Which place is cheaper, La Paz 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 La Paz?
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 La Paz, 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 La Paz?
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.
La Paz
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a population of about 215,000 people and is a significant commercial center for the region. The city has a good economy and a high standard of living when compared to much of Mexico. Much of the economy is focused on eco-tourism and there are many protected marine environments in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBocas del Toro $77La Paz $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Bocas del Toro is $77, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $118. 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 La Paz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBocas del Toro $33La Paz $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBocas del Toro $66La Paz $104
Compare Hotels in Bocas del Toro and La Paz
Looking for a hotel in Bocas del Toro or La Paz? 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 La Paz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bocas del Toro $10La Paz $22
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:
- Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $42
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
- Transfer Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:
- La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
- Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $240
- La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
- La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
- Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Bocas del Toro or La Paz?
Prices for flights to both La Paz 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 $27La Paz $38
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 La Paz
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.
- 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bocas del Toro $22La Paz $13
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.
- 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
- Dolphin Bay and Coral Cay with Drinks Private Tour in Zapatilla: $66
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in Panama from Colón Cruise Port: $231
Tours and Activities in La Paz
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:
- 1 Day Espiritu Santo Island Wonders, Sea Lions and Paddleboard Adventure : $249
- 3 Hour La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Experience: $244
- Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $131
- Balandra & San Rafaelito: Sightseeing & Snorkelling: $135
- Balandra Beach and City Tour: $128
- Balandra Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $135
- Can-Am X3 Turbo Adventure: Cabo Desert Trails & Beach Ride: $291
- City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
- Cruise Date Delight! Swim with Sea Lions! Apr-02: $186
- Espíritu Santo Island snorkel and sightseeing tour on Small Group: $167
- Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170
- Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $145
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBocas del Toro $12La Paz $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bocas del Toro and La Paz, we can see that La Paz 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 La Paz 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 La Paz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Paz 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 La Paz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bocas del Toro or La Paz?
La Paz has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Bocas del Toro and La Paz, 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 La Paz?
La Paz 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 La Paz in the Summer?
Both La Paz 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, many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
Bocas del Toro is cooler than La Paz in the summer. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and La Paz fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than La Paz. Bocas del Toro gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 287 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 La Paz. Bocas del Toro gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)La Paz 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or La Paz in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bocas del Toro and La Paz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to La Paz in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as La Paz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bocas del Toro in October average around 26°C (79°F), and La Paz averages at about 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during autumn. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 272 hours of full sun 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 La Paz. Bocas del Toro gets 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)La Paz 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or La Paz in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Bocas del Toro as well as La Paz. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Bocas del Toro is generally a little warmer than La Paz. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 25°C (77°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. In the winter, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than La Paz. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 200 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 La Paz. Bocas del Toro gets 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)La Paz 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or La Paz in the Spring?
Both La Paz 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, the spring months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches.
Bocas del Toro is a little warmer than La Paz in the spring. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and La Paz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in La Paz. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during spring. Bocas del Toro gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 292 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 La Paz. Bocas del Toro gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)La Paz 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for La Paz and Bocas del Toro
| Bocas del Toro | La Paz | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.