Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Bocas del Toro can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Bocas del Toro?
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
-
Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $56Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is $96. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $40Bocas del Toro $33
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $80Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Bocas del Toro? 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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.10Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
- Private Transfer Aeroparque J. Newbery Airport In Buenos Aires: $245
- Private Transfer Cruise Port In Buenos Aires: $233
- Rojo Tango Show with Optional Private Transfers in Buenos Aires: $215
- Executive Van Transfer: Ezeiza Airport (EZE) – Buenos Aires: $210
- Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
- LOCAL AIRPORT TRANSFER (AEP) ROUND TRIP with english speaking driver: $200
- Buenos Aires Private Tour + Transfer to Airport: $199
- Buenos Aires Exp. Winery Gamboa Tasting and Lunch and Transfer: $180
- Buenos Aires Shore Excursion: Asado Experience with Port Transfer: $180
- Soccer Match in Buenos Aires with Transfers and Local Guide: $171
- One Way Private Transfer Ezeiza to/from Palermo Hotels: $170
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bocas del Toro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bocas del Toro:
-
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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
-
Food Meals for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $7.60Bocas del Toro $47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $25
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Lesson: $31
- Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $32
- Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $35
- Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $38
- Tango Show and Dinner at: Tango Porteño: $40
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
- Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $44
- Dinner at Arte de Mafia, Mafioso Theme Restaurant in Palermo: $44
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
- Exclusive Italian Lunch or Dinner at Puny Pasta and Grill: $50
Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:
-
Lunch$15
-
Breakfast$14
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $30Bocas del Toro $21
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Buenos Aires Private City Tour Designed for Seniors: $250
- E-Scooter Tour: Recoleta, Palermo & Downtown + Local Flavors: $69
- Football Matchday In Argentina (Ticket+Transport+Guide): $130
- Private City Tour with Local Gastronomy: $120
- Private Full Day City Tour by Iconic Buenos Aires: $300
- Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
- "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food) : $300
- 100% Gaucho Experience in a Traditional Estancia: $262
- 2 Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisina : $43
- 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
- 2 Hours Private Tour in Buenos Aires: $127
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $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:
-
Island Boat Tour$25
-
Starfish Island Boat Trip$20
-
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.27Bocas del Toro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $37
- Boutique Wine Tasting: A Unique Experience in Buenos Aires: $45
- BA: Wine Tasting and Blending Experience in Palermo : $51
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
- Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown : $61
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $63
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South America and Bocas del Toro is in Central 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Bocas del Toro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bocas del Toro than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Bocas del Toro?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 1320 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Bocas del Toro, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Bocas del Toro?
Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toroin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun.
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toroin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in October.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Bocas del Toro. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much colder than Bocas del Toroin January. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 12°C (53°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toroin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toroin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 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.