Which place is cheaper, Sofia or Bodrum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Bodrum or Sofia?
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 Sofia 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 Sofia?
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.
Sofia
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and also its largest city. Some people have tried to compare it to Budapest, but the cities are actually quite different. In Sofia you will find wonderful European style architecture intertwined with Communist style buildings. It's fascinating to see the two dramatically different building styles immediately next to each other. There are also many Orthodox Churches around town, with their beautiful domes and intricate details.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Bulgaria, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bulgaria.
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Bodrum Prices
Turkey PricesSofia Prices
Bulgaria Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBodrum $86Sofia $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $86, while the average daily cost in Sofia is $86. 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 Sofia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBodrum $38Sofia $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBodrum $76Sofia $88
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Sofia
Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Sofia? 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 Sofia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bodrum $19Sofia $9.26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum
Also for Bodrum, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport Transfer from Bodrum airport to Kusadasi: $300
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kusadasi Hotels: $221
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Mugla City Center Hotels: $191
- Bodrum Akyarlar Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $137
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kadikalesi Hotels: $125
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bodrum Airport to Marmaris Hotels: $119
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyarlar Hotels: $119
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Yaliciftlik Hotels: $114
- Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) to Bodrum Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Ortakent Hotels: $108
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Gundogan Hotels: $108
- Off-Road Jeep Safari Tour in Bodrum with Lunch & Transfer: $102
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sofia
Also for Sofia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bansko Transfer From/to Sofia Airport and Hotels: $286
- Private Transfer from Sofia (SOF) Airport to Kavala: $258
- Private Arrival Transfer from Sofia Airport to Bansko Ski Resort: $226
- Bucharest: Private Transfer to Sofia: $219
- Transfer from Sofia to Stara Zagora: $212
- Private Transfer from Sofia (SOF) Airport to Nis: $199
- Borovets Transfers from/to Sofia Airport: $179
- Private Transfer from Sofia (SOF) Airport to Pamporovo: $175
- River Rafting Adventure in Bulgaria (incl. transfer from Sofia): $171
- Private Transfer From Sofia to Bansko with Rila Monastery Visit: $143
- Private Departure Transfer from Bansko to Sofia Airport: $143
- Private Arrival Transfer from Sofia Airport to Plovdiv: $143
Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Sofia?
Prices for flights to both Sofia 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
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Food Meals for one dayBodrum $33Sofia $35
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 Sofia
For Sofia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1980s Communism-Era Dinner with Local Host: $35
- Market Food Tour: $55
- Cooking Class in Sourdough Pancakes, Wine & Culture: $59
- Sofia by Night: Panoramic City Tour and Folklore Dinner: $116
- Private Sofia Night Tour with Bulgarian Folklore & Dinner: $118
- Bulgarian Food tasting, cullinary-historical tour, Cooking class: $137
- Sofia by Night Panoramic Tour with Dinner and Folklore Show: $161
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bodrum $25Sofia $6.54
Tours and Activities in Bodrum
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bodrum.
- Boat Tour to Orak Island: $33
- Private Bodrum City Tour for Cruisers: $75
- Ölüdeniz: Blue Cave, Butterfly Valley & Lunch Boat Tour: $62
- Bibical Gems of Ephesus Tour from Yalıkavak Marina or Bodrum Port: $149
- Boattrip to Bodrum Maledives for Virgin Cruise Passengers: $41
- Bodrum Aquapark Entry Ticket : $55
- Bodrum Aquarium Bay Tour with Lunch & Swimming Stops: $37
- Bodrum Atv Safari Tour: $64
- Bodrum Boat Tour with Lunch: Beaches and Islands: $28
- Bodrum City Tour : Lunch Guide Entry fees included: $217
- Bodrum Cleopatra & Orak Island Mix Tour by Boat: $36
- Bodrum Fullday Private Tour with Licenced Guide & Dlx Van: $190
Tours and Activities in Sofia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sofia.
- 3-Hour Private Bulgarian Food Tasting Tour of Sofia: $92
- 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Day tour from Sofia: $125
- 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Small Group Day tour from Sofia: $101
- 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour: $52
- 7 Rila lakes and Rila monastery day tour from Sofia: $123
- Adventure bike tours in Sofia: $70
- Adventure bike tours in Sofia: $69
- Afternoon Delights in Sofia Tour: $83
- All inclusive Belogradchik fort and Venetsa cave day tour: $93
- Archaeological tour-From the Neolithic to Modern times in Augusta Trayana: $118
- Art Gallery Sightseeing Tour in Sofia: $46
- Boyana Church & Rila Monastery Full-Day Private Tour: $188
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBodrum $11Sofia $9.26
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 Sofia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sofia:
- Sofia's Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl: $24
- Sofia Pub Crawl Tour of The Hidden Unique Bars: $24
- Wine and Tapas Boutique Bulgarian Wine Tasting : $29
- Wine and Tapas - Bulgarian's Wine Tasting Experience: $29
- Wine Tasting in Heart of Sofia: $36
- Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting: $46
- Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting: $46
- Wine Tasting: Bulgarian Wine Grape Varieties: $48
- From Rozhen monastery and Melnik with wine tasting: $107
- Sofia – Kazanluk Rose Valley & Oil Distillery Tour: $115
- Plovdiv Old Town & Thracian Wine Tasting – Day Tour from Sofia: $137
- Plovdiv and Thracia Valley with Wine Tasting: $173
When comparing the travel costs between Bodrum and Sofia, we can see that Bodrum is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bodrum Expensive? and Is Sofia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Sofia?
Sofia has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Sofia, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.