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

Should you visit Bodrum or Kiel?

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 Kiel 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 Kiel?

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.

Kiel

Kiel is a port city on Germany's Baltic Sea coast. Much of the city center it was obliterated during WWII by bombing raids on its U-boat pens. In the old town, the rebuilt, medieval St. Nikolai Church hosts classical concerts and Holstenstrasse and Danische Strasse are streets lined with shops. The city also has several indoor malls linked by pedestrian bridges. Along the Kiel Fjord, the Maritime Museum displays model ships and nautical instruments in a former fish auction hall. Nearby, cruise ships dock at the Ostseekai Terminal in Germania Harbor. This grand harbor in Kiel continues on as it has for centuries and should be the focus of your visit. Huge ferries transport millions of passengers to and from Scandinavia, while summer sees locals strolling the long waterfront promenade.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Kiel 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 Kiel is $195. 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 Kiel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $38
    Kiel $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $76
    Kiel $158
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Kiel

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Kiel? 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 Kiel


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 Kiel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $19
    Kiel $64

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 Kiel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiel:

  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM) - Departure Private Transfer: $205
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg city: $205
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Port to Hamburg Airport(HAM): $204
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $204

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Kiel?

Prices for flights to both Kiel 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
    Kiel $78

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bodrum $25
    Kiel $22

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 Kiel

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

  • Self-Guided GPS Ghost Hunting Nosferatu Walking Tour in Lubeck: $26
  • Bicycle tour to Friedrichshafen with a visit to the Zeppelin & Dornier Museum: $154
  • Bike Tour of Lubeck with Top Attractions and Private Guide: $267
  • Boat Cruise and a Private Walking Tour of Lubeck's Old Town: $224
  • Day tour Rhine Falls from Schaffhausen with Stein am Rhein and a visit to Constance: $251
  • Discovering Lubeck – Private Walking Tour for Couples: $222
  • Fascinating Pearls of Lubeck - Guided Walking Tour: $208
  • Kiel - Private Historic Walking Tour: $434
  • Kiel Private Guided Walking Tour: $308
  • Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port: $12
  • 2-hour Best Intro Walking Tour with a Local: $152
  • City Highlights Express Walking Tour with a Local: $116

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bodrum $11
    Kiel $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Kiel

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

  • Lindau Private guided tour with wine tasting: $59


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


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Kiel?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Kiel, 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 Kiel?

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 Kiel in the Summer?

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

Bodrum is much warmer than Kiel in the summer. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in July than Kiel. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F) 
    Kiel 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Kiel in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Bodrum is much warmer than Kiel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bodrum in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Kiel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In October, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Kiel. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F) 
    Kiel 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Kiel in the Winter?

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

The weather in Kiel can be very cold. In January, Bodrum is generally much warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 10°C (50°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F) 
    Kiel 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Kiel in the Spring?

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

Bodrum is much warmer than Kiel in the spring. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In April, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Kiel. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F) 
    Kiel 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Kiel and Bodrum

Bodrum Kiel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (61°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)