Which place is cheaper, Thessaloniki or Bodrum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bodrum or Thessaloniki?
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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki?
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.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and serves as the capital city of the Central Macedonia region. It also has a rich history dating back more than 3,000 years. As a visitor, you'll find that the city has been touched by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, all of which left their mark. In particular, the many Byzantine churches are quite impressive, with some of them listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBodrum $92Thessaloniki $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $92, while the average daily cost in Thessaloniki is $144. 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 Thessaloniki in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBodrum $48Thessaloniki $85
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBodrum $96Thessaloniki $170
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Thessaloniki
Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Thessaloniki? 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 Thessaloniki Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bodrum $24Thessaloniki $14
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 Thessaloniki
Also for Thessaloniki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Private Day Trip to Meteora with Transfer: $428
- Private Transfer from Thessaloniki to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $254
- Private Transfer from Kavala to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $237
- Transfer from Thessaloniki to Ikos Oceania: $153
- Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Transfer to Thessaloniki city: $142
- Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Transfer to Thessaloniki Port: $142
- Thessaloniki Cruise Port: Transfer to Thessaloniki city: $142
- Thessaloniki Airport to Alia Palace Hotel Private Transfer: $131
- Private Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport from Thessaloniki City: $120
- Thessaloniki Airport to Afitis Boutique Hotel Private Transfer: $109
- Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Ammon Zeus Hotel : $109
- Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Resort: $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Thessaloniki?
Prices for flights to both Thessaloniki 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 $24Thessaloniki $45
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 Thessaloniki
For Thessaloniki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Open Market Food Tour with Tasting: $48
- Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $49
- Cooking & Dining Experience with Greek Family: $63
- Guided Food Tour: $70
- Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $71
- Private Walking Tour Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $87
- Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $95
- Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $95
- Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $95
- Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $97
- Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $97
- Greek Cooking Class, Market visit and Lunch: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bodrum $31Thessaloniki $28
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 Thessaloniki
For Thessaloniki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4-Hour Thessaloniki Jewish Heritage Private Guided Tour: $207
- Archery Odyssey Traditional Archery Experience: $65
- Best of Private Guided Tour: $218
- Best of Private Guided Tour: $192
- Charming pearls of Thessaloniki – Romantic Tour: $153
- City Sightseeing Thessaloniki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
- Daily Cruise:Discover Thessaloniki in a different way: $1,069
- Daily Sailing Cruise Olympus Riviera Highlights: $122
- Day Tour at Royal Tombs of Aigai and Museum of Pella with pickup: $93
- Dion and Palaios Panteleimon Myth and History Tour: $153
- Dion-Olympus Private Tour from Thessaloniki: $96
- Discover Olympus from Paralia in Jeep Safari Shared Tour: $76
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBodrum $14Thessaloniki $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki
Also in Thessaloniki, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
- From Pella-Edessa wine tasting: $64
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $81
- Thessaloniki Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $83
- Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $91
- Wine Tasting Experience from Thessaloniki: $93
- Thessaloniki to Naoussa, Wine Tasting Tour – Private Day Trip: $207
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bodrum and Thessaloniki, we can see that Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Thessaloniki?
Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Thessaloniki, 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 Thessaloniki?
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 Thessaloniki in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Thessaloniki. Also, many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Bodrum is around the same temperature as Thessaloniki in the summer. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In July, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Thessaloniki. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBodrum 27°C (81°F)Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Bodrum or Thessaloniki in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Thessaloniki. Also, most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Bodrum is a little warmer than Thessaloniki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bodrum in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 16°C (61°F).
Bodrum usually gets less rain in October than Thessaloniki. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBodrum 19°C (66°F)Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Bodrum or Thessaloniki in the Winter?
Both Thessaloniki and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Bodrum is generally much warmer than Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 10°C (50°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
It's quite rainy in Bodrum. In January, Bodrum usually receives more rain than Thessaloniki. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBodrum 10°C (50°F)Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Bodrum or Thessaloniki in the Spring?
Both Thessaloniki and Bodrum during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year.
Bodrum is a little warmer than Thessaloniki in the spring. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
Bodrum usually gets less rain in April than Thessaloniki. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBodrum 15°C (59°F)Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Thessaloniki and Bodrum
| Bodrum | Thessaloniki | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
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.