Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Bergen?
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 Bergen or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Bergen 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: Bergen or Bocas del Toro?
Bergen
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.
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 10-Day Tours in Norway, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Bergen Prices
Norway PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBergen $144Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Bergen is $144, 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 Bergen and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBergen $74Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBergen $148Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Bergen and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Bergen 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: Bergen Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bergen $11Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:
- Helicopter transfer Bergen - Rosendal: $4,438
- Powerboat transfer Bergen - Bekkjarvik: $3,943
- Helicopter transfer Bergen - Bekkjarvik: $3,943
- From Private Transfer to Gudvangen: $494
- From Private Transfer to Voss: $403
- TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $257
- TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $200
- TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $196
- Private Transfer - Hotels & Cruise Ports - Airport 1-14 pax: $175
- Private Transfer to Airport, City or Cruise Port: $171
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by luxury minivan: $161
- TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $156
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 Bergen or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Bergen 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 dayBergen $58Bocas del Toro $47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.
- Ulriken Enjoy a 5-course dinner with panoramic views: $162
- Bergen Food Tour: $174
- Half Day Fishing and Outdoor Cooking in Bergen: $225
- Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $262
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.Bergen $18Bocas del Toro $21
Tours and Activities in Bergen
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:
- 1 hour Tour for Herdla Walking: $103
- 2 Hour Shared Walking Tour of Bergen: $3.57
- 3-Hour Private Norwegian Hiking Experience with Local Guide: $145
- 3-Hour Private Tour Hiked through the Bergen Mountains: $167
- Audio Walking Tour in Bergen Famous Ghosts Location : $9.75
- Bergen Day Tour to National Park Folgefonna and Glacier Lake: $225
- Bergen Floibanen Funicular Ticket: $31
- Bergen Magical Nature Tour | ViFlowExperience: $243
- Bergen Mostraumen Fjord Cruise with Local Guide: $86
- Bergen Private Walking Tour: $325
- Bergen Private Walking Tour of Historic Sites: $256
- Bergen Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $9.51
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 dayBergen $7.56Bocas del Toro $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bergen and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bergen is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bergen 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 Bergen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergen 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 Bergen Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bergen or Bocas del Toro?
Bergen has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Bergen 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 Bergen or Bocas del Toro?
Bergen 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 Bergen or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Bergen as well as Bocas del Toro. Many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In July, Bergen is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 15°C (58°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Bergen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bergen usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Bergen gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBergen 15°C (58°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Bergen or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Bergen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bergen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Bergen is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. It's quite rainy in Bergen. In October, Bergen usually receives more rain than Bocas del Toro. Bergen gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBergen 9°C (48°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Bergen or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Bergen during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Bergen can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bergen is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bergen in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. Bergen usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Bergen gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBergen 2°C (35°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Bergen or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bergen and Bocas del Toro. The spring months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Bergen is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 6°C (43°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Bergen usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Bergen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBergen 6°C (43°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Bergen
| Bergen | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (35°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (35°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (56°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (58°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (58°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (53°F) | 283 mm (11.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (48°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 259 mm (10.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 235 mm (9.3 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.