Which place is cheaper, Bodrum or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir or Bodrum?
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 Bodrum. 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 Bodrum?
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.
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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Istanbul, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Istanbul.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Bodrum $92
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, 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 Izmir and Bodrum in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Bodrum $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Bodrum $96
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Bodrum
Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Bodrum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Bodrum $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bodrum: $296
- Private Transfer From Izmir Airport to Pamukkale : $295
- Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Bozbuk Bay (Akbuk) Hotels: $214
- Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bergama: $186
- Izmir Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $178
- Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Didim: $168
- Izmir International Airport (ADB): Private Transfer to Çeşme: $168
- Izmir International Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $160
- Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $154
- Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $148
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum
Also for Bodrum, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyarlar Hotels: $109
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Bitez Hotels: $79
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Didim (Altinkum) Hotels: $137
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Gumusluk Hotels: $109
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Guvercinlik Hotels: $77
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kadikalesi Hotels: $115
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Marmaris Hotels: $197
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Mugla City Center Hotels: $176
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Ortakent Hotels: $99
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Turgutreis Hotels: $101
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Yalikavak Hotels: $104
- Bodrum Airport Private Transfer Luxury Minivan or Minibus: $48
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Bodrum?
Prices for flights to both Bodrum 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 $24Bodrum $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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Bodrum $31
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $100
- Small Group Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $126
- "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
- 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $300
- 2-Day Small-Group Tour Highlights of Ephesus from Izmir: $169
- 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,075
- Alaçatı And Çeşme Private Tour: $130
- Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $284
- Aphrodisias Tour from Izmir: $126
- Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $280
- Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
- Biblical Ephesus, Mother Mary House, St John Basilica and Temple of Artemis Tour from Izmir with Private Guide: $273
Tours and Activities in Bodrum
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bodrum.
- Muğla: Quick Tour, Essentials of Muğla: $6.00
- Daily Boat Tour (Orak Island) around Bodrum and Black Island Coves : $19
- Beaches and Islands Boat Tour with Lunch: $20
- Orak Island Boat Tour with Swim Stops and Lunch: $24
- Orakadasi Boat Tour From Bodrum (Maldives of Turkey) With Lunch: $25
- Bodrum Black island Tour: $26
- Orak island Boat Tour: $27
- Turkish Bath Experience: $31
- Black Island Boat Tour with Lunch: $32
- Boat Tour for Mein Schiff Cruise Passengers: $32
- Carpet Weaving Art Lessons & Experience: $33
- Traditional Turkish Hammam Experience: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.87Bodrum $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
- Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $115
- Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152
When comparing the travel costs between Izmir and Bodrum, we can see that Izmir is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Izmir Expensive? and Is Bodrum Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Bodrum?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir or Bodrum?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Izmir or Bodrum in the Summer?
Both Bodrum and Izmir during the summer are popular places to visit.
In the summer, Izmir is around the same temperature as Bodrum. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Bodrum averages at about 27°C (81°F).
Izmir usually gets more rain in July than Bodrum. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Bodrum 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Bodrum in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Bodrum.
In October, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Bodrum. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Bodrum fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In October, Izmir usually receives more rain than Bodrum. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Bodrum 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Bodrum in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Bodrum.
Izmir is cooler than Bodrum in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Bodrum fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
It's quite rainy in Bodrum. Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. Izmir usually gets less rain in January than Bodrum. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Bodrum 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Bodrum in the Spring?
Both Bodrum and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In the spring, Izmir is around the same temperature as Bodrum. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Bodrum averages at about 15°C (59°F).
In April, Izmir usually receives more rain than Bodrum. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Bodrum 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Bodrum and Izmir
| Izmir | Bodrum | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 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.