Which place is cheaper, Cordoba or Bocas del Toro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bocas del Toro or Cordoba?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bocas del Toro or Cordoba, 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: Bocas del Toro or Cordoba?
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.
Cordoba
Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBocas del Toro $77Cordoba $8.40
The average daily cost (per person) in Bocas del Toro is $77, while the average daily cost in Cordoba is $8.40. 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 Bocas del Toro and Cordoba in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBocas del Toro $33Cordoba $3.05
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBocas del Toro $66Cordoba $6.10
Compare Hotels in Bocas del Toro and Cordoba
Looking for a hotel in Bocas del Toro or Cordoba? 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: Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices and Cordoba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bocas del Toro $10Cordoba $2.08
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$3.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bocas del Toro
Also for Bocas del Toro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
- Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $42
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cordoba
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cordoba are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$0.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba
Also for Cordoba, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in private minivan from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into Bocas del Toro or Cordoba?
Prices for flights to both Cordoba and Bocas del Toro 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 dayBocas del Toro $27Cordoba $3.83
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
Typical Food Prices in Cordoba
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cordoba:
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Empanadas$0.01
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Sandwich$0.00
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Ice Cream$0.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bocas del Toro $22Cordoba $1.88
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$5.01
Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.
- Dolphin Bay and Coral Cay with Drinks Private Tour in Zapatilla: $66
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in Panama from Colón Cruise Port: $231
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- 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
Tours and Activities in Cordoba
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cordoba.
- Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $48
- Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
- Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
- Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
- Cordoba City Tour: $50
- Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $60
- Cordoba Cumbrecita Tour with Spanish Speaking Guide: $88
- Cordoba Jesuit Legacy Tour: $87
- Cumbrecita Tour: $88
- El Inicio WineTour x 2 Pax (History and Wines): $85
- Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
- Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBocas del Toro $12Cordoba $1.48
Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:
- Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $120
- Wine Tour Privado - Colonia Caroya: $130
- Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bocas del Toro and Cordoba, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bocas del Toro is in Central America and Cordoba is in South 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 Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Bocas del Toro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bocas del Toro than you might in Cordoba.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bocas del Toro Expensive? and Is Cordoba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bocas del Toro or Cordoba?
Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Bocas del Toro and Cordoba, 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 Bocas del Toro or Cordoba?
Cordoba 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 Bocas del Toro or Cordoba in the Summer?
Both Cordoba and Bocas del Toro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In July, Bocas del Toro is generally much warmer than Cordobain January. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
It's quite sunny in Cordoba. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Cordoba during summer. Bocas del Toro gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 277 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. In July, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Cordobain January. Bocas del Toro gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Cordoba 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Cordoba in the Autumn?
Both Cordoba and Bocas del Toro during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Bocas del Toro is much warmer than Cordoba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Cordoba fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.
In the autumn, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Cordobain April. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 196 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in October than Cordobain April. Bocas del Toro gets 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Cordoba 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Cordoba in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bocas del Toro and Cordoba. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
In the winter, Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as Cordoba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bocas del Toro in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Cordoba averages at about 27°C (81°F)in July.
Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Cordoba during winter. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 189 hours of full sun in the winter.
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Cordobain July. Bocas del Toro gets 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyBocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)Cordoba 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Cordoba in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bocas del Toro as well as Cordoba. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Bocas del Toro is generally a little warmer than Cordobain October. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cordoba. In the spring, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Cordobain October. Bocas del Toro gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 243 hours of full sun.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in April than Cordobain October. Bocas del Toro gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Cordoba 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Cordoba and Bocas del Toro
| Bocas del Toro | Cordoba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 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.