A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bocas del Toro vs. Toronto for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bocas del Toro or Toronto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bocas del Toro or Toronto, 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: Bocas del Toro or Toronto?

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.

Toronto

The capital of Ontario and the most populated city in Canada, Toronto is a very popular travel destination for any number of reasons. It's positioned along the coast of Lake Ontario and has a population of more than 2.6 million with 6.2 million in the Greater Toronto Area. It's a very international and diverse city, with a very rich cultural history. More than half of the city's population was not born in Canada, and there are more than eighty different ethnic neighborhoods sprinkled throughout the city. The city is a center for music, theater, film, and television. It has countless museums, festivals, and sights that attract more than 25 million tourists every year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Bocas del Toro?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Bocas del Toro Prices
    Panama Prices
    Toronto Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Bocas del Toro $96
    Toronto $249

The average daily cost (per person) in Bocas del Toro is $96, while the average daily cost in Toronto is $249. 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 Bocas del Toro and Toronto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bocas del Toro $33
    Toronto $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bocas del Toro $66
    Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Bocas del Toro and Toronto

Looking for a hotel in Bocas del Toro or Toronto? 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 Bocas del Toro


Hotels in Toronto


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: Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bocas del Toro $10
    Toronto $32
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
    $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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:


  • Airport Shuttle
    $26
  • Train: 2 Day Passes
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto

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

  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Downtown Montreal: $1,618
  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Kingston: $856
  • Private Transfer to Kingston City or Queen's Unive…: $816
  • Niagara Falls: Private Transfer to/from Toronto Airport: $700
  • Pearson Airport to Blue Mountain Resort Transfer: $666
  • Low cost Transfer: Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls (Lake): $657
  • Guided layover and stopover tour with transfers.: $500
  • Pvt. Transfer St. Catharines Airport to Pearson Int Airport: $476
  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Niagara Falls: $442
  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Port Hope: $439
  • Private Transfer to and from Kitchener Waterloo Region - Toronto Pearson Airport: $294
  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Hamilton: $281

Is it cheaper to fly into Bocas del Toro or Toronto?

Prices for flights to both Toronto and Bocas del Toro 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
    Bocas del Toro $47
    Toronto $112
Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:


  • Lunch
    $15
  • Breakfast
    $14

Typical Food Prices in Toronto

For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two
    $23
  • Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)
    $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto

For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Premium Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $46
  • Great White North Food Tour: $54
  • Great White North Toronto Food Tour: $55
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $61
  • Toronto Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $66
  • St Lawrence Market Food Tour with 6 Food Tastings: $71
  • Kensington Market 'Taste the World' Food Tour: $72
  • Must-Do Toronto Food Tour by Toronto's First Food Tour Company: $73
  • St Lawrence Market Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $78
  • French Bistro Cooking Class in Toronto (Includes 3-Course Meal): $80
  • Niagara Falls Evening Tour with Boat, Journey, Dinner & Fireworks: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bocas del Toro $21
    Toronto $31
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
    $25
  • Starfish Island Boat Trip
    $20
  • 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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Gallery of Ontario for Two
    $15
  • CN Tower at night for Two
    $36
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise
    $26
  • Bata Shoe Museum (2)
    $7.26

Tours and Activities in Toronto

For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Casual Tour of Toronto by Land, Sky and Sea: $111
  • 1 Day City Sightseeing Tour at Toronto City: $69
  • 1-Hour Private Guided Photography Tour in Toronto: $296
  • 1-Hour Toronto Harbour Tour with Live Narration: $25
  • 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto: $240
  • 3hr Shared Sailing Adventure: $177
  • 60-Minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour: $28
  • 7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $135
  • Action Film and Television Locations Half Day Tour in Toronto: $150
  • Admission Ticket: Explore Canada in Miniature Scale: $33
  • Algonquin Park Hiking: Adventure Tour from Toronto: $151
  • Algonquin Park and Ragged Falls Hike and Canoe Adventure: $104

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bocas del Toro $12
    Toronto $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:

  • Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $20
  • Nickel 9 Distillery Tour and Tasting: $25
  • Illuminarium Toronto in the Distillery District: $26
  • Distillery & Old Town Private Walking Tour: $28
  • Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $35
  • 30-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
  • Toronto Distillery & Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide: $42
  • Toronto Distillery District Self-Guided Walking Tour: $43
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $44
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $44
  • Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $53
  • Distillery District Breakfast Tour: $54


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bocas del Toro and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bocas del Toro is in Central America and Toronto is in North 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto 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 Bocas del Toro Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bocas del Toro or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 470 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Bocas del Toro and Toronto, 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 Bocas del Toro or Toronto?

Toronto 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 Bocas del Toro or Toronto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bocas del Toro and Toronto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bocas del Toro is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toronto this time of the year. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during summer. Bocas del Toro gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Toronto. Bocas del Toro gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F) 
    Toronto 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bocas del Toro as well as Toronto. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Bocas del Toro is much warmer than Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Bocas del Toro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Bocas del Toro gets 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F) 
    Toronto 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Bocas del Toro are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Toronto can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bocas del Toro is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bocas del Toro in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Bocas del Toro usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. In January, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Toronto. Bocas del Toro gets 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F) 
    Toronto -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and Bocas del Toro during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Toronto because of the activities around the city.

In April, Bocas del Toro is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Bocas del Toro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto. Bocas del Toro gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. Bocas del Toro gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F) 
    Toronto 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Toronto and Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro Toronto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 319 mm (12.6 in) -4°C (25°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 201 mm (7.9 in) -4°C (26°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 193 mm (7.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 26°C (80°F) 276 mm (10.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 255 mm (10 in) 21°C (69°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 26°C (78°F) 367 mm (14.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 402 mm (15.8 in) -1°C (30°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)