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

Should you visit Amman 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 Amman 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: Amman or Bocas del Toro?

Amman

Amman is the largest city in of the Hashemite Kingdom of the country of Jordan. It is also the capital city of Jordan and has a population of over four million people. Many people use Amman as a base for venturing out into the rest of Jordan and other surrounding countries. There are many things to see and do in Amman.

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 Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Panama.


Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Amman?

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

  • Amman Prices
    Jordan Prices
    Bocas del Toro Prices
    Panama Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Amman $135
    Bocas del Toro $96

The average daily cost (per person) in Amman is $135, 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 Amman and Bocas del Toro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amman $49
    Bocas del Toro $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amman $98
    Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Amman and Bocas del Toro

Looking for a hotel in Amman 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 Amman


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: Amman Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amman $24
    Bocas del Toro $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amman:


  • Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.71
  • RIde to Airport
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amman

Also for Amman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Amman Airport Private Transfer To Petra By Minivan: $250
  • Petra or WadiRum transfer to/from Amman, Airport, Madaba, Deadsea: $240
  • Queen Alia International Airport Transfers To Amman, Petra.: $235
  • Private Transfer From Amman Airport To Petra: $190
  • From Dead Sea and Petra Day Trip with Transfers: $187
  • Amman Private Transfer to Jerusalem: $175
  • Private Transfer from Allenby King Hussein Bridge to Aqaba Airport: $173
  • From Amman Transfer to Petra: $169
  • Private Amman Airport Transfer to Petra, Reliable Shuttle Service: $160
  • Amman Airport to Petra Shuttle, Comfortable & Affordable Transfer: $160
  • Private Transfer from Amman Airport to Araba Border: $153
  • Private Transfer: Amman Airport to Aqaba Airport: $153

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 Amman or Bocas del Toro?

Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Amman 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
    Amman $58
    Bocas del Toro $47
Typical Food Prices in Amman

For Amman, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Pastries
    $4.23
  • Tea
    $5.64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amman

For Amman, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Amman by Night Tour with Local Dinner: $35
  • private cooking with local chef: $40
  • Private 2 Hour Cooking Class with the Locals in Amman: $50
  • Guided Food Tour in Downtown: $70
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Experience: $80
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant in Amman: $80
  • Women-Led Food Tour Through Amman’s Culinary Scene: $80
  • The Best Culture&Food Tour With Majd The Local Guide: $81
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Amman: $100
  • Amman Food Tours: 3-Hours Guided Walking Food Tour in Amman: $119
  • Half Day Cooking Class Experience with Amman Panoramic Tour: $127
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Arak Experience: $140

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.
    Amman $32
    Bocas del Toro $21

Tours and Activities in Amman

For Amman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1-Night Private Overnight Madaba Independent Tour from Amman: $170
  • 1Day Private spiritual Tour to Amman Madaba Baptism site Dead Sea: $100
  • 2 Day Group Tour from Amman to Petra Wadi Rum Aqaba Dead Sea: $250
  • 2 Day Madaba Mount Nebo Mujib Kerak Dana Shobak and Petra Tour: $195
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum Aqaba and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $195
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum Madaba and Mount Nebo Private Guided Tour: $195
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum Mount Nebo and Dead Sea Private Tour: $195
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum Shobak Castle and Kerak Castle Private Tour: $195
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $185
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Petra and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour All Inclusive: $195

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
    $5.00

Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.

  • A Bocas Mangrove Kayak & Reef Snorkel Eco Tour: $100
  • Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro: $50
  • Bocas Del Toro Dolphin Bay, Chocolate Farm and Snorkel Tour: $119
  • Bocas del Toro Boat Tour Zapatilla Snorkeling and Island Hopping: $76
  • Bocas del Toro Catamaran Day Tour with Sail Snorkel and Lunch: $89
  • Bocas del Toro Island Hopping Day Tour in Zapatilla Beach: $51
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amman $14
    Bocas del Toro $12


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


Which is Bigger, Amman or Bocas del Toro?

Amman has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Amman 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 Amman or Bocas del Toro?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Amman or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Amman and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Amman year-round. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Amman usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Amman gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In Amman, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amman usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Amman gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

Amman is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Amman 25°C (77°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Amman as well as Bocas del Toro. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Amman usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Amman gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amman this time of the year. In the autumn, Amman often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Amman gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Amman is cooler than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Amman in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Amman 20°C (68°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

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

Both Bocas del Toro and Amman are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Amman throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. It's quite rainy in Amman. In January, Amman usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Amman gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Amman usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Amman gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Amman is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 8°C (46°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Amman 8°C (46°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)

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

Both Bocas del Toro and Amman during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Amman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.

Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Amman usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Amman gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Amman. In the spring, Amman often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Amman gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun.

Amman is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Amman 16°C (61°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Amman

Amman Bocas del Toro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 319 mm (12.6 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 26 mm (1 in) 26°C (79°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 367 mm (14.4 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 402 mm (15.8 in)