Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Salzburg?
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 Salzburg 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 Salzburg 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: Salzburg or Bocas del Toro?
Salzburg
Most people know of Salzburg from its roll in the infamous movie "The Sound of Music." Every child who fell in love with this movie knows the gazebo scene in the rain, or could sing "My Favorite Things" as they skip down the Salzach River, but once you get past the obvious cliches, you can see that Salzburg is a city with a lot of depth and culture aside from the movie.
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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Salzburg Prices
Austria PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalzburg €185Bocas del Toro €82
The average daily cost (per person) in Salzburg is €185, 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 Salzburg and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalzburg €91Bocas del Toro €28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalzburg €182Bocas del Toro €56
Compare Hotels in Salzburg and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Salzburg 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: Salzburg Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salzburg €19Bocas del Toro €8.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salzburg
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salzburg:
- Hallstatt daytrip: Transfer to Hallstatt + Salzburg and back: $523
- Salzburg daytrip: Private transfer to Salzburg and back: $405
- Private Transfer From Salzburg To Innsbruck, English Speaking Driver : $287
- Private Transfer from Salzburg to Munich With 2h of Sightseeing: $275
- Private Transfer Salzburg → Munich, Hotel-to-Hotel, English-speaking driver: $275
- From Salzburg to Munich Airport- Private Transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $275
- Private Salzburg transfer : $239
- Private Transfer From Salzburg To Kitzbuhel, English Speaking Driver : $201
- Private Transfer From Zell am See To Salzburg, English Speaking Driver: $201
- Salzburg Airport (SZG) to Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Arrival Transfer: $167
- Saalbach-Hinterglemm to Salzburg Airport (SZG)-Departure Transfer: $167
- Salzburg Train Station Arrival Transfer: $119
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 Salzburg or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Salzburg 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 daySalzburg €71Bocas del Toro €40
Typical Food Prices in Salzburg
Some typical examples of dining costs in Salzburg are as follows:
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Lunch Salad€9.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salzburg
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salzburg.
- Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg: $69
- Salzburg Christmas Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Lesson: $69
- Apple Strudel & Prezel Cooking Class incl. Dinner & Music: $94
- Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $98
- Mozart and Advent/Christmas Concert with Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $98
- Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg: $102
- Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Salzburg with River Cruise: $129
- Sound of Music Tour with Edelweiss Cooking Class in Salzburg: $149
- Best of Mozart Concert and GOLDEN VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $153
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.Salzburg €30Bocas del Toro €18
Tours and Activities in Salzburg
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Salzburg are as follows:
- 3-Night Salzburg Winter Package with City Highlights Tour: $263
- A taste of An audio tour through the birthplace of Mozart: $12
- Amphibious Splash Tour on the water & on the land in Salzburg: $51
- Best of Salzburg 1-Hour Private Sightseeing Tour: $179
- Charming Sankt Gilgen Family Discovery Walking Tour: $178
- DomQuartier Salzburg Residence and Cathedral Private Tour: $249
- Eagle's Nest & WWII Bunkers & Berchtesgaden Tour from Salzburg: $298
- Eagle's Nest Hiking Tour: $238
- Eagle’s Nest E-Bike Tour in a Small Group: $226
- Explore Hitlers Mountain World War II Tour: $142
- From Munich: Salzburg Day Trip with Train Ticket: $226
- Full Day UNESCO Hallstatt, Austrian Lakes and Mountains Tour: $167
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.
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySalzburg €26Bocas del Toro €10
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salzburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salzburg:
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Beer€3.70
Sample the Local Flavors in Salzburg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salzburg:
- Private Austrian Wine Tasting with a Pro-Sommelière: $203
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salzburg and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Salzburg is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salzburg 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 Salzburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salzburg 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 Salzburg Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Bocas del Toro?
Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg 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 Salzburg or Bocas del Toro?
Salzburg 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 Salzburg or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Bocas del Toro. The summer months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In July, Salzburg is generally cooler than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 20°C (68°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salzburg this time of the year. In the summer, Salzburg often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Salzburg gets 227 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. Salzburg usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySalzburg 20°C (68°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Salzburg or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Salzburg is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Salzburg gets 108 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, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSalzburg 11°C (52°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Salzburg or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Salzburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Salzburg 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 Salzburg. In the winter, Salzburg is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salzburg in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In the winter, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Salzburg gets 44 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. Salzburg usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySalzburg -0°C (31°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Salzburg or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Bocas del Toro. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the spring for the natural beauty. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Salzburg is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (51°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. Salzburg gets 155 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, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSalzburg 11°C (51°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Salzburg
| Salzburg | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (31°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (36°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 93 mm (3.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (61°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (52°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (35°F) | 64 mm (2.5 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.