Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Hofn?
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 Hofn 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 Hofn 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: Hofn or Bocas del Toro?
Hofn
Hofn is a very small fishing town on the southeast of Iceland, measuring just over half a mile across. It is best known for being located in the beautiful Vatnajokull Region, where the largest glacier in Europe is located. Hofn, and the surrounding area, is full of breathtaking natural scenery including lagoons, icefalls, and mountains.
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 Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Hofn Prices
Iceland PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHofn $207Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $207, 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 Hofn and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHofn $113Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHofn $226Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Hofn 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: Hofn Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hofn $31Bocas del Toro $10
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 Hofn or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Hofn 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 dayHofn $73Bocas 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.Hofn $20Bocas del Toro $21
Tours and Activities in Hofn
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hofn.
- 3 Hours Blue Ice Experience in Vatnajokull : $214
- Crystal Ice Cave Adventure : $203
- Crystal Ice Cave Tour from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: $182
- Frozen Wonders : Small Group Ice Cave Tour: $200
- Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $157
- Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $170
- Sindri’s Ice Cave Photography Tour: A Local’s Perspective: $215
- The Orignal Ice Cave Tour in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: $164
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 dayHofn $13Bocas del Toro $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hofn and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Hofn is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hofn 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 Hofn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hofn 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 Hofn Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hofn or Bocas del Toro?
Bocas del Toro has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn 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 Hofn or Bocas del Toro?
Hofn 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 Hofn or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Hofn is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 9°C (48°F) in July, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In July, Hofn usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 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 JulyHofn 9°C (48°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Hofn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
It's quite cold in Hofn in the autumn. In the autumn, Hofn is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hofn in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 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 OctoberHofn 4°C (40°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. In January, Hofn is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around -0°C (31°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hofn usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 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 JanuaryHofn -0°C (31°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Bocas del Toro. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
Hofn can get quite cold in the spring. Hofn is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Hofn usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Hofn 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 AprilHofn 2°C (36°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Hofn
| Hofn | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (31°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 0°C (32°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 0°C (32°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 5°C (40°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (48°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 4°C (40°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (34°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 124 mm (4.9 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.