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

Should you visit Bodrum or Zadar?

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 Zadar 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 Zadar?

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.

Zadar

You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.

The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.

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 Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar 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 Zadar is $95. 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 Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $48
    Zadar $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $96
    Zadar $108
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Zadar? 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 Zadar


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 Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $24
    Zadar $10

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Transfer Zadar - Zagreb: $741
  • Transfer Zagreb - Zadar: $664
  • From Private Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport: $609
  • Zadar Airport Private Transfer: Makarska/Tucepi/Baska Voda: $459
  • From Zagreb & Franjo Tudman Airport Private Transfer: $459
  • Plitvice Lakes: Transfer Tour with pro photographer: $428
  • From Plitvice Lakes Private Round-Trip Transfer: $398
  • private transfer from Trogir to Zadar airport/Zadar: $312
  • Private transfer (Taxi) - Zadar to Split: $284
  • Krka National Park Private Tour from Zadar with transfer to Split: $283
  • Private one way transfer from Zadar to Split: $276
  • Private One Way Transfer from Split to Zadar: $276

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar 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
    Zadar $30

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 Zadar

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

  • Small Group Cooking Class: $39
  • Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bodrum $31
    Zadar $20

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

Tours and Activities in Zadar

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

  • Panorama guided Zadar Eco Tuk Tuk tour: $53
  • Private boat tour to the islands of Zadar with snorkeling equipment: $240
  • Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $44
  • Šibenik and Zadar private tour from Split or Trogir: $166
  • 2 Hour Quad ATV Mountain Adventure in Starigrad: $130
  • 2 Hour Sunset Boat Tour in Zadar Coast: $32
  • 3 Islands Boat and Snorkeling tour with Fruits and Prosecco: $43
  • 3-Hour Zadar Food Tasting Tour: $97
  • Adriatic Breeze - Kornati Speedboat and Sailing Tour: $338
  • Be a Local: Private Tour from Olive Harvest to Culinary Delight: $218
  • Boat Tour around Zadar Islands with snorkeling during half day excursion: $55
  • Daysailing & SUP experience: $98

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar

Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
  • Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
  • Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98


When comparing the travel costs between Bodrum and Zadar, we can see that Zadar 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 Zadar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Zadar, 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 Zadar?

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 Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Bodrum during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bodrum is around the same temperature as Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in July than Zadar. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F) 
    Zadar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Zadar. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Bodrum is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bodrum in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In October, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Zadar. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F) 
    Zadar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Zadar. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Zadar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Bodrum is generally a little warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 10°C (50°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Bodrum receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bodrum usually gets more rain in January than Zadar. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Bodrum or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

Bodrum is around the same temperature as Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In April, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Zadar. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Zadar and Bodrum

Bodrum Zadar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)