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

Should you visit Eilat or Bodrum?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Eilat or Bodrum? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Eilat or Bodrum?

Eilat

Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.

Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.

Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.

Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

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 10-Day Tours in Israel, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Bodrum or Eilat?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Eilat is $140, 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 Eilat and Bodrum in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Eilat $93
    Bodrum $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Eilat $186
    Bodrum $96
Compare Hotels in Eilat and Bodrum

Looking for a hotel in Eilat 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.

Hotels in Eilat


Hotels in Bodrum


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: Eilat Hotel Prices and Bodrum Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Eilat $13
    Bodrum $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat

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


  • Local Bus
    $3.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat

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

  • From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90
  • Private Transfer From Ramon airport Eilat to Eilat Hotels or Arava Border : $70

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
  • Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Soke (Söke): $126
  • Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Kusadasi: $132
  • Torba Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $66
  • River Rafting Tour with Breakfast, Lunch & Transfer from Bodrum: $86
  • Private Transfer: Bodrum Airport (BJV) to Bodrum: $54
  • Private Transfer | BODRUM - IZMIR Airport: $296
  • Private Transfer from Bodrum Port to Bodrum Milas Airport BJV: $43
  • 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 Kuşadası to Bodrum Airport and Center: $54
  • Private Luxury Transfer from Bodrum Center to Milas-Bodrum Airport: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Eilat or Bodrum?

Prices for flights to both Bodrum and Eilat 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
    Eilat $35
    Bodrum $24

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Eilat $16
    Bodrum $31

Tours and Activities in Eilat

For Eilat, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1 Day Tour to Petra From Eilat: $217
  • 2 day tour to Petra from Eilat: $299
  • Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219
  • From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $65
  • Full Day Petra Tour from Eilat: $289
  • Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat: $199
  • Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
  • Park Timna: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
  • Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
  • Petra 2-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Authentic Lunch: $290
  • Petra and Wadi Rum 2 day tour from Eilat: $299
  • Private Scuba Diving Tour with Transportation and Guide : $220

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Eilat $27
    Bodrum $14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Eilat and Bodrum, we can see that Eilat is more expensive. And not only is Bodrum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Eilat 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 Eilat would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Eilat 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 Eilat Expensive? and Is Bodrum Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Eilat or Bodrum?

Eilat has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Eilat 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 Eilat or Bodrum?

Bodrum has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Eilat experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Eilat or Bodrum in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Eilat and Bodrum. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Eilat year-round.

Eilat can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Eilat is generally a little warmer than Bodrum. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 33°C (91°F), and Bodrum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Eilat 33°C (91°F) 
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Bodrum in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Eilat as well as Bodrum. Eilat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Eilat is a little warmer than Bodrum in the autumn. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Bodrum fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Eilat usually gets less rain in October than Bodrum. Eilat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Eilat 26°C (79°F) 
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Bodrum in the Winter?

Both Bodrum and Eilat are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Eilat throughout the year.

In the winter, Eilat is a little warmer than Bodrum. Typically, the winter temperatures in Eilat in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Bodrum averages at about 10°C (50°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bodrum. In January, Eilat usually receives less rain than Bodrum. Eilat gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Eilat 14°C (57°F) 
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Bodrum in the Spring?

Both Bodrum and Eilat during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Eilat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Eilat is generally much warmer than Bodrum. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 24°C (75°F), and Bodrum fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Eilat usually gets less rain in April than Bodrum. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Eilat 24°C (75°F) 
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Bodrum and Eilat

Eilat Bodrum
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)