Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Dar es Salaam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dar es Salaam and Bocas del Toro can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Bocas del Toro?
Dar es Salaam
Having grown from a fishing village, Dar es Salaam is now a major city and commercial port on Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast. While it is mainly used as a stopping point on the way to Zanzibar, it has a few unique treasures of its own such as the Kariakoo Market, National Museum, and the open-air Village Museum.
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 Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $493Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, 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 Dar es Salaam and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $452Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $904Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam 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: Dar es Salaam Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $14Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam
Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $106
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
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$3.00
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 Dar es Salaam or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Dar es Salaam 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 dayDar es Salaam $33Bocas del Toro $47
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Bocas del Toro $21
Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.
- Bagamoyo Full-Day Tour: Historic Slave Trade Route & Kaole Ruins: $255
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $140
- 2 Days 1 Night Bagamoyo Historical Tour : $300
- Ancient Bagamoyo City Day Tour: $249
- Bagamoyo Adventure, Historical Tour: $238
- Bagamoyo Historical Tour - Everyday: $199
- Bagamoyo Tour: $120
- Bird Watching Tour to Tegetero Forest 2days 1 night: $205
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150
- Dar Es Salaam City tour: $164
- Dar Es Salaam Local Markets and Village-National Museum Day tour: $150
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
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$4.99
Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.
- Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro: $50
- Bioluminescence Tour - Bocas del Toro: $49
- Bocas Biodiversity: A Birds & Wildlife EcoTour Experience: $76
- Bocas del Toro Island Hopping Day Tour in Zapatilla Beach: $51
- From Isla Colon: Bocas del Toro Archipelago Boat Tour: $56
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Isla Colon Tour to Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach: $50
- 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
- Zapatilla Island Hopping Day Tour: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.97Bocas del Toro $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa 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 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 Dar es Salaam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Bocas del Toro?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam or Bocas del Toro?
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 Dar es Salaam or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Dar es Salaam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dar es Salaam because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.
In October, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Bocas del Toro in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Bocas del Toro. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Dar es Salaam receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bocas del Toro. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Bocas del Toro | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.