Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Reykjavik?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik 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: Reykjavik or Bocas del Toro?
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
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 Budget Tours to Iceland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
-
Reykjavik Prices
Iceland PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayReykjavik $307Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Reykjavik is $307, 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 Reykjavik and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personReykjavik $160Bocas del Toro $33
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomReykjavik $320Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Reykjavik and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Reykjavik 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: Reykjavik Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Reykjavik $52Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport Transfer: $298
- Private Airport Transfer between KEF Airport & Reykjavik: $278
- Private Transfer from Cruise Ship Port to Keflavik Int. Airport : $270
- Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $260
- Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Hveragerdi - Arrival Private Transfer: $246
- Grindavík to Reykjavik Airport(RKV) - Departure Private Transfer : $246
- Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Grindavík - Arrival Private Transfer: $246
- Keflavik Airport (KEF) to Skarfabakki Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $241
- Private Transfer from Reykjavik Hotels to Keflavik Airport: $239
- Private Luxury Transfer from Blue Lagoon to Reykjavik: $227
- Private Transfer Reykjavik Domestic Airport To Keflavik Airport: $227
- Private Luxury Transfer from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon: $227
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 Reykjavik or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Reykjavik 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 dayReykjavik $60Bocas del Toro $47
Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Dinner (Fish Market)$204
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The Reykjavik Harbor Food Tour: $145
- 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $149
- Private Vegetarian Reykjavik Food Tour: $195
- Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $215
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.Reykjavik $83Bocas del Toro $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Art Museum$12
-
Wine and Spa$34
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Days Tour in South Coast and Golden Circle with Chinese Guide: $163
- Private Reykjavík Tuk Tuk Tour: $255
- Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour: $89
- 1 Hour ATV Quad Tour : Pick up from Reykjavik (2 persons per ATV): $130
- 1 hour Buggy adventure - From Reykjavik: $219
- 1+ hour Private Horse riding tour from Reykjavík/Mosfellsbær: $143
- 9pm Whale Watching Cruise in the Arctic Sun: $99
- ATV Reykjavik Adventure: $165
- Adventure in Landmannalaugar and Hot Springs - Reykjavík & Hella: $215
- Black Beach ATV - QUAD Tour: $131
- Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights Tour Including Admission : $231
- Cold & Hot: Adventure Spa Tour Combo: Silfra & Sky Lagoon Self-Drive: $285
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.
- 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 dayReykjavik $32Bocas del Toro $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
-
Beer$10
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Flóki Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting in Reykjavík: $49
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Reykjavik and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Bocas del Toro?
Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik or Bocas del Toro?
Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Bocas del Toro. The summer months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Reykjavik is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Reykjavik in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
Reykjavik usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Reykjavik gets 171 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. In July, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyReykjavik 11°C (52°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Bocas del Toro. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the autumn. In October, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 5°C (41°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In the autumn, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Reykjavik gets 83 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. Reykjavik usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberReykjavik 5°C (41°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Reykjavik for 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.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Reykjavik is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the winter. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around -0°C (32°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Reykjavik gets 27 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, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryReykjavik -0°C (32°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Reykjavik during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Reykjavik in the spring for the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Reykjavik is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Reykjavik in April average around 3°C (38°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
In the spring, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Reykjavik gets 140 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. Reykjavik usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilReykjavik 3°C (38°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Reykjavik
| Reykjavik | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.