Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Havana?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Havana 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 Havana and Bocas del Toro can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Havana or Bocas del Toro?
Havana
The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).
This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.
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 Adventure Tours to Panama, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Panama.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHavana $65Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $65, 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 Havana and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHavana $40Bocas del Toro $33
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHavana $80Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Havana and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Havana 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: Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Havana $19Bocas del Toro $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
-
Short Taxi Ride$0.68
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$3.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bocas del Toro
Also for Bocas del Toro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $42
- Transfer Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Havana 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 dayHavana $10Bocas del Toro $27
Typical Food Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
-
Pizza$0.03
Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:
-
Lunch$15
-
Breakfast$14
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Havana $11Bocas del Toro $22
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$25
-
Starfish Island Boat Trip$20
-
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.
- 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
- Dolphin Bay and Coral Cay with Drinks Private Tour in Zapatilla: $66
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in Panama from Colón Cruise Port: $231
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHavana $5.76Bocas del Toro $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
-
Mojito$0.15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana is in Caribbean Islands 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Havana Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Havana or Bocas del Toro?
Havana has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Havana 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 Havana or Bocas del Toro?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Havana or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Havana during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana 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. Havana usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Havana is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 27°C (81°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHavana 27°C (81°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Havana or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana 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 autumn. In October, Havana usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Havana is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHavana 25°C (77°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Havana or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Havana as well as Bocas del Toro. Havana 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. Havana usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Havana is cooler than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Havana in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHavana 21°C (70°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Havana or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana 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 April, Havana usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Havana is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 24°C (75°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHavana 24°C (75°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Havana
| Havana | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.