Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Tokyo?
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 Tokyo or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tokyo or Bocas del Toro? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Tokyo or Bocas del Toro?
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Tokyo Prices
Japan PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $190Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $190, 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 Tokyo and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $79Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $158Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $18Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Nagano: $805
- One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Hakone: $426
- Shuttle Van Tour Tokyo for 4 Hours or 6 Hours+Transfer Time: $368
- Yokohama Port: Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $352
- Private Transfer from Haneda/Narita Airport to Hotel: $308
- Tokyo Departure Private Transfers from Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT: $287
- Private Transfer from Tokyo to Narita Airport (NRT) : $284
- Private Transfer: Haneda Airport HND to Tokyo in Sedan Car: $274
- Private Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo City to Narita International Airport: $274
- Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Luxury Van: $270
- Discount Rate, Airport Shuttle Van Transfer, Haneda ⇔ Narita : $261
- Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) to Tokyo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $253
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$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 Tokyo or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Tokyo 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 dayTokyo $67Bocas del Toro $47
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.41
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.41
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Meal at Airport$7.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hide's Table A Unique Dinner Gathering Every Wednesday Night: $21
- For First Time Visitor：Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $35
- Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour : $35
- Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $42
- Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks: $45
- Tokyo Retro Backstreet Tokyo Tour Option to Add Dinner: $56
- Tokyo Downtown Akihabara Tour And Dinner Party Adults Only: $59
- Japanese cooking class - Bring the flavors of Japan to France: $61
- Tokyo Cute Bento : Kawaii Lunchbox Cooking Class!: $63
- Authentic Japanese Home Cooking Class in Chiba with Miyuki: $66
- [1 Group Only] Explore Tokyo Ginza Food Tour for Family: $70
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$15
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Breakfast$14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tokyo $71Bocas del Toro $21
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- 4 Hours Shibuya - Shinjuku Night Tour: $104
- Authentic Samurai Experience With Real Actors: $104
- Can Am Ryker Cruising in Asakusa Adventure: $243
- Futakotamagawa Suburban Gems Private Tour in Tokyo: $83
- Join Tokyo Art Class Experience Publicly: $125
- Manga Artist Experience with Professional Guidance in Tokyo: $115
- Mount Fuji and Iconic Scenic Spots Day Tour : $99
- Pick the Hours That Suit You In A Flexible Tokyo Guided Tour: $70
- Private Walking Tour Tokyo's Fukagawa Edo Museum: $104
- Shibuya Tokyo Private Photo Tour Activity: $278
- Tokyo Skytree Private Walking Tour Experience With cafe inside: $188
- “Daikoku Car Meet Night Tour | JDM Experience in Tokyo”: $278
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$25
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Starfish Island Boat Trip$20
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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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTokyo $34Bocas del Toro $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$4.06
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
- 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
- Mt. Fuji & Hakushu Distillery Whisky Museum Bus Tour from Tokyo: $94
- Historic Sake Brewery Tour and Culinary Pairing: $125
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $143
- Cultural Sake Brewery Private Tour & Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $172
- From Tokyo：Mt.fuji /Museum/Sake brewery/ 1DAY BUS TOUR: $202
- Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $243
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo is in Asia 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Bocas del Toro?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 840 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Bocas del Toro?
Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, 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, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Tokyo gets 137 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. It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In July, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 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 JulyTokyo 26°C (78°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Tokyo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Tokyo is cooler than Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In the autumn, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Tokyo gets 129 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 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 OctoberTokyo 18°C (64°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Bocas del Toro. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Tokyo is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Tokyo gets 175 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, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 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 JanuaryTokyo 5°C (42°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Bocas del Toro. The spring months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In April, Tokyo is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In the spring, Tokyo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toro. Tokyo gets 161 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. Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tokyo usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 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 AprilTokyo 14°C (58°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Tokyo
| Tokyo | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.