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

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 Budget Tours to Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Istanbul.


Which place is cheaper, Bodrum or Izmir?

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 Izmir is $116, 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 Izmir and Bodrum in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $57
    Bodrum $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $114
    Bodrum $92
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.

Hotels in Izmir


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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Bodrum Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $28
    Bodrum $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bodrum: $300
  • Transfer from Izmir to Selimiye: $277
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Ayvalik Resort: $242
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Ayvalik Resort: $242
  • Private Transfers From Izmir or Izmir Airport: $221
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Akbuk Hotels: $200
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Yalikoy (Didim) Hotels: $194
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bergama: $189
  • Izmir Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $180
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Didim: $170
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB): Private Transfer to Çeşme: $170
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum

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

  • Arrival Transfer Bodrum Airport BJV to Bodrum City by Minibus: $75
  • Bodrum Adventures ATV Quad Safari Tour with Roundtrip Transfer: $57
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyaka Hotels: $177
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyarlar Hotels: $110
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Bitez Hotels: $80
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Didim (Altinkum) Hotels: $138
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Gundogan Hotels: $99
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Guvercinlik Hotels: $77
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kadikalesi Hotels: $116
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kusadasi Hotels: $204
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Mugla City Center Hotels: $177
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Ortakent Hotels: $99

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Izmir $40
    Bodrum $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bodrum

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

  • Bodrum Vineyard Tour with Dinner and Wine Pairing: $130
  • Bodrum Market Visit and Cooking Class: $130
  • Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $133
  • Bodrum Cooking Class: $177
  • 3-Hour Private Sunset Boat Tour With Dinner in Bodrum: $217
  • Sunset Boat Trip including Dinner: $221
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $243
  • Private Vineyard Tour with Dinner Under the Stars in Karnas: $295
  • Bodrum Private Motor-Yacht Sunset Tour With Dinner For 3 Hour : $300
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner: $348

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $19
    Bodrum $30

Tours and Activities in Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Ephesus Small Group Tour From Izmir: $105
  • Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $170
  • "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $74
  • 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,086
  • Alaçatı And Çeşme Private Tour: $120
  • Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $276
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $280
  • Best Seller Ephesus Tour for Cruisers with lunch (skip the line): $18
  • Biblical Ephesus, Mother Mary House, St John Basilica and Temple of Artemis Tour from Izmir with Private Guide: $138
  • Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $28
  • Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $249
  • Customized Ephesus Private Tour / FOR CRUISE GUESTS ONLY: $170

Tours and Activities in Bodrum

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

  • Bodrum Boat Tour with Lunch: Beaches and Islands: $22
  • Orakadasi Boat Tour From Bodrum (Maldives of Turkey) With Lunch: $25
  • Bodrum Aquarium Boat Tour with Swimming Stops: $25
  • Orak Island Boat Tour with Swim Stops and Lunch: $27
  • Bodrum Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $39
  • Bodrum Village Tour with Group: $39
  • Carpet Weaving Art Lessons & Experience: $40
  • Pirate Boat Tour in Bodrum with Lunch & Fresh Fruit : $42
  • Pirate Boat Cruise: $49
  • Private Bodrum Village Tour + 1 Glass Free Local Wine: $50
  • Half-Day Tour to Turgutreis Bazaar from Bodrum with Pickup: $50
  • Bodrum Islands Cruise Boat Fullday Tour With Lunch & Swimming stops: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.37
    Bodrum $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $109
  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $116


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Bodrum, we can see that Izmir 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 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 Bodrum.

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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 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)