Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Sydney?
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 Sydney 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 Sydney 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: Sydney or Bocas del Toro?
Sydney
Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.
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 Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
-
Sydney Prices
Australia PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySydney $207Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Sydney is $207, 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 Sydney and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSydney $103Bocas del Toro $33
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSydney $206Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Sydney and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Sydney 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: Sydney Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sydney $15Bocas del Toro $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:
-
Taxi Ride$13
-
Taxi to Airport$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:
- From Special Event, Festival or Conference Transfers: $661
- Hunter Valley Sunrise Balloon Flight with Transfer: $363
- From Sydney Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $355
- Airport Transfer from Sydney Airport to Hotels: $295
- Private City, Harbour, and Bondi Tour with Transfer: $274
- Private Transfer from Sydney Hotels to Airport: $255
- Private Transfer from Sydney City Hotels to Newcastle Cruise Port: $252
- Private Transfer - Sydney Airport (SYD) to Newcastle Cruise Port: $252
- Tandem Skydive with Optional Transfers: $251
- Premium Private Transfer FROM Sydney CBD/Downtown to Sydney Airport 1-11 people: $242
- Premium Private Transfer FROM Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD/Downtown 1-11 people: $242
- Featherdale Wildlife Park with Exclusive Private Transfers: $234
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 Sydney or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Sydney 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 daySydney $77Bocas del Toro $47
Typical Food Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:
-
Tea$2.62
-
Lunch Special$9.81
-
Food/Drink Coogie Beach$9.81
-
Meat Pies$3.27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sydney.
- Vivid Festival of Light Harbor Cruise with Dinner: $36
- City Highlights Walking Food Tour with Harbor Cruise: $45
- Roti Making Class with 5-Course Dinner: $50
- Harbour Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $50
- Sydney Harbour Discovery Dinner Cruise Scenic Sights and Buffet: $50
- Foraging Food Tour Sydney Native Aussie Food: $53
- Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour: $54
- Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $59
- Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
- Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise: $60
- Taste of Sydney Fish Market Food Tour: $64
- Kids Cooking Classes: $64
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.Sydney $31Bocas del Toro $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney
Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Theatre Show$29
-
Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)$30
-
Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)$125
-
Powerhouse Museum$9.85
Tours and Activities in Sydney
Here are a few actual costs in Sydney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sunrise Serenity Kayak Tour of Sydney Harbour: $104
- #1 Blue Mountains Tour Scenic World Waterfalls Wildlife Park: $188
- 1 Day Thredbo Snow Adventure: $113
- 1 Day Thredbo Snow Tour From Sydney: $117
- 1/2 day Sydney Sightseeing and Bondi Beach Tour: $45
- 14-Day Sydney to Cairns, Fraser, Whitsundays Comfort Tour: $5,614
- 2 Hours Running Tour in Sydney: $99
- 3 Hours Elvis Tribute Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $53
- 30 Minute Shared Sydney Harbour Scenic Helicopter Tour: $238
- 30-minute Private Sydney Harbour Helicopter Tour for 2: $331
- 45-Minute Sydney Harbour Adventure Jet Boat Ride: $66
- 45-Minute Vivid Sydney Scenic Jet Boat Cruise Tour: $40
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 daySydney $15Bocas del Toro $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:
-
Wine$10
Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sydney:
- Wollongong Bar Crawl Go Out with a Gong: $15
- Big Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Party Hosts: $32
- Private Wine Tasting at The Rocks: $46
- Sydney Cellar Door - Old Vine Expressions Wine Tasting: $47
- Marrickville Brewery Tour: $78
- From: Sydney - Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Guided Day Tour: $89
- Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $103
- Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $112
- From Full-Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour & Lunch: $145
- From Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour: $145
- From Hunter Valley Multi-Brewery Tour with Lunch: $149
- Small Group Hunter Valley Wine Tour + Lunch, Gin & Choc ex Sydney: $151
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sydney and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sydney is in Pacific 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sydney or Bocas del Toro?
Sydney has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Bocas del Toro?
Sydney 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 Sydney or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Sydney during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
In January, Sydney is generally cooler than Bocas del Toroin July. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 23°C (73°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the summer, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toroin July. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 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 Sydney. Sydney usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toroin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySydney 23°C (73°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Sydney or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Bocas del Toro. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sydney is cooler than Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 19°C (65°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in October.
Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sydney usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSydney 19°C (65°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Sydney or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Bocas del Toro. Many travelers come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In the winter, Sydney is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sydney in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the winter, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toroin January. Sydney gets 208 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. Sydney usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toroin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySydney 12°C (53°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Sydney or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sydney in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Sydney is generally cooler than Bocas del Toroin April. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 18°C (64°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In October, Sydney usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSydney 18°C (64°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Sydney
| Sydney | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (65°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (55°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (67°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 81 mm (3.2 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.