Which place is cheaper, Bodrum or Lesbos?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Lesbos or Bodrum?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lesbos and Bodrum. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Lesbos or Bodrum?
Lesbos
Lesbos, the third-largest Greek island, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and authentic Greek culture. Visiting Lesbos doesn't have to break the bank. Budget accommodations can be found for as low as €25-40 per night in the off-season and €40-60 during peak months. For affordable meals, seek out local tavernas away from tourist hotspots. The villages of Petra and Molyvos offer authentic dining experiences at reasonable prices, and many tavernas provide daily specials ("mezedes") that are both delicious and economical.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Greece, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey.
-
Lesbos Prices
Greece PricesBodrum Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLesbos €276Bodrum €73
The average daily cost (per person) in Lesbos is €276, while the average daily cost in Bodrum is €73. 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 Lesbos and Bodrum in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLesbos €117Bodrum €32
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLesbos €234Bodrum €64
Compare Hotels in Lesbos and Bodrum
Looking for a hotel in Lesbos or Bodrum? 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: Lesbos Hotel Prices and Bodrum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lesbos €61Bodrum €16
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Lesbos or Bodrum?
Prices for flights to both Bodrum and Lesbos 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 dayLesbos €119Bodrum €28
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.Lesbos €37Bodrum €21
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLesbos €23Bodrum €9.12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lesbos and Bodrum, we can see that Lesbos 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 Lesbos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lesbos 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 Lesbos Expensive? and Is Bodrum Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lesbos or Bodrum?
Bodrum has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lesbos. When comparing the sizes of Lesbos and Bodrum, 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.