Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas?
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 Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas?
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.
Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
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 $77Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Bocas del Toro is $77, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $218. 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 Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBocas del Toro $33Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBocas del Toro $66Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Bocas del Toro and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Bocas del Toro or Saint Thomas? 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 $10Saint Thomas $37
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 Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours - Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton : $180
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
- Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove : $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Bocas del Toro or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas 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 $27Saint Thomas $54
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 Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $109
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $110
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour : $111
- St. John Dinner Sail to Lovango with Open Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres - Westin: $119
- Cruz Bay - PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail: $159
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to Lovango w/ Open Bar and Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $159
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar & Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $169
- Waterfront Harbor Dinner Sail from Frenchman's Reef: $209
- St Thomas Legends Luxury Dinner Sail from the Ritz Carlton: $209
- Swim w/Turtles at St. John, Pizza Pi & Snorkel a shipwreck. : $250
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bocas del Toro $22Saint Thomas $60
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 Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $159
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $179
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Admission Ticket to Coral World Ocean Park & Coki Beach: $35
- Aerial Sightseeing Adventure!: $250
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Charlotte Amalie Walking Tour + Contemporary Art Experience: $79
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $10
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $115
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Kayak and Snorkel Tour : $169
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBocas del Toro $12Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Thomas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Thomas:
- Wine Tasting with Fine Art Downtown Experience: $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bocas del Toro and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bocas del Toro or Saint Thomas?
Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas 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. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. In July, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Bocas del Toro gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Bocas del Toro gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Bocas del Toro is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas. Bocas del Toro gets 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bocas del Toro and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Bocas del Toro gets 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bocas del Toro in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bocas del Toro as well as Saint Thomas. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in April than Saint Thomas. Bocas del Toro gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the spring, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Bocas del Toro gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
In April, Bocas del Toro is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Bocas del Toro
| Bocas del Toro | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 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.