Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Rotterdam?
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 Rotterdam or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rotterdam and Bocas del Toro. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Rotterdam or Bocas del Toro?
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Rotterdam Prices
Netherlands PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRotterdam €191Bocas del Toro €82
The average daily cost (per person) in Rotterdam is €191, 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 Rotterdam and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRotterdam €77Bocas del Toro €28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRotterdam €154Bocas del Toro €56
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam 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: Rotterdam Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rotterdam €26Bocas del Toro €8.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam (Schiphol Airport): $296
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $286
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Haarlem: $286
- Private transfer: Rotterdam>Amsterdam, 2h Stop in De Haar Castle: $278
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Sightseeing Stop: $278
- Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Antwerp: $269
- Private transfer: Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in The Hague: $267
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Gouda: $267
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Delft: $265
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Leiden: $262
- Private Direct Transfer From Rotterdam to Vlissingen cruise port: $230
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $226
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 Rotterdam or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Rotterdam 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 dayRotterdam €93Bocas del Toro €40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Rotterdam Food Tour: Taste The Alternative Side Of The City: $79
- Guided Food Tour: $81
- Historic Delfshaven: Lunch or Dinner with a Private Chef: $88
- Rotterdam City Center Food Tour: $89
- Food Tour by Bike: $105
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $105
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $106
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $106
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $131
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $176
- Private Food Tour in Rotterdam Taste the Future: $286
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.Rotterdam €32Bocas del Toro €18
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- Unique Bike Adventure Gouda: cheese, snacks, drinks and lunch!: $83
- "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $31
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $21
- All-Inclusive Private Windmill Tour to Kinderdijk from Rotterdam: $195
- Art and Architecture Walking Tour in Rotterdam - guided by Architects: $71
- Best Intro Tour of Rotterdam with a Local: $165
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
- Best of small-group walking tour: $106
- Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $113
- Bonton Male Dance Show Evening Ticket: $59
- Breda Fun Puzzle Quest: True Lord Self-Guided Tour: $5.94
- Breda Highlight Bike 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 dayRotterdam €19Bocas del Toro €10
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery 'Noordt' Beer Tasting: $9.40
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $15
- Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $20
- Brewery Noordt Tour Including Two Beers: $20
- The Ultimate Rotterdam Bar Crawl Experience: $41
- Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $53
- Ludwig's Private Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $582
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rotterdam and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Rotterdam is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Bocas del Toro?
Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Bocas del Toro?
Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 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, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 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 JulyRotterdam 17°C (62°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Rotterdam or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Rotterdam is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Rotterdam gets 105 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. Rotterdam usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 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 OctoberRotterdam 11°C (51°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Rotterdam or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Bocas del Toro. The winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. In the winter, Rotterdam is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 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. In January, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 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 JanuaryRotterdam 2°C (36°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Rotterdam or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Bocas del Toro. The activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In April, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Rotterdam gets 158 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. Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 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 AprilRotterdam 8°C (46°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Rotterdam
| Rotterdam | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 80 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.