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

Should you visit Bocas del Toro or Key Largo?

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 Key Largo, 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 Key Largo?

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.

Key Largo

As the lustrous emerald waters ebb and flow against your sandy toes, you find yourself cooled by the gentle breeze as you bask under a golden sun. To you, it's paradise. To everyone else, it's Key Largo. Located in the northernmost of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known as the dive capital of the world due to its well-preserved coral reefs and clear waters. Just an hour-drive from South Florida's major airports, Key Largo boasts in containing a vast biodiversity, such as tropical hardwoods, creeks, two state parks, a national park, and a portion of a national marine sanctuary. Besides its natural beauty, Key Largo is overflowing with top restaurants and chic boutiques. It is no wonder that Key Largo became a hotspot for Hollywood beach scenes, with even a movie holding its namesake! Whether you look to get your fun by land or by water, there is something for everyone at Key Largo!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

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

Which is Bigger, Bocas del Toro or Key Largo?

Key Largo has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Bocas del Toro and Key Largo, 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 Key Largo?

Key Largo 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 Key Largo in the Summer?

Both Key Largo 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. Also, many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as Key Largo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bocas del Toro in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Key Largo averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Key Largo. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Key Largo during summer. Bocas del Toro gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Key Largo receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. In July, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Key Largo. Bocas del Toro gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Key Largo in the Autumn?

Both Key Largo 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.

In October, Bocas del Toro is generally around the same temperature as Key Largo. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and Key Largo fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Key Largo. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key Largo receives 275 hours of full sun.

Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in October than Key Largo. Bocas del Toro gets 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Key Largo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bocas del Toro and Key Largo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Key Largo for the cuisine during these months.

Bocas del Toro is a little warmer than Key Largo in the winter. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Key Largo fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Key Largo during winter. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Key Largo receives 243 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 Key Largo. Bocas del Toro gets 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Key Largo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bocas del Toro as well as Key Largo. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches.

In the spring, Bocas del Toro is a little warmer than Key Largo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bocas del Toro in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Key Largo averages at about 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. In the spring, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Key Largo. Bocas del Toro gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key Largo receives 300 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 Key Largo. Bocas del Toro gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Key Largo and Bocas del Toro