Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Amsterdam?
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 Amsterdam or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Bocas del Toro, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Amsterdam or Bocas del Toro?
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
Bocas del Toro
The capital of the Bocas del Toro province, this city of the same name sits in the Caribbean West region of Panama. Bocas del Toro, or Bocas Town, is in the district of Bocas del Toro, which also includes the towns of Bastimentos, Cauchero, Punta Laurel, and Tierra Oscura. The district has a population of about 17,000 and covers a total area of 433.2 square kilometers, and the town has a population of about 13,000. The area is a tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling and diving, and interesting culture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
-
Amsterdam Prices
Netherlands PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAmsterdam €211Bocas del Toro €82
The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is €211, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is €82. 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 Amsterdam and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAmsterdam €102Bocas del Toro €28
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAmsterdam €204Bocas del Toro €56
Compare Hotels in Amsterdam and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam or Bocas del Toro? 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: Amsterdam Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Amsterdam €20Bocas del Toro €8.73
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
-
Ride on Tram€3.20
-
Renting a Bike€15
-
One Hour Canal Cruise€10
-
Single Day Transit Pass€2.60
-
Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport€3.40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- From Private Transfer to Efteling Theme Park: $470
- Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $341
- Amsterdam Private Transfer to Keukenhof Gardens: $299
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport - Amsterdam RoundTrip Private Transfer: $290
- Private transfer from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, 2h Stop in Haarlem: $287
- Private Transfer from Schiphol Airport AMS Airport to Giethoorn: $287
- Private taxi transfer from Amsterdam to Giethoorn: $280
- Private transfer: Amsterdam>Rotterdam, 2h stop at De Haar Castle: $276
- Private transfer: Amsterdam to Rotterdam, 2h stop in The Hague: $268
- Private transfer from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, 2h Stop in Delft: $266
- Amsterdam Airport (AMS): Transfer to Amsterdam Cruise Port: $254
- Private Transfer from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Eindhoven: $239
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bocas del Toro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bocas del Toro:
-
Water Taxi€2.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bocas del Toro
Also for Bocas del Toro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Amsterdam 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 dayAmsterdam €80Bocas del Toro €40
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
-
Afternoon Tea€6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
- Food Tour Amsterdam | Taste The Best of Dutch Flavors: $3.58
- Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $11
- Stroopwafel & Secrets: Amsterdam Street Food Tour de Pijp : $42
- Amsterdam Guided Cruise with New York Pizza, Drinks and Ice Cream: $45
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $61
- 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $72
- Amsterdam Music Tour with Dinner: $86
- Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner: $93
- 10 Tastes of Food Tour by UNESCO Canals and Jordaan: $102
- Anne Frank and the Jewish Quarter Food Tour: $108
- Discover Amsterdam's Culinary Scene: Morning Food Tour: $117
- Amsterdam Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $118
Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:
-
Lunch€13
-
Breakfast€12
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Amsterdam €37Bocas del Toro €18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum€6.00
-
Entry for two to the Anne Frank House€17
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Amsterdam Light Festival Boat Tour - Small Group: $87
- Anne Frank Story & Neighborhood Walk Tour in Amsterdam: $51
- 1 Hour Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour : $119
- 1 hour Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $119
- 1, 2 or 3-7 Days Nightclubs & Best Nightlife in Amsterdam Ticket: $16
- 1,5 hours Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $179
- 15 Minute Amsterdam Rickshaw Fun Ride Tour: $36
- 19th Century Amsterdam Guided Private Bike Tour : $275
- 2 Hours Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $233
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of the Highlights of Amsterdam: $182
- 2 hours Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $239
- 2-hour Red Light District and Old Town Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $53
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bocas del Toro
For Bocas del Toro, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Island Boat Tour€21
-
Starfish Island Boat Trip€17
-
Yoga Class€4.26
Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.
- Zapatilla Island Hopping Day Tour: $49
- Bioluminescence Tour - Bocas del Toro: $49
- Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro: $50
- Isla Colon Tour to Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach: $50
- Bocas del Toro Island Hopping Day Tour in Zapatilla Beach: $51
- From Isla Colon: Bocas del Toro Archipelago Boat Tour: $56
- Stand Up Paddle Board Experience in Bahia Honda Bocas del Toro: $60
- Speed Boat tour to Mangrove Point -Starfish Beach -Bocas del Drago and Birds Island: $65
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Bocas Biodiversity: A Birds & Wildlife EcoTour Experience: $76
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAmsterdam €24Bocas del Toro €10
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Cheese and Wine tasting in Amsterdam: $24
- Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $29
- Amsterdam Private Pub Crawl in the City Center: $30
- Red Light Halloween Pub Crawl: $42
- Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $141
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Amsterdam is in Europe and Bocas del Toro is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bocas del Toro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bocas del Toro 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Bocas del Toro.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Bocas del Toro?
Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Bocas del Toro, 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 Amsterdam or Bocas del Toro?
Amsterdam has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bocas del Toro experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Amsterdam or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Amsterdam during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Amsterdam is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Amsterdam. In the summer, Amsterdam often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun.
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Amsterdam usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAmsterdam 17°C (62°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Amsterdam or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Bocas del Toro. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Amsterdam is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Amsterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAmsterdam 11°C (51°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Amsterdam or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Bocas del Toro. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Amsterdam. In January, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In the winter, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Amsterdam usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAmsterdam 2°C (36°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Amsterdam or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Amsterdam is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toro during spring. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In April, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAmsterdam 8°C (46°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Amsterdam
| Amsterdam | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 in) |
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.