A Travel Price Comparison for Turkey Pamukkale vs. Bodrum for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pamukkale or Bodrum?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Bodrum can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Bodrum?

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.

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 Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Istanbul.


Which place is cheaper, Bodrum or Pamukkale?

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 Pamukkale is $162, while the average daily cost in Bodrum 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 Pamukkale and Bodrum in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $44
    Bodrum $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $88
    Bodrum $76
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Bodrum

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale 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.

Hotels in Pamukkale


Hotels in Bodrum


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: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Bodrum Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $28
    Bodrum $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale

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

  • City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Center Private Transfer: $244
  • Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $149
  • Denizli Airport Transfer to Pamukkale (Private): $141
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $121
  • Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $119
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $114
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $114
  • Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $108
  • Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $78
  • Paragliding Tour w/ Scenic Views & Hotel Transfer: $73
  • Gumbet Turkish Bath with hotel transfer and Oil massage: $38
  • Antalya/Belek/Lara: Land Of legends Night Show Transfer: $20

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
  • From Full-Day Ancient Ephesus Tour with Guide & Transfer: $268
  • Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Seferihisar: $238
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Marmaris Hotels: $214
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Mugla City Center Hotels: $190
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Didim (Altinkum) Hotels: $149
  • Full-Day Pamukkale Trip with Lunch & Transfer from Bodrum: $145
  • Bodrum Akyarlar Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $137
  • River Rafting Tour with Breakfast, Lunch & Transfer from Bodrum: $127
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kadikalesi Hotels: $125
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Bodrum Airport to Marmaris Hotels: $119
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Yalikavak Hotels: $113

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Bodrum?

Prices for flights to both Bodrum and Pamukkale 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
    Pamukkale $94
    Bodrum $33

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.
    Pamukkale $42
    Bodrum $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale

For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance fees Travertines & Pool
    $1.57

Tours and Activities in Pamukkale

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

  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tours: $179
  • 6 Day Antalya, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Ephesus Tour: $325
  • Ancient Echoes: Etrim Village & Ancient Sanctuaries Tour: $113
  • Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $88
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Cappadocia in a Day Private Tour from Istanbul, Cappadocia Hotels: $223
  • Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour included Pick Up from Denizli Airport: $100
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour From Denizli Çardak Aırport: $131
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Bus station: $114
  • Experince Gyrocopter Tour over Pamaukkale & Hierapolis: $131
  • From Antalya or Kemer: Full-Day Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour: $41
  • From Antalya: Daily Pamukkale Tour with Expert Local Guide: $133

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $11
    Bodrum $11


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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Bodrum?

Bodrum has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale 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.


When is the best time to visit Pamukkale or Bodrum?

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 Pamukkale or Bodrum in the Summer?

Both Bodrum and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Pamukkale for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pamukkale is generally around the same temperature as Bodrum. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 28°C (82°F), and Bodrum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In July, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Bodrum. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Bodrum in the Autumn?

Both Bodrum and Pamukkale during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Pamukkale in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Bodrum in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Bodrum fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Pamukkale usually gets more rain in October than Bodrum. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Bodrum in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Bodrum. Most visitors come to Pamukkale for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Pamukkale is cooler than Bodrum. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamukkale in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Bodrum averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Bodrum receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pamukkale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Bodrum. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Bodrum in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Bodrum. The spring months attract visitors to Pamukkale because of the natural beauty.

In April, Pamukkale is generally around the same temperature as Bodrum. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 17°C (62°F), and Bodrum fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Pamukkale usually gets more rain in April than Bodrum. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Bodrum and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Bodrum
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)