Vico Equense: Market Tour, Home Cooking Class, and Dinner: $202

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bodrum $31
    Positano $65

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Positano

For Positano, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Chair & Umbrella at Spiaggia Grande
    $18
  • Day Trip of Capri & Amalfi
    $86
  • Sunset Cruise
    $26
  • Full Day Wine Tour
    $104
  • Cooking Class
    $70

Tours and Activities in Positano

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Positano.

  • Guided Tour Pompeii And Vesuvius from Positano Skip the Line: $299
  • Amalfi Coast Luxury Private Experience in Motor Boat: $1,572
  • Amalfi Coast Premium Boat Tour From Sorrento Max 8 People: $245
  • Amalfi Coast Private Half Day Tour from Positano/Praiano: $1,357
  • Amalfi Coast Tour: $294
  • Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $2,139
  • Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $1,283
  • Amalfi Coast: Path of the Gods Private Walking Tour: $134
  • Amalfi Coast: Pompei & Vesuvius small group with Skip the line tickets: $147
  • Amalfi Coast: Romantic Sunset Cruise with Music & Cocktails: $160
  • Amalfi and Positano Boat Tour: $209
  • Breathtaking Journey on the Path of Gods: Tour from Positano: $2,055

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bodrum $14
    Positano $17

Typical Alcohol Prices in Positano

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


  • Bottle of Limoncello
    $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Positano

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

  • 5 Wine Tastings with Typical Products in Sorrento Coast: $76
  • Small Group Positano Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $108
  • Pompeii Wine Tasting Tour from Positano: $246


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


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Positano?

Bodrum has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Positano, 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 Positano?

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 Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

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


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

Should I visit Bodrum or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Bodrum during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bodrum usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Bodrum or Positano in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Positano. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

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

Positano receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bodrum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bodrum usually receives more rain than Positano. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Bodrum or Positano in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Positano. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

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


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

Typical Weather for Positano and Bodrum

Bodrum Positano
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)