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

Should you visit Oslo 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 Oslo 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: Oslo or Bocas del Toro?

Oslo

Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.

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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.


Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Oslo?

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

  • Oslo Prices
    Norway Prices
    Bocas del Toro Prices
    Panama Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oslo $150
    Bocas del Toro $96

The average daily cost (per person) in Oslo is $150, 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 Oslo and Bocas del Toro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oslo $74
    Bocas del Toro $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oslo $148
    Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Oslo and Bocas del Toro

Looking for a hotel in Oslo 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 Oslo


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: Oslo Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oslo $21
    Bocas del Toro $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:


  • Tram Ticket
    $7.24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:

  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City in Business Van: $260
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Business Car: $250
  • Oslo : Private Transfer to/from Gardermoen Airport to city: $211
  • Trondheim Private Transfer from Trondheim (TRD) Airport to City centre: $194
  • Private Oslo Airport and City Transfers: $179
  • Departure Private Transfer from Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL by Luxury Van: $170
  • Oslo Private Transfer from Oslo (OSL) Airport to City centre: $159
  • Private Transfer from Oslo City Centre to Oslo Airport: $156
  • Private Transfer From Oslo To Drammen With a 2 Hour Stop: $155
  • Airport Transfer: Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Business Car: $154
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL in Business Car: $153
  • Oslo Private Airport/Hotel Transfer Service || English Speaking: $149

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 Oslo or Bocas del Toro?

Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Oslo 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
    Oslo $52
    Bocas del Toro $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo

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

  • Oslofjord Fjord-Style Dinner Cruise: $69
  • City Tour with Traditional Norwegian Lunch or Dinner: $114
  • 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $151
  • Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $154
  • Norwegian Food Tour & Hidden Gems City Walk: $162
  • Norwegian Food Tour & Hidden Gems City Walk: $165
  • Oslo Tour with a Michelin-Starred Chef & Lunch/Dinner: $177

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.
    Oslo $15
    Bocas del Toro $21

Tours and Activities in Oslo

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

  • Family-friendly Fun Oslo Private Guided Tour with Kids: $299
  • 2-Hour Oslo Fjord Sightseeing Cruise by Sailing Ship: $51
  • 2hr Retro Motorcycle Sidecar Oslo Highlights Tour: $246
  • 3 Hours Walking Tour for Great Food in Oslo: $158
  • 4 Hours Island Hopping Tour in Oslo: $60
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Oslo's Waterfront: $8.99
  • Akerselva River Kayak/Packraft Tour: Urban Adventure in Oslo: $103
  • Akerselva River: Urban Paddling Adventure Kayak Tour: $101
  • BIKING OSLO PRIVATE EXPERIENCE Upto 8 Participants Max: $289
  • Best of Walking Tour with a local guide: $394
  • Central Oslo Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • City Sightseeing Oslo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $47

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
    Oslo $9.13
    Bocas del Toro $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Oslo

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oslo:

  • The Original Oslo Pub Crawl: $34


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


Which is Bigger, Oslo or Bocas del Toro?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Oslo 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 Oslo or Bocas del Toro?

Oslo 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 Oslo or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Bocas del Toro. The summer months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.

In the summer, Oslo is cooler than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oslo in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oslo this time of the year. In the summer, Oslo often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Oslo usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

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

Both Bocas del Toro and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Oslo 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 October, Oslo is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 7°C (45°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In October, Oslo usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Oslo 7°C (45°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

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

Both Bocas del Toro and Oslo during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Oslo. Oslo is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the winter. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around -4°C (25°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the winter, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Oslo gets 40 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. Oslo usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Bocas del Toro. Many visitors come to Oslo in the spring for the activities around the city. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Oslo is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oslo in April average around 6°C (42°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Oslo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toro during spring. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Oslo usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Oslo 6°C (42°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Oslo

Oslo Bocas del Toro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 319 mm (12.6 in)
Feb -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Mar 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Apr 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in) 27°C (80°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Sep 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in) 26°C (78°F) 367 mm (14.4 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 402 mm (15.8 in)