Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Auckland?
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 Auckland or Bocas del Toro?
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 Auckland and Bocas del Toro can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Auckland or Bocas del Toro?
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Auckland Prices
New Zealand PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAuckland $170Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $170, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is $96. 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 Auckland and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAuckland $99Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAuckland $198Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Auckland 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: Auckland Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Auckland $17Bocas del Toro $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$9.47
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Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Hobbiton Private Transfers with Group Tour: $516
- Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Matamata: $298
- Private Transfer from Auckland Airport to Te Arai Links: $298
- Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Raglan Beach : $298
- Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Private Transfer from Auckland: $238
- Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Morrinsville: $214
- Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Cambridge : $208
- Rotorua to Auckland - Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Caves: $188
- Auckland to Rotorua or Rotorua to Auckland Transfer : $179
- Private Airport Transfers and Tours: $168
- Private Luxury Transfer To/Fr City in Mercedes Van: $162
- Private One-Way Transfer: Auckland Airport to Hamilton/Rotorua: $161
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bocas del Toro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bocas del Toro:
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Water Taxi$3.00
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 Auckland or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Auckland 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 dayAuckland $46Bocas del Toro $47
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $101
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
- Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
- Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
- From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550
Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:
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Lunch$15
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Breakfast$14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Auckland $27Bocas del Toro $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$33
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$119
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Auckland Best Top 5 Spots Half day Tour : $95
- Rotorua Māori Village w Haka & Waitomo Caves Day Tour: $229
- Cathedral Cove & Hot water beach -Full Day Tour: PRIVATE TOUR : $268
- Hobbiton Movie Set Small Tour from Auckland: $247
- Hunua Falls and Blue Springs (Te Waihou): Private Tour: $250
- 24 day Greatest Of All Tours Small Group Tour: $3,447
- 4 hours Auckland Friday Night Tour : $77
- 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland: $173
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $12
- AUCKLAND CITY Full Day Tour with War Memorial Museum and Mt Eden: $154
- Half-Day CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR - Mt.Eden, Tamaki Dr: $86
- Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $119
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bocas del Toro
For Bocas del Toro, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Island Boat Tour$25
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Starfish Island Boat Trip$20
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Yoga Class$4.99
Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.
- Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro: $50
- Bioluminescence Tour - Bocas del Toro: $49
- Bocas Biodiversity: A Birds & Wildlife EcoTour Experience: $76
- Bocas del Toro Island Hopping Day Tour in Zapatilla Beach: $51
- From Isla Colon: Bocas del Toro Archipelago Boat Tour: $56
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Isla Colon Tour to Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach: $50
- Speed Boat tour to Mangrove Point -Starfish Beach -Bocas del Drago and Birds Island: $65
- Stand Up Paddle Board Experience in Bahia Honda Bocas del Toro: $60
- Zapatilla Island Hopping Day Tour: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAuckland $13Bocas del Toro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
- Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $119
- Ultimate Auckland Experience Full Day Tour with Brewery Lunch : $149
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
- Kumeu Wine Tour: $164
- Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
- Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $188
- City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
- Auckland City Tour & Kumeu Wine Country Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch : $238
- Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland 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 Auckland Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Auckland or Bocas del Toro?
Auckland has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Auckland 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 Auckland or Bocas del Toro?
Auckland 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 Auckland or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Bocas del Toro. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Auckland is cooler than Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.
In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Auckland usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyAuckland 20°C (68°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Bocas del Toro. Many travelers come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In the autumn, Auckland is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Auckland in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in October.
In the autumn, Auckland often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toroin October. Auckland gets 162 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. Auckland usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toroin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberAuckland 16°C (61°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Auckland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Auckland is generally much colder than Bocas del Toroin January. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 11°C (52°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. It's quite rainy in Auckland. In July, Auckland usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAuckland 11°C (52°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Auckland during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Auckland is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 14°C (58°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.
In the spring, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toroin April. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun.
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Auckland usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toroin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilAuckland 14°C (58°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Auckland
| Auckland | Bocas del Toro | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.