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

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

Where Should I go: Manila or Bocas del Toro?

Manila

A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.

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 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.


Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Manila?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, 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 Manila and Bocas del Toro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $54
    Bocas del Toro $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $108
    Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Manila and Bocas del Toro

Looking for a hotel in Manila 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 Manila


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: Manila Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manila $14
    Bocas del Toro $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • Safe and secure Airport Transfer Best in Manila: $216
  • Tagaytay-Pagsanjan Falls combo tour with transfers** updated 2024: $180
  • Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
  • Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
  • Amazing Taal Volcano Island Boat Tour with Transfers: $120
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $98
  • Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
  • METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $64
  • Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
  • Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
  • Quality Safe and Reliable Manila Airport Transfers: $49
  • Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41

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

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

Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Manila 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
    Manila $31
    Bocas del Toro $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.

  • Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
  • ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
  • Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
  • Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
  • Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
  • Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $66
  • Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
  • Authentic Manila Chinatown Food Tour Exploration : $75
  • Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
  • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
  • Day Tour in Manilas History and Savor a Cultural Dinner: $175

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $19
    Bocas del Toro $21

Tours and Activities in Manila

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:

  • (Excursion) Day tour in Manila: $258
  • A Day in Paradise at Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Adventure: $150
  • A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
  • Active Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour (2in1): $135
  • Amazing Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Tour 2in1: $125
  • Amazing Taal Volcano Tour (Boat Included): $125
  • Antipolo Day Tour with Cloud 9 and Pinto Art Museum: $80
  • BAGUIO CITY DAY TOUR (FROM MANILA): $357
  • BANAUE:BATAD Rice Terraces with Sagada 4D3N PRIVATE TOUR: $7,130
  • Bataan Death March Memorial Historical Tour : $208
  • Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $71
  • Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $85

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.

  • Zapatilla Island Hopping Day Tour: $49
  • Bioluminescence Tour - Bocas del Toro: $49
  • Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro: $50
  • Isla Colon Tour to Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach: $50
  • Bocas del Toro Island Hopping Day Tour in Zapatilla Beach: $51
  • From Isla Colon: Bocas del Toro Archipelago Boat Tour: $56
  • Stand Up Paddle Board Experience in Bahia Honda Bocas del Toro: $60
  • Speed Boat tour to Mangrove Point -Starfish Beach -Bocas del Drago and Birds Island: $65
  • Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
  • Bocas Biodiversity: A Birds & Wildlife EcoTour Experience: $76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.90
    Bocas del Toro $12


When comparing the travel costs between Manila and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Manila is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Manila is in Asia and Bocas del Toro is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Manila or Bocas del Toro?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 1060 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Manila 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 Manila or Bocas del Toro?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Manila or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Manila as well as Bocas del Toro. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bocas del Toro. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In July, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

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

Both Bocas del Toro and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. It's quite rainy in Manila. In October, Manila usually receives more rain than Bocas del Toro. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Manila is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

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

Both Bocas del Toro and Manila during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.

Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Manila usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Manila is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Manila usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Manila is generally a little warmer than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Manila

Manila Bocas del Toro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 319 mm (12.6 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 26°C (80°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 367 mm (14.4 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 402 mm (15.8 in)