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

Should you visit Bodrum or Saint Petersburg?

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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg?

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.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a beautiful city that sits on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea. Its historical city center is threaded with canals and architecturally impressive buildings, leaving little doubt as to why this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the second largest city in Russia, but perhaps a favorite among travelers. The metropolitan area has a population of over 5 million as well as an impressive culture with fascinating museums, restaurants, and architecture. The city has no shortage of sights and attractions, and many days can be passed while you wander its intricate streets.

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


Which place is cheaper, Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg is $63. 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 Saint Petersburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $48
    Saint Petersburg $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $96
    Saint Petersburg $72
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Saint Petersburg

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Saint Petersburg? 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 Saint Petersburg


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $24
    Saint Petersburg $7.29

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:


  • Metro Passes
    $1.34

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Saint Petersburg?

Prices for flights to both Saint Petersburg 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
    Saint Petersburg $18

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 Saint Petersburg

For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.61

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bodrum $14
    Saint Petersburg $9.68


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bodrum and Saint Petersburg, we can see that Bodrum is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Petersburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg.

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


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg?

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 Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Saint Petersburg.

Bodrum is much warmer than Saint Petersburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In July, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Saint Petersburg.

In the autumn, Bodrum is much warmer than Saint Petersburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bodrum in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in October than Saint Petersburg. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

Both Saint Petersburg and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In January, Bodrum is generally much warmer than Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 10°C (50°F), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around -8°C (18°F).

It's quite rainy in Bodrum. In January, Bodrum usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F) 
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

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

It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the spring. Bodrum is much warmer than Saint Petersburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Bodrum usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint Petersburg. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Bodrum

Bodrum Saint Petersburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)