Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Florianopolis?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Florianopolis or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Florianopolis 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: Florianopolis or Bocas del Toro?
Florianopolis
With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.
Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.
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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, 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 dayFlorianopolis $62Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $62, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is $77. 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 Florianopolis and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlorianopolis $26Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlorianopolis $52Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis 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: Florianopolis Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Florianopolis $13Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis
Also for Florianopolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
- Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
- Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
- Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $84
- Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $78
- One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
- Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $40
- Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
- Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
- Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $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
- Transfer Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
- Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Florianopolis 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 dayFlorianopolis $22Bocas del Toro $27
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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A Quick Snack$0.44
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.Florianopolis $26Bocas del Toro $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Internet$0.59
Tours and Activities in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
- Bike Tour in Florianopolis - Sunset, Photography and History: $70
- Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $37
- Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
- Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
- Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
- Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $32
- Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
- Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $42
- Mountain biking experiences in Florianópolis: $58
- Private Day Tour: Florianópolis Island with Professional Pictures: $154
- Private South Island Beaches and Lagoons Tour: $44
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: $231
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlorianopolis $8.68Bocas del Toro $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:
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Beer$0.59
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Florianopolis and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. And not only is Florianopolis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Florianopolis Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Bocas del Toro?
Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Bocas del Toro?
Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Florianopolis is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 25°C (76°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.
Florianopolis usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Florianopolis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Florianopolis usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 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 January and JulyFlorianopolis 25°C (76°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Bocas del Toro. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In the autumn, Florianopolis is cooler than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Florianopolis in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in October.
In the autumn, Florianopolis often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toroin October. Florianopolis gets 179 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. Florianopolis usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toroin October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 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 April and OctoberFlorianopolis 22°C (71°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Bocas del Toroin January. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 17°C (62°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Florianopolis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toro during winter. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In July, Florianopolis usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 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 July and JanuaryFlorianopolis 17°C (62°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Florianopolis during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Florianopolis is cooler than Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.
In the spring, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toroin April. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 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 Florianopolis. Florianopolis usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toroin April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 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 October and AprilFlorianopolis 20°C (68°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Florianopolis
| Florianopolis | Bocas del Toro | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (76°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 95 mm (3.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (71°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.