Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Ocho Rios?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios 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: Ocho Rios or Bocas del Toro?
Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios, or "Ochi" is a town located on the northeastern shore of Jamaica and is a popular hub for cruise ships. It is a great destination for tourists as it has many resorts and beautiful beaches.
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 dayOcho Rios $77Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $77, 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 Ocho Rios and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $52Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $104Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios 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: Ocho Rios Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.60Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios
Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Couples Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $300
- From Scenic Guided Horseback Ride with Transfer: $195
- Jewels Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $170
- Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Resorts in Ocho Rios : $160
- Kingston Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios: $140
- Private Jamaica Airport Transfers: $130
- Private Airport Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Ocho Rios: $130
- MBJ Airport Round trip Private transfer for Runaway Bay Hotels: $120
- Montego Bay Airport Transfers to Hotels to Ocho Rios: $115
- Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotels (Round-Trip): $110
- Airport transfers to Hotel, Guest houses or Villas in St.Ann, Ochi Rios Jamaica: $110
- Private Airport Transfer to Bahia Principe Grand Hotel : $100
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 Ocho Rios or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Ocho Rios 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 dayOcho Rios $17Bocas del Toro $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ocho Rios
For Ocho Rios, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- From Flavors of Jamaica Guided Food Tour: $89
- Taste of Jamaica Farm & Food Tour: $98
- Ocho Ros: Hillside Cooking Class, Jamaican Style: $130
- Taste of Jamaica Food Tour: $140
- The Jamaica School of Cooking and Ocho Rios Highlights Tour: $141
- Ocho Rios Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner: $218
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.Ocho Rios $15Bocas del Toro $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ocho Rios
For Ocho Rios, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate$11
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Admission to Coyaba Gardens$5.47
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Tour of Prospect Plantation$18
Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ocho Rios.
- Authentic Jamaican Bamboo Rafting Tour from Runaway Bay: $194
- Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour from Ocho Rios: $77
- Full-Day Tour to Blue Hole Falls with Horseback Ride from Montego Bay: $220
- Private Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios : $30
- Shopping Tour From Runaway Bay Hotels : $65
- ATV AdVENTURE FROM OCHO RIOS : $190
- ATV Adventure and Shopping from Falmouth (Minimum 4 persons): $165
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting and Horseback Riding Experience in Ocho Rios: $275
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting, Horseback Ride Guided Tour from Montego Bay: $135
- All day Tour of Ocho Rios : $200
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Runaway Bay: $206
- Bamboo Rafting in Ocho Rios Private Experience: $207
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 dayOcho Rios $7.71Bocas del Toro $12
When comparing the travel costs between Ocho Rios and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands and Bocas del Toro is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ocho Rios Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Bocas del Toro?
Bocas del Toro has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios or Bocas del Toro?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios 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 July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 29°C (83°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Ocho Rios during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.
Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios 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 winter. In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocho Rios in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Bocas del Toro. Ocho Rios 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. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the spring, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun.
In April, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (80°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 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.