Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Montevideo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montevideo or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montevideo and Bocas del Toro can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Montevideo or Bocas del Toro?
Montevideo
As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, 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 dayMontevideo $63Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $63, 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 Montevideo and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontevideo $39Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $78Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Montevideo 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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montevideo $7.32Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
- Carrasco Airport MVD to Montevideo Hotels Round Trip Transfer: $98
- Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
- Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $85
- TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
- 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
- Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
- Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
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 Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
- Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Montevideo 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 dayMontevideo $13Bocas del Toro $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango & Folklore in Montevideo: $98
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.Montevideo $21Bocas del Toro $22
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
- Private Tour to Tourist Places in Montevideo: $260
- Best Private & Personalized Tour of Montevideo: $200
- Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $165
- Best Private Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $250
- Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $110
- Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers : $110
- Best custom Montevideo Private Tour in Electric SUV! (BMW Option): $120
- City Tour of Montevideo: $40
- City Tour, the best option for small groups: $160
- Discover Mix of Sightseeing & City Attractions!: $140
- From Cabo Polonio - Full Day Private Tour: $950
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 dayMontevideo -Bocas del Toro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:
- Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
- Juanico Wine Tour Lunch: $132
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montevideo and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. And not only is Montevideo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montevideo 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 Montevideo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montevideo 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 Montevideo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montevideo Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Bocas del Toro?
Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo 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 Montevideo or Bocas del Toro?
Montevideo 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 Montevideo or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the summer 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 January, Montevideo is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toroin July. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 24°C (75°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Montevideo gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In January, Montevideo usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin July. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 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 JulyMontevideo 24°C (75°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Montevideo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Montevideo is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in October.
In the autumn, Montevideo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toroin October. Montevideo gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 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 Montevideo. Montevideo usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toroin October. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 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 OctoberMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Montevideo is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montevideo in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
Montevideo usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Montevideo usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin January. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 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 JanuaryMontevideo 11°C (52°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as Bocas del Toro. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In October, Montevideo is generally much colder than Bocas del Toroin April. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 17°C (63°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montevideo this time of the year. In the spring, Montevideo often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toroin April. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Montevideo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Montevideo usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toroin April. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 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 AprilMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Montevideo
| Montevideo | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.