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

Should you visit Bodrum or Zadar?

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 Zadar 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 Zadar?

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.

Zadar

You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.

The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.

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


Which place is cheaper, Zadar 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 Zadar is $129. 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 Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $38
    Zadar $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $76
    Zadar $120
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Zadar? 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 Zadar


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 Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $19
    Zadar $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum

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

  • Comfortable Turkish Bath and Spa, from Bodrum include Transfers: $23
  • Authentic Turkish Hamam and Spa Unforgettable Ritual WithTransfer: $24
  • From Ferry Transfer to Kos: $28
  • Orak Island Boat Trip with Lunch & Optional Transfer: $28
  • İzmir Airport - Kuşadası / İzmir Center : Private Transfer: $31
  • Turkish Bath and Spa Experience with Hotel Transfers: $37
  • From Private Village Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $41
  • Bodrum Hotel to Bodrum Airport private Transfer w local Company: $42
  • Full-Day Jeep Safari with Lunch and Hotel Transfer: $44
  • Private Departure Transfer: Central Bodrum or Bodrum Peninsula Hotels to Bodrum Airport: $45
  • Bodrum Kos Ferry Trip With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $46
  • Private Bodrum Airport Transfer in Turkiye: $48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Novalja: $299
  • Private one way transfer from Zadar to Split: $295
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Šibenik: $286
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Murter: $286
  • Zadar Airport to Novalja Private Transfer: $262
  • Private Transfer from Zadar to Split with 2 hours for sightseeing: $244
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Pag Island: $239
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport to Novalja: $239
  • Private Transfer from Zadar to Zagreb with 2h of Sightseeing: $237
  • Private Transfer from Starigrad Paklenica to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $199
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Starigrad Paklenica: $194
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Cruise Port to Split Airport (SPU): $168

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar 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
    Zadar $57

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar

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

  • Morning Zadar Food Tour: $142
  • Preko Cooking Class and Shellfishing Experience with a Local: $190
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $239

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bodrum $25
    Zadar $23

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 Zadar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:

  • Panorama guided Zadar Eco Tuk Tuk tour: $65
  • Private Sunset tour with Antares Sailing : $107
  • Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $24
  • Zadar Boat Tour Half Day: $42
  • Šibenik and Zadar private tour from Split or Trogir: $181
  • 2 Hour Quad Buggy ATV Mountain Adventure in Starigrad: $116
  • 3 Island Tour Swim and Snorkel with Drinks on Traditional Boat: $24
  • 3 Islands Luxury Boat Tour with Aperol Spritz: $33
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Zadar's Medieval Heart: $12
  • Adrenaline Adventure on Speedboat with 3 stops and Snorkeling: $38
  • Be a Local: Private Tour from Olive Harvest to Culinary Delight: $238
  • Boat Tour around Zadar Islands with snorkeling during half day excursion: $34

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar

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

  • Brlog Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting : $30
  • Guided Speedboat Tour with Food, Oil & Wine Tasting: $42
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $78
  • City Tour with Educational Beer Tour in Brlog Brewery: $94
  • City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $107


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


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Zadar, 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 Zadar?

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 Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Bodrum during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bodrum is around the same temperature as Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in July than Zadar. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F) 
    Zadar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Zadar. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Bodrum is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bodrum in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In October, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Zadar. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F) 
    Zadar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Zadar. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Zadar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Bodrum is generally a little warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 10°C (50°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Bodrum receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bodrum usually gets more rain in January than Zadar. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F) 
    Zadar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

Bodrum is around the same temperature as Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In April, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Zadar. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F) 
    Zadar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Zadar and Bodrum

Bodrum Zadar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)