Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Osaka?
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 Osaka 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 Osaka 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: Osaka or Bocas del Toro?
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
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 Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Osaka Prices
Japan PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOsaka $110Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Osaka is $110, 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 Osaka and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOsaka $48Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOsaka $96Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Osaka and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Osaka 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: Osaka Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Osaka $14Bocas del Toro $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$8.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX)to Arima-Onsen Resorts-Arrival Transfer: $300
- Osaka Airport (ITM) to Osaka city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $260
- Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $259
- Private Transfer from Osaka City Hotels to Maizuru Cruise Port: $244
- Private Transfer Between Kyoto and Kansai Airport KIX: $236
- Roundtrip Transfer from Osaka Airport ITM to Arima-Onsen Resorts: $222
- Airport Transfer!Hotel in center of Osaka to Kansai Airport (KIX): $192
- Private Transfer from Osaka hotels to Osaka Cruise Port: $184
- Private Transfer from Osaka Cruise Port to Osaka hotels: $184
- Private transfer from Kansai Airport to any location in Izumisano: $179
- Universal Studios Pass & Private Transfer: $161
- Private Transfer from Osaka Airport (ITM) to Maizuru Cruise Port: $155
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 Osaka or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Osaka 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 dayOsaka $45Bocas del Toro $47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- PICCADILLY PREMIUM DINNER SHOW&NIGHTCLUB with Tasting: $17
- Kobe Beef Bowl Cooking Class in Osaka Afternoon : $42
- Cooking Class for Osaka Style Kushikatsu & Tonjiru (with Onigiri): $45
- Kuromon, Sennichimae & Dotonbori Food Tour with Wagyu: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $52
- Private Food Tour & Bar Hopping in Namba: $52
- Osaka Cooking for Japanese Pescatarian dishes: $56
- Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (Option to add Dinner): $56
- Discover Osaka Cuisine through Cooking Class Experience: $56
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $63
- 3 Hours Washoku Cooking Class: $69
- Enjoy artistic TEMPURA Cooking Class: $69
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.Osaka $21Bocas del Toro $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$31
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 6 Hours Osaka Tour with National Licensed Guide: $250
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Temple Nara Park Tour from Osaka and Kyoto: $100
- Explore Osaka with Wine Class and Tasting Experience: $110
- Miyama Kayabuki no Sato 1 Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto: $243
- 1 Day Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bus Tour: $75
- 1 Day Takoyaki Making and Osaka Castle Walking Tour: $146
- 150min Full Body and Oil Massage with Japanese Healing Experience: $165
- 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $34
- 3-Hour Osaka Bike Tour/Customizable : $167
- 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $125
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $75
- A Tour to Explore the Symbol of Osaka Castle: $88
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 dayOsaka $12Bocas del Toro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Nights: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $38
- Off The Beaten Path Osaka Local Bar Crawl: $56
When comparing the travel costs between Osaka and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Osaka 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 Osaka 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 Osaka Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Osaka or Bocas del Toro?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 260 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Osaka 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 Osaka or Bocas del Toro?
Osaka 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 Osaka or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Bocas del Toro. The summer months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Osaka is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 28°C (82°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Osaka gets 183 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. Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Osaka usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 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 JulyOsaka 28°C (82°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Bocas del Toro. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Osaka this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
Osaka is cooler than Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In the autumn, Osaka often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toro. Osaka gets 159 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. Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Osaka usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 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 OctoberOsaka 19°C (66°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Osaka is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Osaka in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Osaka gets 140 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, Osaka usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 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 JanuaryOsaka 6°C (42°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Osaka during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Osaka in the spring for the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
In April, Osaka is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 15°C (59°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In the spring, Osaka often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toro. Osaka gets 176 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 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 AprilOsaka 15°C (59°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Osaka
| Osaka | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.