Which place is cheaper, Bodh Gaya or Izmir?
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 Izmir or Bodh Gaya?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Izmir and Bodh Gaya. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Izmir or Bodh Gaya?
Izmir
Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.
Bodh Gaya
Located in the state of Bihar in the northeast of India, Bodh Gaya is the most respected place and pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. Bodh Gaya is believed to be the site where Buddha Shakyamuni achieved enlightenment while meditating under the famous Bodhi tree.
Prince Gautama Siddartha was born in the sixth century, B.C. in what is modern-day Nepal. Siddartha lived a comfortable life of extravagance as he was born the son of King Suddhodana of the Sakya clan, but after witnessing human suffering, Siddartha decided to give up all of his possessions and embarked upon a quest to seek knowledge and the solution to such suffering. It is underneath a Pipal tree near the city of Gaya, that it is believed he began to meditate until he became enlightened. Today, a descendent of the original Bodhi Tree is located in the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in the city of Bodh Gaya.
Weather in Bodhgaya is generally warm throughout the year, with daytime highs in the 90s during summer and nighttime lows in the high 40s during winter. Because Bodhgaya is centered around religious sites, pack light layers and plan to dress modestly. Remember that you'll be expected to take shoes off at all temples, so sandals may be easier to wear and a good time-saver.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Cultural Tours in India, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in India.
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Izmir Prices
Turkey PricesBodh Gaya Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $84Bodh Gaya $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $84, while the average daily cost in Bodh Gaya is $56. 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 Izmir and Bodh Gaya in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $42Bodh Gaya $19
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $84Bodh Gaya $38
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Bodh Gaya
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Bodh Gaya? 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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Bodh Gaya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $21Bodh Gaya $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- İzmir Airport Transfer to Bodrum, Didim, Kusadasi, Cesme, Fethiye: $50
- İzmir Airport Private Transfer Service: $75
- izmir kusadasi transfer: $70
- Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour in Urla (Transfer Optional): $41
- Vip Airport Transfer: $70
- VIP Private Transfer | Izmir Airport to Kusadasi or Selcuk: $170
- VIP Mercedes Vito Transfers in Izmir or Intercity: $58
- Transfer İzmir Airport to/from Kusadasi City Center Area: $80
- Transfer to Izmir airport from Kusadasi: $80
- Transfer from Izmir to Selimiye: $233
- Transfer Trapani Airport: $58
- Transfer From izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Selcuk Ephesus: $87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya
Also for Bodh Gaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 3 Day Private Bodhgaya Sightseeing Tour with Transfer: $120
- Affordable Bodh Gaya Airport Transfer: $15
- Gaya Airport (GAY) Private Transfer to Gaya City/Hotels: $25
- Private Airport Transfer Gaya to or from Bodhgaya Hotel: $25
- Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Airport: $13
- Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Hotel to Gaya Airport: $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Bodh Gaya?
Prices for flights to both Bodh Gaya and Izmir 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 dayIzmir $29Bodh Gaya $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Izmir.
- Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $14Bodh Gaya $8.62
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Day Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $292
- Alaçatı & Çeşme Chill Tour: Vibes, Streets & Snapshots: $120
- BEST SELLER Small Group Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $115
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
- Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $41
- Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $292
- Customized Ephesus Private Tour / FOR CRUISE GUESTS ONLY: $170
- Customized Ephesus Tour with Lunch: $146
- Daily Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour from Izmir: $157
- EPHESUS PRIVATE TOUR From Izmir Port: $115
- Ephesus & Sirince Village Tour from İzmir: $145
- Ephesus Ancient City Tour from Izmir Explore Historic Landmarks: $160
Tours and Activities in Bodh Gaya
For Bodh Gaya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Taj Mahal & Agra Private Tour from Delhi by Car – Fast Entry: $4.51
- Guided Virtual Tour of Bodhgaya: $27
- Full Day Tour in Bodhgaya Hotel pick up: $30
- Bodhgaya Day Tour (Hotel Pickup): $43
- Full-Day Private Guided Bodhgaya Tour with Pick Up: $48
- Private Tour of Bodhgaya and Gaya Including Vishnupad Temple: $50
- Bodhgaya and Gaya Pilgrimage Tour: $52
- Private Bodhgaya Spiritual Tour with Expert Guide: $55
- Bodhgaya Full Day Tour: $63
- Half Day Private Guided Tour in Bodh Gaya & Dungeshwari Caves: $88
- Private Day Tour to Rajgir and Nalanda from Bodhgaya: $105
- Guided Tour of Bodhgaya Temples and Buddha Sites: $128
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $6.11Bodh Gaya $4.95
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $274
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Bodh Gaya, we can see that Izmir is more expensive. And not only is Bodh Gaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Izmir is in Europe and Bodh Gaya is in Asia, 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 Bodh Gaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bodh Gaya 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 Izmir would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Izmir than you might in Bodh Gaya.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Izmir Expensive? and Is Bodh Gaya Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Bodh Gaya?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Bodh Gaya. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Bodh Gaya, 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.
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.