Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Porto?
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 Porto 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 Porto and Bocas del Toro can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Porto or Bocas del Toro?
Porto
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. It is also the capital of the Northern Region and a hub for commercial and industrial activity. The city is not as large as you might expect, with a population of only about 300,000 residents, but the metropolitan area has a population of about 2.5 million. This includes nearby cities such as Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia and Gondomar.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Porto Prices
Portugal PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPorto €160Bocas del Toro €82
The average daily cost (per person) in Porto is €160, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is €82. 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 Porto and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPorto €72Bocas del Toro €28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPorto €144Bocas del Toro €56
Compare Hotels in Porto and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Porto 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: Porto Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Porto €21Bocas del Toro €8.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto
Also for Porto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer between Porto and Algarve with 1 stop: $558
- Private Transfer to Lisbon from Tarouca: $293
- Private Transfer to Porto from Tarouca: $134
- Funchal to Porto Moniz: Volcanic Pools Day Transfer: $70
- Service Transfer Airport to Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia: $64
- Madeira: Porto da Cruz to Machico Hiking Tour with Transfer: $39
- Transfer Oporto - Aeroport / Up to 4 passengers: $30
- Porto Airport Transfer: $24
- Madeira: Vereda do Larano Trail One-Way Transfer Service: $23
- Porto Airport: Transfer to/from Valenca Do Minho Station: $12
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€2.56
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 Porto or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Porto 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 dayPorto €63Bocas del Toro €40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto
For Porto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Porto Food & Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option: $94
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€13
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Breakfast€12
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Porto €25Bocas del Toro €18
Tours and Activities in Porto
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Porto.
- 3 Hour Tuk tuk Tour in Porto: $215
- 3-Hour Porto Highlights on a Electric Bike Guided Tour: $52
- Aveiro and Costa Nova Half Day Tour from Porto with Boat Ride: $55
- Braga & Guimarães Small Group Tour: Lunch & All Tickets Included: $167
- Breathtaking Nature in Gerês Park - Private tour from Porto: $130
- Daytime Sailing Adventure near Lagos and Luz!: $167
- Douro Sunset Sailboat Experience in Porto: $70
- Douro Valley : 2 wineries, Tastings, Lunch & Scenic River Cruise: $161
- Douro Valley Tour: 2 Vineyard Visits, River Cruise, Winery Lunch: $113
- Douro Valley and Régua Panoramic Cruise with Lunch from Porto: $92
- Douro Valley: Historical Sites, Wine Experience, Lunch & Cruise: $106
- Experience Porto's Charm: 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour: $35
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€21
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Starfish Island Boat Trip€17
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Yoga Class€4.26
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 dayPorto €19Bocas del Toro €10
Sample the Local Flavors in Porto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:
- Luxury Yacht Cruise with Wine Tasting & Snacks: $54
- Port Wine Tour | 3 Cellars | 7 Tastings | 12 Participants Maximum: $60
- Port Wine Lodges Tour Including 7 Port Wine Tastings (English): $62
- Authentic Food and Wine Tour in Porto by Food Lover Tour: $81
- Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, Cruise and Lunch from Porto : $96
- Douro Valley Wine Tour: 3 Vineyard Visits, Wine Tastings, Lunch: $113
- Complete Douro Valley Wine Tour with Lunch, Wine Tastings and River Cruise: $118
- Douro Valley Half-Day Wine Tour with Winery and Lunch From Porto: $131
- Authentic Small Group Douro Wine Tour with Lunch & River Cruise: $131
- Small Group Douro Valley Wine Tour with Lunch and Cruise: $149
- Douro Valley Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting, Lunch and Boat: $150
- Douro Valley Tour - 3 Wine tastings, Lunch & river Cruise: $152
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Porto and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Porto is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Porto 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 Porto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Porto 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 Porto Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Porto or Bocas del Toro?
Porto has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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 Porto or Bocas del Toro?
Porto 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 Porto or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Porto 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 the summer, Porto is cooler than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Porto gets 308 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, Porto usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 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 JulyPorto 21°C (69°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Porto or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Porto during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
In October, Porto is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Porto gets 184 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 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 OctoberPorto 17°C (62°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Porto or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Bocas del Toro. Many visitors come to Porto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Porto is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Porto usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Porto gets 124 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. Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Porto usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 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 JanuaryPorto 10°C (50°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Porto or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Porto as well as Bocas del Toro. Most visitors come to Porto 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 the spring, Porto is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the spring, Porto often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Porto gets 217 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. Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Porto usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 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 AprilPorto 14°C (56°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Porto
| Porto | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (56°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (69°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (67°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (51°F) | 176 mm (6.9 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.