Which place is cheaper, San Juan 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 San Juan?
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 San Juan, 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 San Juan?
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.
San Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Adventure Tours to Panama.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBocas del Toro $77San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Bocas del Toro is $77, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $192. 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 San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBocas del Toro $33San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBocas del Toro $66San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Bocas del Toro and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Bocas del Toro or San Juan? 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 San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bocas del Toro $10San Juan $14
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 from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
- Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $271
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $271
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Oneway Transfer from San Juan (SJU, hotel, airbnb, port) to Ponce: $125
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $105
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Bocas del Toro or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan 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 $27San Juan $36
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 San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
- City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
- Private Local Food Tour in San Juan: $275
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bocas del Toro $22San Juan $49
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: $233
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Cave Day Tour From San Juan: $109
- Cruise Ship Travelers: Hike to a Hidden Puerto Rican Waterfall: $85
- Culebra Beach Day Tour with Snorkeling from San Juan by Ferry: $200
- Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
- Discover El Yunque: Half-Day Rainforest Tour: $115
- Discover Old In-App Audio Tour of History: $11
- El Yunque National RainForest: Tour with Nature walk: $75
- El Yunque Rainforest Guided Day Tour from San Juan: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBocas del Toro $12San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bocas del Toro and San Juan, we can see that San Juan 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 San Juan 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 San Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan 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 San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bocas del Toro or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Bocas del Toro and San Juan, 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 San Juan?
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 San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan 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 San Juan 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 San Juan. Bocas del Toro gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in San Juan. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Bocas del Toro gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Bocas del Toro is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan 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 San Juan year-round.
San Juan 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 San Juan. Bocas del Toro gets 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bocas del Toro and San Juan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round. San Juan 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 San Juan. Bocas del Toro gets 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bocas del Toro in January average around 25°C (77°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Bocas del Toro or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bocas del Toro as well as San Juan. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in April than San Juan. Bocas del Toro gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the spring, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Bocas del Toro gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
In April, Bocas del Toro is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Bocas del Toro
| Bocas del Toro | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.