Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Aqaba?
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 Aqaba 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 Aqaba 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: Aqaba or Bocas del Toro?
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
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 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, 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 Aqaba and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Amman/Death Sea: 1-Way Transfer to/from Wadi Rum in Private: $266
- Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
- Private Transfer to Petra with Wi-Fi and Water: $191
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
- Private Car Transfer with Wadi Rum Jeep Safari: $169
- Private Transfer Aqaba Airport to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
- Private Transfer from Araba Border to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
- Hassle-Free Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Transfer – 24/7 Service: $150
- Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $144
- Aqaba Border (Yitzhak Rabin Terminal) to Petra Private Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Hotels: $133
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 Aqaba or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Aqaba 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 dayAqaba $73Bocas del Toro $47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
- Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $75
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $111
- Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
- 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286
- Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425
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.Aqaba $54Bocas del Toro $21
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Day Tour in Jeep Tour with Bedouin Guide: $81
- Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
- Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- "Jordan: 3-Day Tour of Ancient Sites, Nature,&Local Culture": $317
- 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
- 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $70
- 05 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $68
- 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2-Hour Desert Guided Activities Tour in Wadi Rum: $50
- 2-Hour Private Scuba Experience in Aqaba : $45
- 2-day Hiking Adventure and Jeep Tour from Wadi Rum: $202
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.
- 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 dayAqaba $9.07Bocas del Toro $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba 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 Aqaba Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Bocas del Toro?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Bocas del Toro?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Aqaba or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Aqaba during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba 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. Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba 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 autumn. In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Bocas del Toro. Aqaba 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. Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the winter, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.
In January, Aqaba is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba 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. In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
Aqaba is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.