Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nassau or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Bocas del Toro, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Nassau or Bocas del Toro?
Nassau
There are few vacation destinations more famous than the Bahamian city of Nassau. This capital city is full of laid back locals, relaxed tourists and the iconic pastel pink government houses.
As the largest city in the Bahamas, Nassau can hold plenty of people. Not only are there hundreds of tourists on any given day, the city is also home to 260,000 people – that is 80 percent of the Bahamas' total population.
Founded around 1650, Nassau's location made it a great spot on the trade route. So great, in fact, that it also became a popular destination for pirates – including the infamous Blackbeard.
Pack light because it's going to be pretty steamy in Nassau. The climate is essentially identical to southern Florida. It is warm and humid all year with the occasional cold snap in the winter.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $189Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, 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 Nassau and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $109Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $218Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Nassau 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: Nassau Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Bocas del Toro $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:
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Water Taxi$8.02
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Taxi to Cable Beach$25
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Taxi from Airport$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:
- Nassau Roundtrip Transfer by Limousine to Paradise Island: $360
- Round-Trip Airport Transfer by Limousine: $360
- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $300
- Lynden Pindling Airport (NAS): Round-Trip Nassau Transfer: $252
- Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Paradise Island: $251
- Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Paradise Island: $247
- Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
- Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
- Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Palm Cay: $243
- Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
- Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
- Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer: $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 Nassau or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Nassau 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 dayNassau $53Bocas del Toro $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nassau
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nassau.
- Nassau Food Tour and Beach Break: $65
- Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
- Savor Old Nassau Dining Stroll by Tru Bahamian Food Tours: $116
- Sail Catamaran Sunset Dinner Cruise: $116
- All Inclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau Bahamas: $125
- Dinner and Dancing: $130
- Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class: $135
- Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
- Island Food Tour: $140
- Gourmet dinner & sunset cruise on luxury catamaran: $375
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.Nassau $37Bocas del Toro $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:
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Jet Ski$50
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4 Hr Kayak Tour$70
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1/2 Day Snorkel Trip$75
Tours and Activities in Nassau
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nassau are as follows:
- Bahamas Adventure: Pigs, Reef, Turtles, and Beach with Lunch: $299
- 3 Hour Eco-Glide Adventure in Nassau: $99
- 3 Hour Island Tour: Swimming with Pigs, Turtles, and Snorkeling: $250
- ATV Half Day City Tour in Guided Tour With Free Samples: $259
- ATV Island Tour with Beach Break, Lunch, and Pick-up/Drop-off: $199
- ATV tours by RSR: $230
- Archie's Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack and Spanish Friendly: $7.00
- Atlantis Bridge Speed Boat Adventure: $100
- Atlantis Speed Boat Tours: $69
- Bahama Bonanza Cultural Tour: $80
- Bahamas Cabbage Beach Parasailing Adventure: $100
- Bahamas Culture Tour from Nassau Including Rum Cake: $80
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 dayNassau $19Bocas del Toro $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:
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Cocktail$6.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:
- Nassau Rum Distillery Tour: $25
- Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nassau and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau 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 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 Nassau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nassau 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 Nassau Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Bocas del Toro?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Nassau 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 Nassau 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 Nassau or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Bocas del Toro. Nassau 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. Nassau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nassau usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the summer, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Nassau is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nassau 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 JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau 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. It's quite rainy in Nassau. In October, Nassau usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bocas del Toro. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Nassau is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 26°C (79°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Nassau during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau 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. Nassau usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 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 Nassau. In the winter, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.
Nassau is cooler than Bocas del Toro in the winter. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau 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 spring. In April, Nassau usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Nassau is cooler than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nassau in April average around 23°C (74°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Nassau
| Nassau | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.