Which place is cheaper, Bodrum or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dubai or Bodrum?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Bodrum can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Bodrum?
Dubai
Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $248Bodrum $92
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, while the average daily cost in Bodrum is $92. 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 Dubai and Bodrum in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Bodrum $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Bodrum $96
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Bodrum
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Bodrum? 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: Dubai Hotel Prices and Bodrum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Bodrum $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:
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Taxi Ride$12
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Airport Taxi$12
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Sea Taxi$0.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai
Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Burj Khalifa: Skip-the-Line Entry, Gourmet Meal, & Transfer: $799
- From Private Van Transfer in Maybach: $735
- Dubai Parasailing Tour With Private Transfers: $300
- Guided Abu Dhabi City Tour Private Transfer: $300
- Hot Air Balloon Flight with 4X4 Transfers: $299
- Hot Air Balloon with 60 Minutes Balloon Ride with Transfers: $299
- The Dubai Mall Tour with Private Transfers : $299
- Jet Car Ride for 2 Pax with Optional Transfer: $299
- Sky Dining Experience at Dubai Marina with Optional Transfers: $290
- 4 Seater Jet Car Adventure in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $280
- Jet Ski Self Ride in Dubai With Private Transfers: $280
- Afternoon High Tea in Burj Al Arab with Transfer: $275
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum
Also for Bodrum, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer | BODRUM - IZMIR Airport: $296
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Marmaris Hotels: $197
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Mugla City Center Hotels: $176
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Didim (Altinkum) Hotels: $137
- Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Kusadasi: $132
- Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Soke (Söke): $126
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kadikalesi Hotels: $115
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyarlar Hotels: $109
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Gumusluk Hotels: $109
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bodrum Airport to Marmaris Hotels: $109
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Yalikavak Hotels: $104
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Turgutreis Hotels: $101
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Bodrum?
Prices for flights to both Bodrum and Dubai 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 dayDubai $56Bodrum $24
Typical Food Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
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French bread$0.95
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Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice$10
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Lemon Mint Tea$4.36
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Coffee & Cake$6.53
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Smoothie$5.45
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Shawarma$1.91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Premium Dinner Cruise Al-Seef: $12
- Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek with Buffet Dinner: $14
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $14
- Dubai:Desert Safari BBQ dinner, Dune bashing,Camel&Sandboarding: $14
- Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $14
- Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
- 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
- Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
- Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet: $18
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $19
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: $126
- Bodrum Market Visit and Cooking Class: $129
- Bodrum Vineyard Tour with Dinner and Wine Pairing: $129
- Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $131
- Bodrum Cooking Class: $175
- 3-Hour Private Sunset Boat Tour With Dinner in Bodrum: $186
- Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $222
- Shore Excursions - Istanbul by Night: Turkish Food Tour: $252
- Private Vineyard Tour with Dinner Under the Stars in Karnas: $292
- From Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner & Swimming: $322
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Bodrum $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Visit to the Dubai Museum$0.82
Tours and Activities in Dubai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.
- 60 Minutes Dubai Yellow Boat Marina Tour: $78
- Abu Dhabi City Tour Including Ferrari World Ticket : $170
- Bur Dubai Abra Tour and Boat Ride with Museum of Illusions : $135
- Burj Khalifa Observation deck Dubai Admission Ticket : $71
- Classical Dubai Highlights City Tour : $44
- DXB Tour and Aquaventure water park & lost Chambers PRIVATE tour: $215
- Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with BF : $95
- Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with Breakfast: $105
- Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Explorer Tickets: $95
- Dubai City Tour : Half Day: $45
- Dubai City Tour(Full Day) with Burj Khalifa Ticket 'At the Top' : $225
- Dubai Frame Entry Ticket: $22
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: $279
- All Inclusive Private BODRUM to Ephesus, Mary's House, Lunch Tour: $299
- Ancient Ephesus tour with Virgin Mary's House from Bodrum: $104
- Boat tour: Bodrum Private Boat Tour for Cruise Customers: $804
- Bodrum ↔ Gulf of Gökova | Cabin Charter Cruise: $947
- Bodrum Aquapark Ticket: $38
- Bodrum Black island Tour: $26
- Bodrum Buggy Safari Tours: $57
- Bodrum City Sightseeing Walk: $151
- Bodrum City Tour: 5-Hour Private Excursion with Lunch: $269
- Bodrum City Walking Morning Sightseeing Tour: $214
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Bodrum $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
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A Couple Drinks$25
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tours: $66
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $67
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Bodrum, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Bodrum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Bodrum is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Bodrum Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Bodrum?
Dubai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Bodrum, 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 Dubai or Bodrum?
Bodrum has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Dubai or Bodrum in the Summer?
Both Bodrum and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year.
Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Bodrum. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Bodrum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In July, Dubai usually receives more rain than Bodrum. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubai 35°C (95°F)Bodrum 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Bodrum in the Autumn?
Both Bodrum and Dubai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Dubai is much warmer than Bodrum in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Bodrum fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Bodrum. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubai 29°C (84°F)Bodrum 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Bodrum in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Bodrum. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round.
In the winter, Dubai is much warmer than Bodrum. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Bodrum averages at about 10°C (50°F).
Bodrum receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Bodrum. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubai 19°C (66°F)Bodrum 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Bodrum in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Bodrum. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Bodrum. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Bodrum fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Bodrum. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubai 26°C (79°F)Bodrum 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Bodrum and Dubai
| Dubai | Bodrum | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 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.