Should you visit Bodrum or Rhodes?
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 Rhodes 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 Rhodes?
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.
Rhodes
Rhodes Island is one of the largest and most visited islands in Greece both because of its diversity of sights and its wonderful climate. On the island are some beautiful beaches, well preserved historic sights, and lovely towns. Rhodes City is the capital city on the island of Rhodes and is famous as the former site of the Colossus. Colossus is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe. Today Rhodes City has an interesting old town that is surrounded by the medieval wall. Inside you'll find countless souvenir shops and restaurants that cater to tourists. Cruise ships also frequent the island, so it's best visited during the off season when the crowds may be slightly less. You will also find that prices drop when the crowds are thinner and the cruise ships are scarce.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Greece.
Which place is cheaper, Rhodes 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 Rhodes is $199. 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 Rhodes in more detail.
Accommodation
Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Rhodes? 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.
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
Rhodes Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rhodes
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rhodes:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rhodes
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rhodes:
-
Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Glistra-Glystra (and return):
$274
-
Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Haraki - Charaki (and return):
$237
-
Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Kiotari (and return):
$223
-
Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Vlicha (and return):
$211
-
Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Embona (and return):
$196
-
Transfer from/to Rhodes Airport to/from Kiotari-Lardos ( Via Versa):
$188
-
Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Gennadi (and return):
$180
-
Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Kamiros (and return):
$177
-
Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Ladiko (and back):
$175
-
Transfer from/to Rhodes Airport to/from Lindos-Pefkos (Via Versa):
$168
-
Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Lardos - Lindos (and return):
$167
-
Transfer from/to Rhodes Airport to/from Kalathos-Vlicha (Via Versa):
$145
Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Rhodes?
Prices for flights to both Rhodes 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
Rhodes $96
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 Rhodes
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rhodes:
-
Coffee
$2.29
-
Dinner for Two
$27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rhodes
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rhodes.
-
Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Buffet & Drinks:
$63
-
Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner, Drinks & Swim:
$70
-
Sunset Cruise with Open Bar, Dinner, & Live Music:
$74
-
Cooking Class and Wine Tasting Experience:
$82
-
Traditional Greek COOKING class and Wine Tasting in Rhodes:
$82
-
11 Course Lunch with Cooking Mastery and Wine Tasting in Rhodes:
$83
-
Sip & Savor 11-Dish Wine Pairing and Cooking Adventure:
$89
-
Rhodes Wine & Food Tour: 10 Meal Course Lunch, Wine Tasting, Cooking Class :
$93
-
Winery Tour, Tasting and cooking with the Winemaker in Rhodes:
$95
-
Tasting Cooking Class, Wine Tasting & more in an Authentic Greek village:
$113
-
Authentic Greek Cooking Experience: Taste the Roots of Rhodes:
$114
-
Cooking Lesson and Wine Tasting with Lunch:
$135
Entertainment
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 Rhodes
Here are a few actual costs in Rhodes for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
-
3 Hour Yellow Semi Submarine Swimming Cruise with Drinks Included!:
$60
-
Best Rhodes Tour from Cruise Port including Lindos and Old Town :
$69
-
Rhodes Town Day Tour from Kolymbia in a High Speed Boat:
$48
-
Rhodes, Lindos and Medieval City Guided Tour from Cruise Port:
$82
-
Sunset Picnic Experience on Rhodes Island:
$155
-
3 Hours Morning Adventure by Turtle Submarine:
$36
-
3-Hour Adventure With Hippo Submarine:
$47
-
4 Hour Beach Tour with Meal and Unlimited Drinks in Rhodes:
$94
-
4x4 Buggy Adventures - Off-road Polaris Experience:
$143
-
7 Hour Rhodes Tour Designed Especially for Cruise Passengers :
$66
-
90-Minute Lindos Glassbottom Boat Cruise :
$36
-
Acropolis of Lindos E-Ticket with Audio Tour on your Phone:
$42
Alcohol
Sample the Local Flavors in Rhodes
Also in Rhodes, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
-
Private Wine Tasting Experience for Beginners:
$41
-
Private Wine Tasting Under the Guidance of a Sommelier in Rhodes:
$42
-
Rhodian Wines - Private Wine Tasting Under a Sommelier:
$57
-
Best Rhodes Tour with Wine Tasting Experience from Cruise Port:
$68
-
Best Rhodes Tour with Lindos, Old Town, Wine Tasting & Free Time :
$69
-
Private Wine Tasting Experience for Wine Lovers:
$70
-
1 Day Rhodes Island Tour with Olive Oil, Honey and Wine Tasting :
$73
-
Majestic Lindos, Old Town, History, Culture & Wine Tour:
$75
-
Private Full Day Rhodes Island Tour with Wine Tasting Experience:
$81
-
Full Day Guided Rhodes Island Cultural & Wine Tour:
$83
-
Gourmet Journey: 12-Course Lunch, Wine Tasting & Culinary Session:
$92
-
Rhodes Wine Tasting Experience:
$94
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bodrum and Rhodes, we can see that Rhodes 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 Rhodes would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rhodes 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 Rhodes Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Rhodes?
Rhodes has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Rhodes, 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.
Related Articles for Bodrum
Related Articles for Rhodes