Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Gothenburg?
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 Gothenburg or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gothenburg or Bocas del Toro? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Gothenburg or Bocas del Toro?
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Gothenburg Prices
Sweden PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGothenburg $145Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $145, 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 Gothenburg and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGothenburg $46Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGothenburg $92Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg 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: Gothenburg Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gothenburg $21Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $216
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $162
- Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $132
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $128
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $115
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $108
- Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $108
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
- Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $80
- Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $74
- Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $71
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
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 Gothenburg or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Gothenburg 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 dayGothenburg $76Bocas del Toro $47
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.Gothenburg $18Bocas del Toro $21
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $48
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
- Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $66
- City Kayak Tour: $53
- City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $37
- Eila's Time Travels: A Lycksele Family Walking Tour Game: $8.59
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $48
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $70
- Fatbike Experience in Sorsele: $131
- Gothenburg - Private guided tour: $586
- Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $36
- Gothenburg : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour: $123
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 dayGothenburg $24Bocas del Toro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Gothenburg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gothenburg:
- Guided Brewery Tour on Bicycle: $66
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Gothenburg is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Bocas del Toro?
Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg or Bocas del Toro?
Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 16°C (61°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In Gothenburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gothenburg usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Gothenburg gets 243 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 July, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 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 JulyGothenburg 16°C (61°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Bocas del Toro. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
Gothenburg is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 9°C (47°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In the autumn, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Gothenburg gets 94 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. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 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 OctoberGothenburg 9°C (47°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Gothenburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Gothenburg is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gothenburg in January average around -2°C (29°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Gothenburg gets 40 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. In January, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 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 JanuaryGothenburg -2°C (29°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Gothenburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
In April, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 5°C (41°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In the spring, Gothenburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toro. Gothenburg gets 182 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. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 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 AprilGothenburg 5°C (41°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Gothenburg
| Gothenburg | Bocas del Toro | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (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.