Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Geneva?
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 Geneva or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and Bocas del Toro. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Geneva or Bocas del Toro?
Geneva
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Geneva Prices
Switzerland PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGeneva $288Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Geneva is $288, 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 Geneva and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGeneva $168Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGeneva $336Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Geneva and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Geneva 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: Geneva Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Geneva $11Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- Private transfer from Geneva airport (GVA) to Verbier (Minibus): $1,465
- Private transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Interlaken.: $881
- Private Transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Zermatt.: $881
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport(GVA) to Serre Chevalier: $797
- Private Transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Verbier.: $764
- Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Neuchatel: $528
- Private transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Montreux.: $458
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport(GVA) to Val Thorens: $449
- Private transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Lausanne.: $317
- Private 1-way Transfer from Geneva Airport (GVA) to Megeve: $305
- Private 1-way Transfer from Megeve to Geneva Airport (GVA): $304
- Chamonix: Private Transfer from Geneva with Wi-Fi and Water: $293
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 Geneva or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Geneva 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 dayGeneva $105Bocas del Toro $47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.
- City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class, Swiss Folklore: $223
- Taste Geneva – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $226
- Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $227
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.Geneva $35Bocas del Toro $21
Tours and Activities in Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- (KTG210) - Geneva City Tour and Yvoire: $201
- (KTG353) - Winter Tour: Gruyeres, chocolate tour from Geneva: $199
- (STTG04) - Sightseeing Cruise at Geneva with Wine and Aperitif: $37
- Annecy - Venice of the Alps - Tour from Geneva: $96
- Annecy Private Guided Tour from Geneva: $477
- Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $24
- Best Intro Tour of Geneva with a Local: $178
- Best of Geneva City Tour with optional boat cruise: $74
- Best of Geneva City Tour: International Area and Old Town: $73
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
- Chamonix Mont-Blanc & E-bike Tour: $258
- Chamonix Mont-Blanc Full Day Guided Tour : $127
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.
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGeneva $26Bocas del Toro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Geneva
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Geneva:
- Geneva Countryside Wine tasting, Aperitif, Castle By E-bike: $175
- Swiss Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour in Vaud: $263
- Lavaux, Chexbres, and Valais Wine Tasting Tour: $450
- Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting by TukTuk: $541
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Geneva and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Geneva or Bocas del Toro?
Geneva has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva or Bocas del Toro?
Geneva 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 Geneva or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Geneva during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Geneva in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
In the summer, Geneva is cooler than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Geneva in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Geneva. In the summer, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Geneva gets 285 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. Geneva usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGeneva 22°C (71°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Bocas del Toro. Most visitors come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Geneva is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 14°C (56°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Geneva gets 127 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. In October, Geneva usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGeneva 14°C (56°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Bocas del Toro. The winter months attract visitors to Geneva because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
The weather in Geneva can be very cold. Geneva is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the winter. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In the winter, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Geneva gets 62 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. Geneva usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGeneva 4°C (39°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Geneva is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Geneva in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
Geneva usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toro during spring. Geneva gets 174 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. In April, Geneva usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGeneva 11°C (53°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Geneva
| Geneva | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.