A Travel Price Comparison for Turkey Ephesus vs. Bodrum for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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.


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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $152, while the average daily cost in Bodrum is $100. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $63
    Bodrum $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $126
    Bodrum $88
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.

Hotels in Ephesus


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: Ephesus Hotel Prices and Bodrum Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $46
    Bodrum $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • Private Airport Transfer In Ephesus: $205
  • Private Transfers From Kusadasi: $201
  • Akbuk Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $156
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $156
  • Private Transfer | KUSADASI - IZMIR Airport: $143
  • Milas Bodrum Airport (BJV) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $140
  • 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
  • Luxury Transfer From Izmir Airport to Kuşadası: $125
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $123
  • Private Transfer Kusadasi, Port, Hotel From/To Izmir Airport: $118
  • Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $110

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum

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

  • Didim - Bodrum Milas Airport : Private Transfer Service: $248
  • Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Seferihisar: $208
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Marmaris Hotels: $188
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyaka Hotels: $167
  • Full-Day Pamukkale Trip with Lunch & Transfer from Bodrum: $158
  • Private Transfer from Bodrum Milas Airport BJV to Bodrum Port : $148
  • Private Transfer from Bodrum Port to Bodrum Milas Airport BJV: $146
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Didim (Altinkum) Hotels: $130
  • Private Transfer from Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) to Bodrum Port: $127
  • Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Kusadasi: $125
  • Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Soke (Söke): $120
  • Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) to Bodrum Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ephesus $52
    Bodrum $38
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:


  • Sandwiches
    $0.14
  • Dessert
    $0.15
  • Lunch at Beach (for 2)
    $0.53
  • Snacks
    $0.22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus

For Ephesus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR: LOCAL Street Food Tour from Kusadasi PORT: $89
  • Cooking Class in Kusadasi Ephesus: $110
  • Private Ephesus Tour with Cooking Class in the Village: $179
  • Taste of Traditional Turkish Cuisine | Small Group Kusadasi Food Tour: $201
  • Kusadasi Gourmet & Street Food Tour From Port: $279

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bodrum

For Bodrum, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $125
  • Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $127
  • Bodrum Market Visit and Cooking Class: $135
  • Bodrum Cooking Class: $167
  • 3-Hour Private Sunset Boat Tour With Dinner in Bodrum: $208
  • Sunset Boat Trip including Dinner: $208
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $234
  • Private Vineyard Tour with Dinner Under the Stars in Karnas: $278
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner: $335
  • Private Sunset Yacht Tour with light Dinner: $466

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $53
    Bodrum $28

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ephesus.

  • Ephesus § Mary's House Tour For Cruiser WITH ENTRANCE TICKETS: $9.90
  • Ephesus PrivateTours from Cruise Port Kusadasi Shore Excursions : $10
  • Ephesus Shared Tour from Kuşadası Port: $150
  • Ephesus Tour from Kusadası Port: $44
  • Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Tour From Kusadasi Port : $14
  • Ephesus private skip line tour from the cruise port: $21
  • Ephesus tours and Virgin Mary's House Temple Artemis tours : $74
  • Private Pergamum Tour from Izmir or Kusadasi: $260
  • Private Tour to Ephesus, Virgin Mary, and Artemis Temple From Cruise Ship/Hotel: $120
  • Small Group Pamukkale Day Tour from Selcuk or Kusadası : $129
  • "Ephesus Tours" Port Kusadasi lunch guide bus shopping Caravanserai artemis : $64
  • "No Better Way to Explore History - Affordable Ephesus Tour": $30

Tours and Activities in Bodrum

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bodrum.

  • Ephesus Tour From Bodrum with Guide: $268
  • A Breathtaking Pamukkale Day Tour from Bodrum: $265
  • All Inclusive Private BODRUM to Ephesus, Mary's House, Lunch Tour: $299
  • Boat tour: Bodrum Private Boat Tour for Cruise Customers: $727
  • Bodrum Aquapark Ticket: $36
  • Bodrum Aquarium Bay Tour with Lunch & Swimming Stops: $43
  • Bodrum Boat Tour with Lunch: Beaches and Islands: $21
  • Bodrum City Tour : Lunch Guide Entry fees included: $192
  • Bodrum Cleopatra & Orak Island Mix Tour by Boat: $41
  • Bodrum Fullday Private Tour with Licenced Guide & Dlx Van: $160
  • Bodrum Islands Cruise Boat Fullday Tour With Lunch & Swimming stops: $45
  • Bodrum Jeep Safari & village tour with Lunch - Fullday Tour: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $13
    Bodrum $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.11

Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus

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

  • PRIVATE & GROUP: Skip-The-Line EPHESUS with Wine Tasting Tour: $12
  • Kusadasi Shore Excursions Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tours : $70
  • Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi with Private Guide and Van: $207


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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 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)