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

Should you visit Bodrum or Cologne?

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 Cologne 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 Cologne?

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.

Cologne

Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne dates back 2,000 years, once existing as the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. Today, it is the region's cultural hub - a center of museums, galleries, and towering Gothic cathedrals.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Cologne 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 Cologne is $232. 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 Cologne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $38
    Cologne $107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $76
    Cologne $214
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Cologne

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Cologne? 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 Cologne


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 Cologne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $19
    Cologne $22

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 by Car/Van: $78
  • Authentic Turkish Hamam and Spa Unforgettable Ritual WithTransfer: $24
  • Bodrum Adventures Buggy Safari Tour with Roundtrip Transfer: $72
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Bitez Hotels: $86
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Didim (Altinkum) Hotels: $149
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Guvercinlik Hotels: $83
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kadikalesi Hotels: $125
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Marmaris Hotels: $214
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Mugla City Center Hotels: $190
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Torba Hotels: $83
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Turgutreis Hotels: $109

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:

  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Cologne hotels - Round-trip Private Transfer : $168
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $156
  • Private Limousine Transfer from Cologne Airport to Cologne City: $108
  • Transfer from Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Luxury Car: $91
  • Departure Private Transfer Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne by Car: $72
  • Arrival Transfer Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Sedan: $72
  • Cologne CGN Airpot to Köln | Bonn | Dusseldorf Private Transfer: $42
  • Cologne Bonn CGN Airport to Hotels Private Transfer: $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Cologne?

Prices for flights to both Cologne 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
    Cologne $102

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: $59
  • Turkish Cooking Class in a Local Home: $70
  • Market Visit and Cooking Class: $152
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $201
  • Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $208
  • 3-Hour Private Sunset Boat Tour With Dinner in Bodrum: $242
  • 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

Typical Food Prices in Cologne

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cologne:


  • Dinner
    $16
  • Donner Kebab
    $4.69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $32
  • Hard Rock Cafe Cologne With Set Lunch or Dinner: $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bodrum $25
    Cologne $24

Tours and Activities in Bodrum

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

  • Turkish Bath Hamam Spa Experience: $18
  • 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
  • Boat Tour to Orak Island: $33
  • Bodrum Orak Island Boat Cruise with Lunch and Swimming: $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
  • Bodrum Aquarium Bay Boat Tour with Swimming Stops: $38

Tours and Activities in Cologne

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

  • Cologne Walking Tour from Roman Era to World War 2 with an App : $6.93
  • Cathedral and Old Town in the Evening Interactive Tour with Beamer: $28
  • Aachen Cathedral tour with audioguide on mobile app: $6.93
  • Aachen Christmas Market Tour With A Professional Guide: $247
  • Aachen English Self Guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $11
  • Aachen Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.57
  • Aachen Highlights Half Day Private Walking Tour: $192
  • Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.79
  • Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.44
  • Aachen Town Hall Tour - GERMAN (public): $22
  • Aachen old town tour - GERMAN (public): $14
  • Beethoven and Bonn Highlights Tour from Cologne by Car: $923

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bodrum $11
    Cologne $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Cologne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cologne:

  • Old Town Walking Tour with 1 Brewery Visit & 1 Beer: $21
  • Informative and fun brewery tour in German, public: $23
  • Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots: $24
  • Public brewery tour in Cologne in English: $24
  • Public brewery tour in German in Cologne: $24
  • Brewery tour in Cologne including a variety of tastings: $29
  • South Cologne Walking Tour with brewery visit: $29
  • Night Pub Crawl Tour in Cologne - Shots and Party!: $30
  • Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings: $32
  • Kölsch Brewery Tour with 3 Beers Included: $33
  • Entertaining Brewery Tour: Feel Good Package including local beer: $33
  • The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $34


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


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Cologne, 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 Cologne?

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 Cologne in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Bodrum is a little warmer than Cologne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bodrum in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Cologne averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in July than Cologne. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F) 
    Cologne 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Cologne in the Autumn?

Both Cologne and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Bodrum is generally much warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 19°C (66°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In October, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Cologne. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F) 
    Cologne 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Cologne in the Winter?

Both Cologne and Bodrum during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cologne because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Cologne can be very cold. Bodrum is much warmer than Cologne in the winter. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bodrum. Bodrum usually gets more rain in January than Cologne. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F) 
    Cologne 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Cologne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Cologne. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.

In the spring, Bodrum is much warmer than Cologne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bodrum in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Cologne averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In April, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Cologne. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F) 
    Cologne 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Cologne and Bodrum

Bodrum Cologne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)