Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Liberia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Liberia 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 Liberia 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: Liberia or Bocas del Toro?
Liberia
Liberia is a town in northwestern Costa Rica. It is the capital of the Guanacaste province, which is about 140 miles away from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. The town has a population of about 56,000 and is one of the tourism centers of the country.
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 Costa Rica, The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica, The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Panama.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLiberia $112Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Liberia is $112, 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 Liberia and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLiberia $60Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLiberia $120Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Liberia and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Liberia 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: Liberia Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Liberia $43Bocas del Toro $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liberia
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Liberia are as follows:
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Bike Rental$25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liberia
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liberia:
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Santa Teresa: $300
- Private Transfer Liberia Airport to Arenal Hotels : $296
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Dreams Las Mareas Hotel: $295
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas: $285
- Punta Islita Hotel to/from Liberia Airport - Shuttle & Transfers Service: $279
- Liberia Airport To Rio Perdido & Thermal River - PRIVATE TRANSFER: $275
- Liberia Airport (LIR)to Malpais / Montezuma - Raund-Trip Transfer: $272
- Private Transfer Int. Airport Liberia To La Fortuna From 7 to 10 passengers: $262
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Nosara: $250
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas: $245
- One-Way Private Transfer from Liberia Guanacaste Airport to La Fortuna (Arenal): $241
- RoundTrip Private Transfer - Liberia Airport to your selected location: $240
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:
- Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $42
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
- Transfer Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Liberia or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Liberia 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 dayLiberia $21Bocas del Toro $27
Typical Food Prices in Liberia
Some typical examples of dining costs in Liberia are as follows:
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Snacks$1.97
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Lunch at The Shack (for 1)$4.95
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Lunch$11
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Coffee & Tres Leches (for 2)$14
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Ginger Ale$1.28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liberia
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Liberia.
- Private Sunset Dinner at the Beach with Chef : $190
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.Liberia $25Bocas del Toro $22
Tours and Activities in Liberia
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Liberia are as follows:
- ATV Tour Guanacaste the Beach Excursion & Trail: $110
- Birdwatching Experience private tour : $275
- Llanos de Cortez Safari and Waterfall Tour: $190
- Mega Combo Adventure: $195
- Nicaragua one day tour from Costa Rica, Discover it: $250
- 2 Hour ATV Experience From Guanacaste: $180
- 2 Hour ATV Private Tour in Costa Rica: $81
- 2 In 1 Jet Sky & Buggy Private Tour: $300
- 2-Hour Horseback Riding Tour in Guanacaste: $65
- 2-Hours UTV Tour: $110
- 3 Hour ATV Adventure Tour in El Jobo: $120
- 3 Hours Private Sunset Cruise at Dreams Las Mareas: $175
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.
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLiberia $13Bocas del Toro $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Liberia and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Liberia is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Liberia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liberia 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 Liberia Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Liberia or Bocas del Toro?
Liberia has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Liberia 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 Liberia 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 Liberia or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Liberia as well as Bocas del Toro. Liberia 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. Liberia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Liberia usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Liberia gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Liberia often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Liberia gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Liberia is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Liberia in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLiberia 28°C (82°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Liberia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Liberia throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Liberia is December to April. The rainy season in Liberia is April to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. It's quite rainy in Liberia. In October, Liberia usually receives more rain than Bocas del Toro. Liberia gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Liberia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toro during autumn. Liberia gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Liberia is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Liberia average around 27°C (81°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLiberia 27°C (81°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Liberia during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Liberia 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. Liberia usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Liberia gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Liberia. In the winter, Liberia often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Liberia gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.
Liberia is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the winter. The daily temperature in Liberia averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLiberia 27°C (81°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Liberia and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to April in Liberia is the dry season. Also, April to December is the rainy season in Liberia. Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Liberia usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Liberia gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In Liberia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Liberia usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. Liberia gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Liberia is a little warmer than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Liberia in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLiberia 29°C (85°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Liberia
| Liberia | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.