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

Should you visit London 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 London and Bocas del Toro can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: London or Bocas del Toro?

London

The capital of the United Kingdom is a thriving multicultural metropolis. Steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, London is energetic, majestic, ambitious and one of the world's greatest cities. London is a cultural and fashion capital, a great place to go out, an amazing place to eat and one of those cities that is constantly changing with new and exciting things sprouting up almost every day. History and tradition greet you at every turn in the UK's capital. London is also a city with an edgy underbelly, delighting in neon pink dive bars, cheeky graffiti and mind-blowing street food. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub or relax in one of the city's many parks. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is busy, vibrant and very tourist friendly. The only problem with London is that it's very expensive; it can eat away at your budget if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are also tons of free or cheap things to do in London that can fill your time.

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 Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.


Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or London?

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

  • London Prices
    UK Prices
    Bocas del Toro Prices
    Panama Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    London £217
    Bocas del Toro £71

The average daily cost (per person) in London is £217, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is £71. 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 London and Bocas del Toro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    London £125
    Bocas del Toro £25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    London £250
    Bocas del Toro £50
Compare Hotels in London and Bocas del Toro

Looking for a hotel in London 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.

Hotels in London


Hotels in Bocas del Toro


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: London Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    London £26
    Bocas del Toro £7.57
Typical Local Transportation Prices in London

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in London:


  • Taxi Ride
    £15
  • Heathrow Express
    £18
  • Luggage Storage
    £8.00
  • London Map
    £1.29
  • Oyster Card
    £36
  • Train to Gatwick Airport (2)
    £22
  • Oyster Card
    £27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in London

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

  • Southampton Port Transfer with Stonehenge stop-over included: $815
  • Southampton: LHR to Southampton Executive SUV Transfer: $701
  • Private Transfer London Heathrow Airport to Southampton Port: $620
  • Private Transfer From Southampton Cruise Terminal to London: $606
  • Private Transfer Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal: $606
  • Airport - hotel - airport transfers for Heathrow groups.: $532
  • Cambridge: LHR to Cambridge Executive SUV Transfer: $525
  • Transfer to/ from Dover Cruise port to Central London: $507
  • Transfer to/from London Gatwick Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $489
  • London Hotels and Airports: Private Transfer to Southampton: $472
  • Heathrow to Southampton Private Cruise Transfer Luxury MPV: $472
  • Southampton To London Heathrow Airport Transfers: $472

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
    £2.22

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 London or Bocas del Toro?

Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and London 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
    London £59
    Bocas del Toro £34
Typical Food Prices in London

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:


  • Lunch at Starbucks
    £13
  • Tea
    £6.00
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    £39
  • Morning Tea
    £6.35
  • Pastry
    £5.00
  • Sushi Dinner for One
    £18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London

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

  • Ultimate London Cheese Crawl : Guided Food Tour: $48
  • Tasting History: A Choose Your Own Menu Food Tour: $49
  • Pizza and Beer Bus Experience: $67
  • London Soho & Covent Garden Food Tour by Do Eat Better : $79
  • International Stand Up Show & Monmouth K. Dinner in Covent Garden: $89
  • Borough Market Christmas Food Tour with Tea and Doughnuts: $96
  • Private South Indian Home Cooking Experience in Orpington: $105
  • Devour Borough Market & Leadenhall Food Tour with Wine: $115
  • Plant Power - Vegan Food Tour: $117
  • Hungry for Soho: London's Finest Food Tour: $122
  • Eating London East End Food Tour: $122
  • London Cheese Chocolate and Christmas Lights Food Tour: $123

Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro

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


  • Lunch
    £11
  • Breakfast
    £10

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    London £33
    Bocas del Toro £16
Typical Entertainment Prices in London

For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Two Tickets to a Concert
    £83
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    £34
  • London Pass
    £47
  • Comedy Show
    £8.00

Tours and Activities in London

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.

  • Experience Fitzrovia Comedy Club in London: $6.85
  • Greenwich, Real-world Adventure Game: $21
  • London King's Cross Walking Tour: Homelessness Revisited: $30
  • Londons Treasures Guided Tour of the British Museum: $103
  • Madame Tussauds London Admission Ticket: $40
  • Rock 'n' Roll Soho - a Walking Tour: $29
  • Silent Disco Walking Tours West End Boogie Shoes: $40
  • 'Cutty Sark' Entrance Ticket: $32
  • 10 Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $48
  • 2 Hour Big Ben to Borough Market Walking Tour: $41
  • 2 Hour Private Rock & Roll Tour London: $295
  • 2 Hours History Walking Tour of The Secret Streets in Chelsea : $89

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
    £18
  • Starfish Island Boat Trip
    £15
  • Yoga Class
    £3.70

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 day
    London £15
    Bocas del Toro £8.76

Sample the Local Flavors in London

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in London:

  • Historic Pub Walking Tour of London: $16
  • London Pub Tour: $27
  • London Pub Crawl: $29
  • Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery Tour and Cocktail: $30
  • Camden Pub Crawl in London: $34
  • The Great East London Pub Crawl!: $34
  • Small Group Covent Garden Historic Pub Tour in London: $34
  • Sipsmith Distillery Tour and Complimentary Tasting: $41
  • Small Group Historical Pub Tour, Beer Included: $60
  • East End Craft Brewery Tour: $67
  • Brixton Craft Brewery Tour: $67
  • Devour London Historical Pub Tour:Traditional British Food & Ales: $95


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


Which is Bigger, London or Bocas del Toro?

London has a larger population, and is about 750 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London or Bocas del Toro?

London 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 London or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?

Both Bocas del Toro and London are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to London this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, London is generally cooler than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in London average around 18°C (64°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

London usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In July, London usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    London 18°C (64°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

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

Both Bocas del Toro and London during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.

London is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in London averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In the autumn, London often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toro. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.

Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. London usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    London 12°C (53°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Bocas del Toro. Many visitors come to London in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

London can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, London is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in London in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, London usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    London 4°C (40°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)

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

The spring brings many poeple to London as well as Bocas del Toro. Most visitors come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.

In April, London is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in London average around 9°C (48°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In the spring, London often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toro. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. London usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    London 9°C (48°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and London

London Bocas del Toro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 319 mm (12.6 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 27°C (80°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (80°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 367 mm (14.4 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 402 mm (15.8 in)