Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Lisbon?
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 Lisbon or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Lisbon 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: Lisbon or Bocas del Toro?
Lisbon
Portugal's capital city of Lisbon continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination. The cultural scene has come to life in recent years and the city itself is stunningly beautiful. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of hills that create a dramatic and scenic layout. The city has many white-bleached limestone buildings, narrow alleyways, and a laidback charm that appeals to visitors.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Lisbon Prices
Portugal PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLisbon €167Bocas del Toro €82
The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €167, 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 Lisbon and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLisbon €63Bocas del Toro €28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLisbon €126Bocas del Toro €56
Compare Hotels in Lisbon and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Lisbon 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: Lisbon Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lisbon €25Bocas del Toro €8.73
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lisbon
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:
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Taxi Ride€6.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon
Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From the Algarve to Lisbon; Guided transfer with extra Wow!: $763
- Transfer to Six Senses Douro Valley from Lisbon: $763
- Private Transfer: Seville to Lisbon: $705
- Full Day Tour - Transfer to Algarve from Lisbon with Stops: $705
- Private Door to Door Transfers from/to (Seville - Lisbon): $587
- Private Transfer to Porto with stops until 3 cities: $528
- Private Transfer From Algarve To Lisbon By 8 Seats Minibus: $528
- One Way Private Transfer to/from Faro: $505
- Transfer to Porto with Obidos and Nazare: $481
- Algarve to Lisbon Airport Transfer: $470
- Private Transfer Lisbon-Algarve: $370
- From Private Transfer to Lagos/Portimão/Carvoeiro: $364
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€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 Lisbon or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Lisbon 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 dayLisbon €73Bocas del Toro €40
Typical Food Prices in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Coffee€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza Cruise on a Luxury Boat with Open Bar: $29
- Lisbon Sunset DJ Party – Luxury Boat, Pizza & Open Bar: $29
- Lisbon Exclusive Sunset Cruise – Pizza, Open Bar & Dolphins: $29
- Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon with Set Lunch or Dinner : $32
- Lisbon Sunset DJ Party – Luxury Boat, Pizza & Open Bar: $35
- Traditional Walking Food Tour: $50
- Fado Show and Portuguese Dinner: $57
- Alfama Tour and Live Fado with Traditional Dinner: $58
- Lisbon Sangria – Exclusive Luxury Cruise with Pizza & Music: $59
- Portuguese street food cooking class with Drinks: $59
- Pizza Cruise on a Luxury Boat with Open Bar: $60
- Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Lisbon: $60
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€13
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Breakfast€12
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lisbon €24Bocas del Toro €18
Tours and Activities in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Óbidos - Nazaré - Mafra (National Palace of Mafra)Private tour from Lisbon: $173
- 2 Hours Surf Lesson Experience in Costa da Caprica: $42
- Divine Journey : Fatima Full Day Private Tour: $215
- Expert Guided Walking Tour of Belém with Stunning view & History: $191
- Fatima, Batalha, Nazare, Obidos Small Group Tour From Lisbon: $90
- Guided Tour to Sintra with 4 Monuments Visit, Private Full Day: $263
- Lisbon Essential Walking Tour: History, Stories and Lifestyle: $30
- Private Sailing Experience: $179
- Sintra, Cascais and Estoril Coast with Tickets from Lisbon: $76
- Tour of Groutes Mira de Aire + Battle Monastery: $179
- from Sintra half-day sightseeing tour: $215
- Évora Tour: $179
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€21
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Starfish Island Boat Trip€17
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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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLisbon €18Bocas del Toro €10
Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:
- Lisbon Port Wine Tasting at Taylors Shop and Tasting Room: $19
- 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $22
- Pub Crawl with Open Bar, Shots & VIP Club Entry: $23
- Pub Crawl with Open Bar (Premium Upgrade Available): $23
- Lisbon Pub Crawl: Unlimited Drinks, Shots & V.I.P Club Entry: $23
- Private Bar Crawl in Lisbon: $24
- Lisbon Pub Crawl: $24
- Portuguese Wine Tasting: $25
- Guided Port Wine Tasting Apéritif/Digestif: $28
- Port Wine Tasting Apéritif/Digestif at Portuguese Wine Bar: $29
- Lisbon Wine Tasting: $29
- Catamaran Luxury Sunset and Wine Tour: $42
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lisbon 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 Lisbon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisbon 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 Lisbon Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Bocas del Toro?
Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Bocas del Toro?
Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Bocas del Toro. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Lisbon is generally cooler than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Lisbon gets 352 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. In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 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 JulyLisbon 23°C (73°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Lisbon or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Bocas del Toro. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
Lisbon is cooler than Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Lisbon gets 213 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. Lisbon usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 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 OctoberLisbon 19°C (66°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Lisbon or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Lisbon is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisbon in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Lisbon usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Lisbon gets 144 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. It's quite rainy in Lisbon. In January, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 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 JanuaryLisbon 12°C (53°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Lisbon or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Lisbon during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
In April, Lisbon is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Lisbon gets 235 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. Lisbon usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 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 AprilLisbon 16°C (60°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Lisbon
| Lisbon | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 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.