Which place is cheaper, Bodrum or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Ephesus or Bodrum?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Bodrum, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Ephesus or Bodrum?
Ephesus
The ancient city of Ephesus was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC). It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was destroyed in 401 AD and rebuilt by Emperor Constantine I along with new public baths. The town was again partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. The city's importance as a commercial center declined as the harbor was slowly silted up by the Cayster River (Kucuk Menderes).
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 Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Turkey, and The Best Luxury Tours to Turkey.
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Ephesus Prices
Turkey PricesBodrum Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $116Bodrum $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $116, while the average daily cost in Bodrum is $76. 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 Ephesus and Bodrum in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $48Bodrum $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $96Bodrum $66
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Bodrum
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus 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: Ephesus Hotel Prices and Bodrum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $35Bodrum $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus
Also for Ephesus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Kusadasi, Port, Hotel From/To Izmir Airport: $299
- Transfer from/to Izmir Airport ADB to/from Didim Area: $198
- Kusadasi Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $181
- Private VIP Transfer For/To ADB Airport: $163
- Private Transfer | KUSADASI - IZMIR Airport: $157
- Milas Bodrum Airport (BJV) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $140
- One way Private Airport Transfer to Kusadasi Izmir Airport: $135
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Town: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Town: $131
- Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $122
- Kuşadası Scuba Diving Experience with Hotel Transfer: $111
- Transfer izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Davutlar: $105
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum
Also for Bodrum, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport Transfer from Bodrum airport to Kusadasi: $300
- Bodrum Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Flight with Lunch and Transfer: $288
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kusadasi Hotels: $216
- From Full-Day Ancient Ephesus Tour with Guide & Transfer: $214
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyaka Hotels: $187
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Mugla City Center Hotels: $187
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Didim (Altinkum) Hotels: $146
- Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Kusadasi: $140
- Bodrum Akyarlar Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $134
- Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Soke (Söke): $134
- River Rafting Tour with Breakfast, Lunch & Transfer from Bodrum: $125
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kadikalesi Hotels: $122
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Bodrum?
Prices for flights to both Bodrum and Ephesus 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 dayEphesus $40Bodrum $29
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:
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Sandwiches$0.11
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Dessert$0.12
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Lunch at Beach (for 2)$0.40
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Snacks$0.17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus
For Ephesus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class in Kusadasi Ephesus: $139
- Private Ephesus Tour & Cooking Experience with locals: $229
- Kusadasi Selcuk Ephesus Gourmet and Street Food Tour: $233
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bodrum
For Bodrum, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bodrum Food, Culture & Cooking Experience transfer lunch included: $58
- Bodrum Cooking Class with Local Couple: $64
- Turkish Cooking Class in a Local Home: $70
- Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $140
- Market Visit and Cooking Class: $152
- Bodrum Cooking Class: $187
- Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $204
- Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $225
- 3-Hour Private Sunset Boat Tour With Dinner in Bodrum: $237
- Private Sunset Boat Tour with Optional Dinner: $388
- From Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner & Swimming: $410
- Private Sunset Yacht Tour with light Dinner: $528
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $40Bodrum $22
Tours and Activities in Ephesus
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ephesus.
- "Double UNESCO Wonders: Private Pamukkale & Aphrodisias Tour": $256
- "Ephesus Ultimate: Full-Day Small Group Tour (Max 10-12 People)": $64
- 2 Day Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk: $160
- 2 Days Ephesus and Istanbul Tour from Kusadasi and Istanbul Ports: $291
- 2 Hour Turkish Bath Experience in Kusadasi: $21
- 2-Hour Kusadasi Safari Buggy Experience: $41
- 3-Hour Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses Tour from Kusadasi: $20
- 3-Hour Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses, Cruiser Only: $25
- ALL INCLUDED: Ephesus Tour for Cruisers including ENTRY TICKETS: $55
- ALL INCLUSIVE EPHESUS TOUR For CRUISERS Included–Ticket & Lunch: $75
- ALL INCLUSIVE Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses tour with LUNCH: $135
- ALL INCLUSIVE VIP EphesusTour+Skip the Line Tickets(For Cruisers): $90
Tours and Activities in Bodrum
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bodrum.
- Ölüdeniz: Blue Cave, Butterfly Valley & Lunch Boat Tour: $62
- ALL INCLUSIVE - Private Bodrum City Tour for Cruise Passangers: $75
- All-İnclusive Ephesus Tour from Bodrum Cruise port(skip the line): $300
- Authentic Bodrum Village Life & Rug Weaving Experience: $58
- Authentic Ottoman Style Hammam Experience: $17
- Boat Tour to Orak Island: $35
- Boat Tours By A Speedboat Fishing Enjoy The Beauty Of Nature: $127
- Boattrip to Bodrum Maledives for Virgin Cruise Passengers: $41
- Bodrum Aquapark Entry Ticket: $49
- Bodrum Aquapark Ticket: $41
- Bodrum Aquarium Bay Tour with Lunch & Swimming Stops: $37
- Bodrum Atv Safari Tour: $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $10Bodrum $9.43
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:
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Beer$0.09
Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus
Also in Ephesus, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- LGBTQ+ Friendly Ephesus Shore Excursion & Local Wine Tasting: $30
- Ephesus Shore Excursion & Wine Tasting + Lunch - Opt Turkish Bath: $35
- PRIVATE & GROUP: EPHESUS TOUR with Wine Tasting (SKIP-THE-LINE): $39
- FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port: $42
- FOR CRUISERS:Kusadasi Port Private Wine Tasting and Ephesus Tour: $45
- POTTERY PAINTING & WINE TASTING Tour from Kusadasi Port: $49
- Private Ephesus and Sirince Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $92
- FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus Ruins & Sirince Village Wine Tasting Tour: $99
- Ephesus & Şirince Village with Lunch& Wine Tasting (Fixed Price): $115
- Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting and Traditional Turkish Lunch: $130
- Private Ephesus Tour & Wine Tasting at Boutique Winery & Lunch: $149
- Ephesus and Sirince with Wine tasting Private Half Day Shore Excursion: $176
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Bodrum, we can see that Ephesus 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 Ephesus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ephesus 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 Ephesus Expensive? and Is Bodrum Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Bodrum?
Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus 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 Ephesus or Bodrum?
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 Ephesus or Bodrum in the Summer?
Both Bodrum and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ephesus this time of year.
Ephesus is around the same temperature as Bodrum in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Bodrum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In July, Ephesus usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bodrum. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Bodrum 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Bodrum in the Autumn?
Both Bodrum and Ephesus during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ephesus for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Ephesus is around the same temperature as Bodrum. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Bodrum averages at about 19°C (66°F).
Ephesus usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bodrum. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 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 OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Bodrum 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Bodrum in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Bodrum. Many visitors come to Ephesus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Bodrum. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Bodrum fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Bodrum receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ephesus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Ephesus usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bodrum. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Bodrum 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Bodrum in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Bodrum.
Ephesus is around the same temperature as Bodrum in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Bodrum fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Ephesus usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bodrum. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Bodrum 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Bodrum and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Bodrum | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 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.