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

Should you visit Bodrum or Marseille?

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 Marseille 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 Marseille?

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.

Marseille

Marseille is the second largest city in France and is the largest Mediterranean port in the region. For visitors, Marseille offers an authentic glimpse at France. It has many colorful markets, natural beauty such as the Calanques with its large, beautiful cliffs, and the old harbor area, which offers a glimpse at the areas working class history.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille 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 Marseille is $210. 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 Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $38
    Marseille $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $76
    Marseille $166
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Marseille? 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 Marseille


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 Marseille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $19
    Marseille $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum

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

  • İzmir Airport - Kuşadası / İzmir Center : Private Transfer: $31
  • Yaliciftlik Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $95
  • Turgutreis Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $95
  • Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Seferihisar: $238
  • Torba Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $71
  • River Rafting Tour with Breakfast, Lunch & Transfer from Bodrum: $127
  • Private Transfer from Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) to Bodrum Port: $50
  • Private Milas-Bodrum Airport Transfers to Hotels: $77
  • Private Departure Transfer: Central Bodrum or Bodrum Peninsula Hotels to Bodrum Airport: $45
  • Private Bodrum Airport Transfer in Turkiye: $48
  • Private Arrival/Departure Milas-Bodrum Airport(BJV) Transfer: $59
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Bodrum Airport to Marmaris Hotels: $119

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:


  • Metro Pass
    $3.52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

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

  • Private Transfer Between Marseille Airport and Nice Airport: $1,292
  • TRANSFER ROUNDTRIP PORT TO CASSIS: $349
  • Marseille Provence Airport transfer ↔ Avignon: $293
  • Private Transfer from Marseille city hotels to Toulon Cruise Port: $293
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport (MRS) to Toulon Port: $293
  • Marseille Airport: VIP transfer to Baumaniere: $276
  • Transfer (MRS) Marseille ⟺ Arles Cruise Port: $275
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport to the Village of Gordes: $275
  • Transfer Marseille Airport to Gordes or L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: $274
  • Private Transfer from Marseille to Provence Designer Outlet: $272
  • Marseille Private Transfer ⟺ Arles (Port Quai Lamartine): $266
  • Marseille Provence Airport transfer ↔ Arles: $263

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille 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
    Marseille $86

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 Marseille

For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orangina
    $2.93

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille

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

  • Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $38
  • Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $114
  • Marseille Food Tour – Full Meal of Local Tastes by Do Eat Better: $118
  • Aix-en-Provence 3-Hour Walking Food Tour: $129
  • Great Marseille Ebike and Food Tour: $131
  • Private Food Tour in Marseille 3 Hours with a local expert.: $154

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bodrum $25
    Marseille $44

Tours and Activities in Bodrum

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

  • Boat Tour to Orak Island: $33
  • Ölüdeniz: Blue Cave, Butterfly Valley & Lunch Boat Tour: $62
  • Boattrip to Bodrum Maledives for Virgin Cruise Passengers: $41
  • Bodrum Aquarium Bay Boat Tour with Swimming Stops: $38
  • Bodrum Aquarium Bay Tour with Lunch & Swimming Stops: $37
  • Bodrum Atv Safari Tour: $64
  • Bodrum Boat Tour with Lunch: Beaches and Islands: $28
  • Bodrum Buggy Safari Tours: $45
  • Bodrum City Private Tour, All inclusive, Castle, Theatre, Lunch,: $276
  • Bodrum City Tour : Lunch Guide Entry fees included: $217
  • Bodrum Cleopatra & Orak Island Mix Tour by Boat: $36
  • Bodrum Islands Cruise Boat Fullday Tour With Lunch & Swimming stops: $45

Tours and Activities in Marseille

For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Full Day Marseille Tour Especially Designed for Cruise Travelers: $82
  • Guided Sea Kayaking Tour in the Calanques: $90
  • A Day in Provence Small Group Tour from Marseille: $197
  • A Perfect Day of Discovery from the Cruise Port of Marseille: $80
  • Adventure route in Cassis - Via Corda Philémon: $90
  • Aix-en-Provence: Half-Day Shore Excursion Tour: $646
  • Bookbinding experience in the Vieux Port: $102
  • Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour: $130
  • Calanques Trilogy Electric Bike Tour from Marseille: $72
  • Canyoning Half Day Tour from La Ciotat : $81
  • Cassis : Two Calanques Tour by Electric Mountain Bike: $48
  • Cassis National Park E-Mountain Bike Experience with Virtual Guide: $54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bodrum $11
    Marseille $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

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

  • Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $24
  • Short Day Tour around Aix en Provence and Wine Tasting : $130
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $179
  • From Marseille Cruise Port : Avignon & Wine Tasting: $187
  • Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $190
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $197
  • Avignon and Côtes du Rhône Wine Tasting Tour: $211
  • From Marseille : Sidecar Wine Tour to Cassis and Bandol: $287
  • Cassis, Bandol, Le Castellet wine tour: Cliffs and Vineyards: $411
  • Marseille Vieux Port & Wine Tasting - Private Tour: $1,116


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


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Marseille?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bodrum or Marseille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Marseille. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bodrum is a little warmer than Marseille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bodrum in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Marseille averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In July, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Marseille. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F) 
    Marseille 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Marseille. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

In October, Bodrum is generally a little warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 19°C (66°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in October than Marseille. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F) 
    Marseille 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Bodrum is a little warmer than Marseille in the winter. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

It's quite rainy in Bodrum. In January, Bodrum usually receives more rain than Marseille. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F) 
    Marseille 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Bodrum during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Marseille in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bodrum is a little warmer than Marseille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bodrum in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Marseille averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in April than Marseille. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Bodrum

Bodrum Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)