A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Florence vs. Bocas del Toro for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Florence or Bocas del Toro?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Florence or Bocas del Toro, 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: Florence or Bocas del Toro?

Florence

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and one of the most well known cities in Italy for its art and cultural scenes. The city is rooted in history and you can see this in the architecture, statues, gardens, and art that are everywhere around town. This city truly is a living museum. You should allow yourself at least a couple of days to explore Florence and if you can afford more, it is well worth the time. In particular, if art history is your passion then you will need a week or more to satisfy your interest as the museums and architecturally impressive buildings throughout the city are endless.

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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.


Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Florence?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Florence Prices
    Italy Prices
    Bocas del Toro Prices
    Panama Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Florence 180
    Bocas del Toro 82

The average daily cost (per person) in Florence is €180, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is €82. 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 Florence and Bocas del Toro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Florence 87
    Bocas del Toro 28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Florence 174
    Bocas del Toro 56
Compare Hotels in Florence and Bocas del Toro

Looking for a hotel in Florence 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.

Hotels in Florence


Hotels in Bocas del Toro


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: Florence Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Florence 22
    Bocas del Toro 8.73
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:


  • Taxi Ride Within City
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    25
  • In City Parking (Full Day)
    30
  • Bus Pass (Full Day)
    5.00
  • Bus From Airport
    5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence

Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Livorno Port to Accommodation: $421
  • PRIVATE TRANSFER: from Florence to Assisi with stops in Montepulciano & Cortona : $299
  • Private Transfer from Firenze (FLR) Airport to Tavarnelle Val di Pesa: $290
  • Private Transfer from Firenze (FLR) Airport to Greve in Chianti: $288
  • Private transfer from Florence to Massa with private driver: $281
  • PRIVATE TRANSFER from Florence to Roma with private chauffeur: $275
  • Private transfer Florence Peretola Airport from or to Pisa City: $271
  • Private Transfer Florence Peretola Airport from/to Livorno Port: $271
  • Private Transfer from San Casciano in Val di Pesa to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $250
  • Private Transfer Florence to Siena with a Chianti Wine Tasting : $239
  • Florence to Bologna Airport (BLQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $231
  • Taste of Tuscany San Gimignano Winery with Transfer from Florence: $227

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
    2.56

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 Florence or Bocas del Toro?

Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Florence 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 day
    Florence 62
    Bocas del Toro 40
Typical Food Prices in Florence

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:


  • Panini Sandwich
    6.50
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence

For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Florence Old City Street Food Tour and Guided Sightseeing: $35
  • Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Lunch or Dinner: $35
  • Food Tour of Traditional Eateries and Wine Pairings: $36
  • Pasta Making Class with Dinner and Wine in Florence: $47
  • Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour from Florence: $48
  • Florence's Food Tour with Authentic Local Tastigs and Sightseeing: $50
  • Florence Street Food Tour and sightseeing with Central Market: $50
  • Florence Street Food Tour with Walking Sightseeing and Local Guide: $50
  • Pasta and Gelato Cooking Class in the heart of Florence: $51
  • Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine: $53
  • Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato: $54
  • Cooking Class in Florence Pasta & Tiramisu Making Unlimited Wine: $54

Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:


  • Lunch
    13
  • Breakfast
    12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Florence 30
    Bocas del Toro 18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence

For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Admission to Uffizi
    11
  • Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
    4.00
  • Firenze Card (for Two)
    100
  • Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
    20
  • Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
    6.00
  • Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
    7.00

Tours and Activities in Florence

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.

  • Best of Florence walking tour & Accademia Gallery- monolingual small group tour: $75
  • Exclusive Small Group Tour of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence: $78
  • Florence Palazzo Vecchio Skip the Line Ticket and Audio Guide: $27
  • Medici Walking Tour -Small Group : $35
  • Uffizi & Accademia Highlights: Skip The Line Combo Guided Tour: $119
  • "Good Morning Chianti Classico" - Tour in 2 wineries with lunch: $215
  • 1-Hour Golf Cart Private Tour through the Center of Florence: $54
  • 2-Hours Walking Tour in Florence: $179
  • 3-Hour Private Florence Walking Tour: $203
  • 3-Hour Private Food and Wine Experience in Montalcino: $144
  • 4 Wines Tasting with 2 Tuscan Cheeses & Tour at the winery: $41
  • A Food Lover Tour in Florence: $100

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
    21
  • Starfish Island Boat Trip
    17
  • Yoga Class
    4.26

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Florence 18
    Bocas del Toro 10
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:


  • Glass of Chianti
    4.20
  • Bottle of Wine
    7.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Florence

Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Florence Wine Tasting at Ponte Vecchio with Sommelier: $4.78
  • Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $18
  • Winery tour and wine tasting of organic Chianti wines and extra virgin oil: $24
  • Wine Tasting Activity at Chianti Rufina: $25
  • Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $27
  • Wine Tasting Experience near Florence: $30
  • Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $36
  • Wine Tasting in an Authentic Tuscan Cellar in Radda in Chianti: $38
  • Chianti Half Day Wine Tour from Florence: $42
  • Montefioralle Winery - Tour and Wine Tasting in Chianti: $42
  • Wine Tasting of Brunello with Tuscan Cold Cuts and Cheese: $47
  • Winery tour & wine tasting in Montalcino: $48


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Florence and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Florence is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Florence 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 Florence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florence 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 Florence Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Florence or Bocas del Toro?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Florence 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 Florence or Bocas del Toro?

Florence 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 Florence or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?

Both Bocas del Toro and Florence are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Florence because of the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Florence is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in Florence averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. Florence usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Florence gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In July, Florence usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Florence 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Florence 25°C (77°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Florence or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?

Both Bocas del Toro and Florence during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Florence this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.

In the autumn, Florence is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Florence in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In the autumn, Florence often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Florence gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.

Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Florence usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Florence gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Florence 16°C (61°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Florence or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Florence and Bocas del Toro. Many travelers come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Florence is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Florence average around 7°C (45°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Florence usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Florence gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Florence usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Florence gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Florence 7°C (45°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Florence or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Florence as well as Bocas del Toro. Many visitors come to Florence in the spring for the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.

Florence is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in Florence averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In the spring, Florence often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Florence gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Florence usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Florence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Florence 14°C (57°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Florence

Florence Bocas del Toro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 319 mm (12.6 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 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) 48 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 76 mm (3 in) 26°C (79°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in) 26°C (78°F) 367 mm (14.4 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 402 mm (15.8 in)