Which place is cheaper, Bodrum or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Heraklion or Bodrum?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Bodrum 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: Heraklion or Bodrum?
Heraklion
The largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion on first glance is almost completely modern - a frenzy of traffic, concrete, and dust. Do not expect pristine beaches and glittering waves (those can be found on other parts of Crete). Heraklion is first and foremost a city. Once you get past its grittiness, you will find that there are some attractive features beneath first impressions. The antiquity of the place lies embedded in the modern and is presented in one of the best museums in Greece, the food is excellent, and the people are friendly and welcoming. And though the sea is not great for swimming, its presence along the Venetian port will take you to another time if you need a break from Heraklion's bustling center.
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 Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, 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 dayHeraklion €158Bodrum €87
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Bodrum is €87. 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 Heraklion and Bodrum in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeraklion €81Bodrum €45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeraklion €162Bodrum €90
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Bodrum
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion 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: Heraklion Hotel Prices and Bodrum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heraklion €31Bodrum €22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion
Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Private Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands: $4,021
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to SITIA area up to 7 customers: $280
- Private Transfer Port/Airport to/from Ierapetra: $273
- Knossos and Arch Museum of Heraklion (Guide+Transfer+Ticket) : $229
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to Makris Gialos area up to 7 : $228
- KNOSSOS PALACE private tour ( with Transfer from Heraklion Prefecture ): $196
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to IERAPETRA area up to 7 customers: $184
- Private Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Makrygialos: $175
- Semi Private Wine and Olive Oil tour (Transfer & Lunch Incl.): $163
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to RETHIMNO CITY area up to 7 : $157
- Private Wine | Food Pairing at Titakis Winery with Free Transfer: $153
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to MATALA area up to 7 customers: $149
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
- Yaliciftlik Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $87
- Turgutreis Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $87
- Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Soke (Söke): $125
- Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Seferihisar: $218
- Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Kusadasi: $131
- River Rafting Tour with Breakfast, Lunch & Transfer from Bodrum: $85
- Private Transfer: Bodrum to Bodrum Airport (BJV) : $54
- Private Transfer: Bodrum Airport (BJV) to Bodrum: $54
- 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 Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) to Bodrum Port: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Bodrum?
Prices for flights to both Bodrum and Heraklion 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 dayHeraklion €52Bodrum €23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Troy Dinner-Show: $33
- Spectacular Dinner-Show: $44
- From Village Cretan Night, Live Dancers & dinner: $48
- Cretan Night with Dinner & Live Show: $49
- Crete: Olive Oil Festival, Farm Dinner, Live Show & Pickup: $59
- Cretan Farm with scenic view: Olive Mill Festival & dinner: $64
- Amazing Sunset Safari Route with Dinner: $84
- Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $86
- Crete: Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine: $90
- Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $97
- Food tour tasting walking tour: $123
- E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $125
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Heraklion €38Bodrum €29
Tours and Activities in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4x4 Safari tour Southern Crete Tripitis Gorge: $108
- Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $100
- Ηeraklion Walking Tour with Archaeological Museum: $82
- 3-Hour Trekking Mount Karfi Adventure with pickup from Heraklion: $118
- 4-Hour Giouchtas Trekking Hiking Experience from Heraklion: $90
- 4x4 self drive adventure_Cretan mainland: $87
- Adventure Jeep Safari Amazing sunset : $85
- Agios Nikolaos-Spinalonga-Elounda Tour TR: $47
- All Year Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion: $618
- All-Day Knossos Palace Tour & Olive Mill Visit: $695
- Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour: $86
- Archaeological Museum of Guided Walking Tour: $86
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: $278
- All Inclusive Private BODRUM to Ephesus, Mary's House, Lunch Tour: $299
- Ancient Ephesus tour with Virgin Mary's House from Bodrum: $104
- Blue cruise around Bodrum bays: $28
- Boat tour: Bodrum Private Boat Tour for Cruise Customers: $801
- Bodrum ↔ Gulf of Gökova | Cabin Charter Cruise: $941
- Bodrum Black island Tour: $26
- Bodrum Buggy Safari Tours: $57
- Bodrum City Sightseeing Walk: $150
- Bodrum City Tour: 5-Hour Private Excursion with Lunch: $267
- Bodrum City Walking Morning Sightseeing Tour: $213
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHeraklion €26Bodrum €13
Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion
Also in Heraklion, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $95
- Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $115
- Ecobike Tour with Wine Tasting: $118
- Luxury Private Wine Tasting Experience in Haralabakis Winery: $119
- Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with wine Tastings: $125
- Half Day Semi Private Wine Tour with Tastings: $134
- Semi Private Heraklion Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $159
- The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $180
- Private SUV Wine Tour with Lunch: $183
- Full Day Private Crete Wine Tour Experience from Heraklion : $190
- Full day Knossos Palace, Local Distillery, Lunch @ Archanes: $192
- Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $196
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and Bodrum, we can see that Heraklion 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 Heraklion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heraklion 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 Heraklion Expensive? and Is Bodrum Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Bodrum?
Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Bodrum in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Bodrum. The summer months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Heraklion is around the same temperature as Bodrum in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Bodrum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In July, Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bodrum. Heraklion 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 JulyHeraklion 25°C (78°F)Bodrum 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Bodrum in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Bodrum. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year.
In the autumn, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Bodrum. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Bodrum averages at about 19°C (66°F).
Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Bodrum. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 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 OctoberHeraklion 20°C (68°F)Bodrum 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Bodrum in the Winter?
Both Bodrum and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Bodrum. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Bodrum fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bodrum. In January, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Bodrum. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 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 JanuaryHeraklion 12°C (54°F)Bodrum 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Bodrum in the Spring?
Both Bodrum and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
Heraklion is around the same temperature as Bodrum in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Bodrum fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Heraklion usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bodrum. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 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 AprilHeraklion 16°C (61°F)Bodrum 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Bodrum and Heraklion
| Heraklion | Bodrum | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 77 mm (3 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.