A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tartu vs. Bocas del Toro for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tartu or Bocas del Toro?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tartu and Bocas del Toro can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Tartu or Bocas del Toro?

Tartu

Tartu is a university town that is also the second largest city in Estonia. It has a population of about 100,000 and dates back to 1030, making it the oldest city in the country. The Emajogi River passes through town and it has a lovely old town that's pleasant to explore. The city is a great place to see day to day life in Estonia. It is a very real town with people going about their daily lives. If you find yourself here when the weather is nice, you'll be greeted by crowds of happy locals out enjoying the weather. They make full use of the warm, sunny weather with festivals, events, and concerts during the summer. This is easily the most fun and eventful time to visit the city.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.


Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Tartu?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Tartu Prices
    Estonia Prices
    Bocas del Toro Prices
    Panama Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tartu 132
    Bocas del Toro 82

The average daily cost (per person) in Tartu is €132, 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 Tartu and Bocas del Toro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tartu 47
    Bocas del Toro 28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tartu 94
    Bocas del Toro 56
Compare Hotels in Tartu and Bocas del Toro

Looking for a hotel in Tartu 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.

Hotels in Tartu


Hotels in Bocas del Toro


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: Tartu Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tartu 27
    Bocas del Toro 8.73

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
    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 Tartu or Bocas del Toro?

Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Tartu 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 day
    Tartu 65
    Bocas del Toro 40
Typical Food Prices in Tartu

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tartu:


  • Danishes
    0.76
  • Lunch for Two
    4.93
  • Ice Cream
    1.27
  • Cookies
    0.51
  • Coffee & Cake
    3.47

Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:


  • Lunch
    13
  • Breakfast
    12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tartu 16
    Bocas del Toro 18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tartu

For Tartu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Art Museum ticket
    0.95
  • Movie Ticket
    3.47

Tours and Activities in Tartu

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tartu.

  • Around Viljandi bike tour: $30
  • Charming Viljandi Private Walking Tour for Couples: $260
  • Dazzling Tartu City Cultural Private Walking Tour: $751
  • Magical Tartu Romantic Private Walking Tour: $751
  • TARTU COUNTRY: SLED DOG TOUR AND KENNEL VISIT: $141

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
    21
  • Starfish Island Boat Trip
    17
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tartu 16
    Bocas del Toro 10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tartu and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Tartu is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tartu 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 Tartu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tartu 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 Tartu Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tartu or Bocas del Toro?

Tartu has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Tartu 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 Tartu or Bocas del Toro?

Tartu 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 Tartu or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?

Both Bocas del Toro and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tartu for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Tartu is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Tartu 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 Tartu. Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Tartu gets 265 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, Tartu usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tartu 17°C (62°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?

Both Bocas del Toro and Tartu during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Tartu because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.

Tartu is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In the autumn, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Tartu gets 86 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. Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tartu 6°C (43°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Bocas del Toro. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's quite cold in Tartu in the winter. In the winter, Tartu is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tartu in January average around -7°C (19°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Tartu gets 36 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, Tartu usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tartu -7°C (19°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Bocas del Toro. Many travelers come to Tartu for the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tartu. In April, Tartu is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 5°C (41°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In the spring, Tartu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toro. Tartu gets 180 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. Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tartu 5°C (41°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Tartu

Tartu Bocas del Toro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 319 mm (12.6 in)
Feb -6°C (20°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Mar -2°C (29°F) 26 mm (1 in) 26°C (78°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 52 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 367 mm (14.4 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 402 mm (15.8 in)