Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Helsinki?
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 Helsinki or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Bocas del Toro can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Helsinki or Bocas del Toro?
Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland and dates back to 1550. Helsinki is an international metropolis with a diverse population, but also a small town vibe. The city itself has a population of just over 600,000 but the metropolitan area, including Espoo and Vantaa, has a population of more than 1.3 million. There are many outdoor bars and cafes that take advantage of the warmer summer months. During this time there are long days, and the population floods into the street after a long and cold winter, so visiting during the summer is a fun and lively experience.
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 in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
-
Helsinki Prices
Finland PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHelsinki €164Bocas del Toro €82
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €164, 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 Helsinki and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHelsinki €73Bocas del Toro €28
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHelsinki €146Bocas del Toro €56
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki 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: Helsinki Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Helsinki €22Bocas del Toro €8.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Helsinki Private Departure Airport Transfer: $211
- Helsinki Private Arrival Airport Transfer: $211
- VIP Transfer Helsinki : $209
- PRIVATE Helsinki VIP Transfer: $197
- Private Luxury Transfer in Helsinki : $195
- Private Transfer from Helsinki City Hotels to Kotka Cruise Port: $168
- Private Airport Transfer by VIP car in Helsinki region: $160
- VIP Airport transfers in Helsinki region: $160
- VIP Airport Transfer by new cars in Helsinki: $158
- Private Transfer from Airport in Helsinki and Vice versa: $149
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki Terminal - Round-Trip Transfer: $139
- Helsinki West Harbour Terminal to Helsinki hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139
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 Helsinki or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Helsinki 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 dayHelsinki €59Bocas del Toro €40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $118
- Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $203
- Helsinki Food Tour: A Culinary Experience with a Local: $274
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.Helsinki €27Bocas del Toro €18
Tours and Activities in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Helsinki Highlights Tour: the Top Sightseeing Spots: $155
- Helsinki and Porvoo Tour by Private Car with Personal Guide: $101
- 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $107
- 4 Hour Helsinki Tour from Cruise Port: $96
- A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $24
- A Private Walking Tour Through Helsinki: $239
- Adventure Day: $48
- CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $190
- Capital of Contrasts: A Self Guided Audio Tour in Helsinki: $15
- Day to Porvoo from Medieval Old Town Guided Tour: $94
- Deluxe Helsinki Shore Excursion from Cruise Ship Port: $130
- Explore Tallinn: Self-Guided Day Cruise from Helsinki: $49
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.
- 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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHelsinki €16Bocas del Toro €10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Helsinki 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 Helsinki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Helsinki 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 Helsinki Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Bocas del Toro?
Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Bocas del Toro?
Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Bocas del Toro. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Helsinki is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Helsinki gets 275 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, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHelsinki 17°C (62°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Bocas del Toro. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Helsinki gets 90 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. Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHelsinki 6°C (42°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Helsinki gets 39 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, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHelsinki -6°C (21°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. Helsinki is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In the spring, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toro. Helsinki gets 183 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. Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHelsinki 3°C (37°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Helsinki
| Helsinki | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 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.