A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bodrum vs. Bilbao for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bodrum or Bilbao?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bodrum and Bilbao 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: Bodrum or Bilbao?

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.

Bilbao

The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Bodrum?

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 Bodrum is $86, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is $200. 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 Bodrum and Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $38
    Bilbao $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $76
    Bilbao $170
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Bilbao? 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 Bodrum


Hotels in Bilbao


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: Bodrum Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $19
    Bilbao $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum

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

  • Airport Transfer: Bodrum to Bodrum Airport BJV by Business Car: $73
  • Arrival Transfer Bodrum Airport BJV to Bodrum City by Minibus: $100
  • Arrival Transfer: Bodrum Airport BJV to Bodrum by Car/Van: $82
  • Authentic Turkish Hamam and Spa Unforgettable Ritual WithTransfer: $24
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyarlar Hotels: $119
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Bitez Hotels: $86
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Golturkbuku Hotels: $102
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Gundogan Hotels: $108
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Guvercinlik Hotels: $84
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kadikalesi Hotels: $125
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kusadasi Hotels: $221
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Mugla City Center Hotels: $191

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $290
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Logroño city: $281
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $281
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Logroño Airport : $281
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Santander Airport : $276
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Pamplona: $264
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Pamplona Airport : $264
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Elciego town: $228
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Elciego town: $228
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Bilbao Cruise Port: $227
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Bilbao Cruise Port: $200
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Vitoria Airport : $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Bodrum 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
    Bodrum $33
    Bilbao $91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bodrum

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

  • Turkish Cooking Class in a Local Home: $70
  • Christmas Dinner at Karnas Vineyards: $114
  • Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $143
  • Market Visit and Cooking Class: $152
  • Bodrum Cooking Class: $191
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $202
  • Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $209
  • Sunset Boat Trip including Dinner: $239
  • 3-Hour Private Sunset Boat Tour With Dinner in Bodrum: $243
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour with Optional Dinner: $388
  • From Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner & Swimming: $410
  • Private Sunset Yacht Tour with light Dinner: $528

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.

  • Bilbao Food Tour with Pintxos & Drinks with a Local: $105
  • Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $107
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $112
  • Basque Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Guide: $112
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class: $112
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $120
  • The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $126
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $148
  • Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $150
  • Immersive Basque Cooking Class: $165
  • Small-group Immersive Basque Cooking Class in Bilbao with Open Bar: $180
  • Private Guided Street Food Tour of Bilbao: $182

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bodrum $25
    Bilbao $34

Tours and Activities in Bodrum

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

  • Turkish Bath Hamam Spa Experience: $18
  • Orakadasi Boat Tour From Bodrum (Maldives of Turkey) With Lunch: $25
  • Bodrum Boat Tour with Lunch: Beaches and Islands: $28
  • Orak Island Boat Tour with Swim Stops and Lunch: $29
  • Karaada Boat Cruise with Lunch: $29
  • Bodrum Orak Island Boat Cruise with Lunch and Swimming: $33
  • Boat Tour to Orak Island: $33
  • Pirate Boat Adventure Sail Swim and Party in Bodrum: $33
  • Cleopatra Island Tour with Lunch and Swimming Stops: $34
  • Traditional Turkish Hammam Experience: $35
  • Bodrum Cleopatra & Orak Island Mix Tour by Boat: $36
  • Bodrum Aquarium Bay Tour with Lunch & Swimming Stops: $37

Tours and Activities in Bilbao

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

  • 3-day Bilbao Bike Tour and Guggenheim Museum Ticket: $300
  • 4-hour Private Bilbao City Walking Tour: $213
  • Alhondiga Bilbao Group Tour: $72
  • Artist-Guided Tour of the Guggenheim Museum: $107
  • Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $473
  • BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $42
  • Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,315
  • Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum Private Walking Tour with guide: $246
  • Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour from Hotel/Center: $308
  • Bilbao - Private Historic walking tour: $414
  • Bilbao 3-Day Package: Guggenheim, Hotel Stay and Bike Tour: $297
  • Bilbao : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bodrum $11
    Bilbao $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Bodrum

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

  • Looms & Vines: Turkish Rug Heritage and Boutique Wine Tasting: $180

Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao

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

  • Unique Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier - In Bilbao: $53
  • Basque Wine Tasting with Sommelier (Bilbao): $54
  • Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour: $70
  • From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $75
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $100
  • The Authentic Bilbao Pintxos, Food & Wine Tour with a Local: $119
  • Basque Best Bites - #1 Food & Wine tour of Bilbao: $120
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $195
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $197
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $207
  • Boutique Rioja Wine Tour with Charming Lunch (From Bilbao): $266
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $287


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bodrum and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao 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 Bodrum Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Bilbao, 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 Bodrum or Bilbao?

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 Bodrum or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Bilbao. Additionally, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Bodrum is a little warmer than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F) 
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Bodrum is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bodrum in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In October, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F) 
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Bodrum during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Bodrum is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 10°C (50°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bodrum. Bodrum usually gets more rain in January than Bilbao. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F) 
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Bilbao. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.

Bodrum is a little warmer than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F) 
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Bodrum

Bodrum Bilbao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)