Which place is cheaper, Ponce 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 Ponce?
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 Ponce, 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 Ponce?
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.
Ponce
Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Panama.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBocas del Toro $77Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Bocas del Toro is $77, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $205. 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 Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBocas del Toro $33Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBocas del Toro $66Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Bocas del Toro and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Bocas del Toro or Ponce? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bocas del Toro $10Ponce $10
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 Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $279
- Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $189
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $92
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Bocas del Toro or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce 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 $27Ponce $35
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 Ponce
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.
- Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
- Private Half-Day Food Tour : $130
- Private San Juan Cooking Class with a Local Expert: $146
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bocas del Toro $22Ponce $56
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 Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
- Scuba Boat Diving Experience in Gilligan's Island at Copamarina: $160
- 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
- 2-Hour Private UTV Can-Am Beach Tour in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $264
- 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
- 5 hours Tour in La Parguera Private Boat Charter: $200
- 7 Hours River Tour with Beach and Learn to Make Piña Colada : $195
- 90 Minute Portrait Photoshoot Experience in the Caribbean: $129
- ATV Adventure at Hacienda Campo Rico: $136
- Adventure Trail Tour in the foothills of the National Rainforest: $110
- Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140
- All Inclusive Cordillera Cay’s Sailing Catamaran Beach & Snorkeling Tour: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBocas del Toro $12Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce
Also in Ponce, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
- Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
- Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Tour: $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bocas del Toro and Ponce, we can see that Ponce 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 Ponce is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Ponce would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ponce 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 Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bocas del Toro or Ponce?
Ponce 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 Ponce, 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 Ponce?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in July than Ponce. Bocas del Toro gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Bocas del Toro gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bocas del Toro and Ponce. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Ponce 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 Ponce. Bocas del Toro gets 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during autumn. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bocas del Toro in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Bocas del Toro as well as Ponce. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in January than Ponce. Bocas del Toro gets 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In the winter, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.
In January, Bocas del Toro is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 25°C (77°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce 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. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. In April, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Ponce. Bocas del Toro gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Ponce. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during spring. Bocas del Toro gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Bocas del Toro
| Bocas del Toro | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.