Which place is cheaper, Key West or Bocas del Toro?
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 Bocas del Toro or Key West?
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 West, 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 West?
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 West
Key West is both a city and an island as well as the southern most Florida Key. It is also the southern most city in the continental United States. The island is only about four miles long and one mile wide. The total land mass covers just 4.2 square miles. The most famous street in town is Duval Street, which runs just 1.1 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. There are 14 blocks. The size of the island doubled during the 1950s when many of the salt ponds along the eastern side of the island were filled in.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.
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Bocas del Toro Prices
Panama PricesKey West Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBocas del Toro $96Key West $832
The average daily cost (per person) in Bocas del Toro is $96, while the average daily cost in Key West is $832. 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 Key West in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBocas del Toro $33Key West $132
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBocas del Toro $66Key West $264
Compare Hotels in Bocas del Toro and Key West
Looking for a hotel in Bocas del Toro or Key West? 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 Key West Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bocas del Toro $10Key West $51
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Key West
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:
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Rental Car for One Day$38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:
- Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer: $164
- Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $164
- Key West Int Airport EYW to Key West Hotels Arrival Transfer: $156
- Key West hotels to Key West Int Airport (EYW) Departure Transfer: $156
- Private Transfer from Key West hotels to Key West Cruise Port: $114
- Private Transfer from Key West Airport (EYW) to Key West Port: $113
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Bocas del Toro or Key West?
Prices for flights to both Key West 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 $47Key West $667
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Key West.
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music: $74
- Exploring and Walking Food Tour of Cayo Hueso: $80
- Key West Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
- Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
- Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner, Live Music & Drinks Included: $84
- Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $90
- Key West Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise with Open Bar and Live Music: $100
- Secret Walking Food Tour: $115
- Sunset Sail Full Bar, Live Music & Dinner & Early Morning Snorkeling: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bocas del Toro $21Key West $33
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
Tours and Activities in Key West
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Key West are as follows:
- 2 Hour Key West Mini Catamaran Eco Tour: $285
- 2-Hour Live Music Guided Tour in Key West: $35
- Day Sailing Adventure in the Florida Marine Sanctuary: $99
- Day in Key West - Private SUV Tour From Miami: $1,300
- Florida Key West Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Florida Keys: Aquarium Encounters Day Tour with Lunch: $182
- Florida Keys: Dolphin Research Center Day Tour with Lunch: $182
- Florida Keys: Up The Keys Nature Tour: $128
- From Dolphin Watching Tour with Lunch & Drinks: $150
- From Sandbar Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar (18+): $151
- Guided Mangrove Eco Tours Kayak or Paddleboard Adventure: $75
- Guided Night Kayak Adventure Tour in Luminous Lagoon: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBocas del Toro $12Key West $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Key West
Also in Key West, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Key West Bar Crawl: $15
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour with Free T-Shirt: $32
- Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bocas del Toro and Key West, we can see that Key West 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 West 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 West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West 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 West Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bocas del Toro or Key West?
Key West has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Bocas del Toro and Key West, 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 West?
Key West 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 West in the Summer?
Both Key West and Bocas del Toro during the summer 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Bocas del Toro is cooler than Key West in the summer. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Key West fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Key West. Bocas del Toro gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 328 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 July than Key West. Bocas del Toro gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Key West 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Key West in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bocas del Toro and Key West. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as Key West. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bocas del Toro in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Key West averages at about 80°F (27°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Key West during autumn. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Key West receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Key West. Bocas del Toro gets 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Key West 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Key West in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Bocas del Toro as well as Key West. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Key West this time of year.
In January, Bocas del Toro is generally a little warmer than Key West. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 25°C (77°F), and Key West fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. In the winter, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Key West. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 252 hours of full sun.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in January than Key West. Bocas del Toro gets 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)Key West 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Key West in the Spring?
Both Key West and Bocas del Toro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as Key West in the spring. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Key West fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Key West. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Key West during spring. Bocas del Toro gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. In April, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Key West. Bocas del Toro gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Key West is June to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Key West 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Key West and Bocas del Toro
| Bocas del Toro | Key West | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
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.