Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Dubrovnik?
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 Dubrovnik or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dubrovnik or Bocas del Toro? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Dubrovnik or Bocas del Toro?
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.
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 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia, The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Panama.
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Dubrovnik Prices
Croatia PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubrovnik €158Bocas del Toro €85
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubrovnik is €158, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is €85. 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 Dubrovnik and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubrovnik €65Bocas del Toro €29
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubrovnik €130Bocas del Toro €58
Compare Hotels in Dubrovnik and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Dubrovnik 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: Dubrovnik Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubrovnik €22Bocas del Toro €9.00
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:
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Bus Around Town€1.43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik
Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zagreb to VIP Transfer with Your Choice of Tours: $846
- Split: TO Dubrovnik Private Transfer with Stop in Ston: $467
- Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $460
- Private Transfer from Mostar to Dubrovnik: $362
- Private transfer from Kotor to Dubrovnik city: $303
- Private transfer from Tivat to Dubrovnik city: $303
- From Split: Private Transfer to Dubrovnik with Sightseeing: $298
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Split with 2 hours Sightseeing: $292
- Private Transfer from Split to Dubrovnik: $292
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Trogir with 2h of Sightseeing, local driver: $286
- Transfer Dubrovnik to Split with Sightseeing in Ston Town: $282
- Taxi transfer from Dubrovnik to Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina: $275
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€2.63
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 Dubrovnik or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Dubrovnik 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 dayDubrovnik €75Bocas del Toro €41
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:
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Seafood Dinner (for 2)€29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dubrovnik Food Tour: Local Dishes & City Stories: $113
- Sunset Dubrovnik & Dinner At St Jacob Beach: $115
- Taste A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $125
- Old Town Dubrovnik Food Tour With 8 Authentic Croatian Tastings: $136
- Richet Cooking Class Discover Dubrovnik Culinary Treasures: $137
- Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m Above Ground: $149
- Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $198
- Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $275
- Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $279
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€13
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Breakfast€12
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubrovnik €15Bocas del Toro €19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)€13
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Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)€53
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Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)€45
Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.
- 'Game of Thrones' Walking Tour in Dubrovnik: $81
- 3-Hour Dubrovnik Countryside ATV/Quad Safari Adventure Tour: $126
- 3-Hour Private Fort Lovrijenac and City Walls Tour with a Local Guide: $86
- ATV Dubrovnik Safari Tour: Mt Srd & Traditional Villages: $120
- Adults Only Sunset Cruise in Dubrovnik on a 16th-Century Karaka: $47
- Adventure Dalmatia - Sunset Sea Kayaking & Snorkelling Dubrovnik: $52
- Adventure Park Cadmos Village from Dubrovnik: $206
- Ancient Ston Walls & Exquisite Oysters: A Half-Day Adventure: $204
- Best Dubrovnik Tour for Cruise Passengers: $74
- Blue & Green Cave Tour with Elaphite Island Stop from Dubrovnik: $46
- Blue & Green Caves speedboat small GroupTour with Šunj Beach: $74
- Blue & Green Caves speedboat small GroupTour with Šunj Beach: $74
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€22
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Starfish Island Boat Trip€18
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Yoga Class€4.39
Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.
- A Bocas Mangrove Kayak & Reef Snorkel Eco Tour: $100
- Artisanal Cacao Tour on Isla Cristóbal: $72
- Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro: $50
- Bocas Del Toro Dolphin Bay, Chocolate Farm and Snorkel Tour: $119
- Bocas del Toro Boat Tour Zapatilla Snorkeling and Island Hopping: $92
- Bocas del Toro Catamaran Day Tour with Sail Snorkel and Lunch: $89
- Bocas del Toro Cultural and Tropical Wildlife Ecotour Snorkeling: $25
- Bocas del Toro Island Hopping Day Tour in Zapatilla Beach: $51
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Giant Sea Turtle Conservation Tour in Bocas del Toro: $45
- Indigenous Cacao Tour in Bocas del Toro: $70
- Isla Colon Tour to Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubrovnik €16Bocas del Toro €10
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:
- Private Scenic Sunset Tour & Premium Wine Tasting Above Dubrovnik: $74
- Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $79
- Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $92
- Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik -Train Ride &Wine Tasting: $92
- Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $101
- Konavle Valley Tour, Train Ride and Wine Tasting from Kolocep: $102
- Half-Day Tour from Dubrovnik to Konavle with Wine Tasting: $103
- Konavle Valley Wine Tasting from Dubrovnik with Light Lunch: $109
- Peljesac Peninsula Day Trip from Wine Tasting and Ston Village Tour: $132
- Peljesac peninsula private wine tour from Dubrovnik: $137
- Private Dubrovnik Highlights & Wine Tasting Tour: $142
- Luxury Speedboat Tour with Wine Tasting in Dubrovnik: $143
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubrovnik and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Dubrovnik is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubrovnik is in Europe 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 Dubrovnik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubrovnik or Bocas del Toro?
Dubrovnik has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik or Bocas del Toro?
Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Dubrovnik are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Dubrovnik is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 25°C (77°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In July, Dubrovnik usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Dubrovnik gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubrovnik 25°C (77°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Dubrovnik or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Dubrovnik during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Dubrovnik is cooler than Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubrovnik averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Dubrovnik gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubrovnik 18°C (64°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Dubrovnik or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubrovnik and Bocas del Toro. Most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Dubrovnik is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubrovnik in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the winter. Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Dubrovnik usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Dubrovnik gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubrovnik 9°C (48°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Dubrovnik or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dubrovnik as well as Bocas del Toro. The spring months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In April, Dubrovnik is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 14°C (57°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dubrovnik usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Dubrovnik gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubrovnik 14°C (57°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Dubrovnik
| Dubrovnik | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 178 mm (7 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.