A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paris vs. Bocas del Toro for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Paris or Bocas del Toro?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Paris 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: Paris or Bocas del Toro?

Paris

Paris is a dream destination for many people. It's location on the river Seine contributes to its stunning beauty and you can spend many days wandering through its wonderfully diverse neighborhoods. It's known as a city of culture, fashion, food and fun. There is never a shortage of entertainment and activities around town and a highlight of many people's trips to Paris is to explore the city at night, when it truly comes to life. It is not hard to see why this city has received the nickname as the "City of Lights."

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 Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.


Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Paris?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Paris Prices
    France Prices
    Bocas del Toro Prices
    Panama Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Paris 265
    Bocas del Toro 82

The average daily cost (per person) in Paris is €265, 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 Paris and Bocas del Toro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paris 153
    Bocas del Toro 28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paris 306
    Bocas del Toro 56
Compare Hotels in Paris and Bocas del Toro

Looking for a hotel in Paris 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.

Hotels in Paris


Hotels in Bocas del Toro


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: Paris Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paris 21
    Bocas del Toro 8.73
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:


  • Metro
    6.40
  • Train from Airport
    9.00
  • Metro tickets
    6.80
  • Train
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

Also for Paris, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Paris : Transfer to/from Reims or Champagne region: $646
  • Transfer from Paris to Airport: CDG, Orly, Beauvais: $300
  • Private Transfer from Paris to CDG Airport: $299
  • Private Transfer from Paris City to Le Havre: $299
  • Private direct transfer from Paris to Brussels: $293
  • Private Direct Transfer From Paris to Reims: $287
  • Transfer Charles de Gaulle Airport CDG to Paris: $281
  • Transfer by luxury Mercedes from PARIS AIRPORT to => PARIS with Cab-Bel-Air: $281
  • Louvre Museum Ticket with Audio Guide and Paris Hotel Transfers: $281
  • Louvre Museum Audio Guide Tour with Hotel Private Transfers: $276
  • Private one way transfer from Paris to Beauvais airport: $275
  • Private Transfer between Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris by Van: $263

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bocas del Toro

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bocas del Toro:


  • 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 Paris or Bocas del Toro?

Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Paris 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Paris 72
    Bocas del Toro 40
Typical Food Prices in Paris

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:


  • Ice Cream
    8.00
  • Breakfast
    7.00
  • Breakfast for 2
    30
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    86
  • Dinner
    57
  • Cheese
    13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

For Paris, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • #1 Montmartre Pastries & Chocolate Food Tour with 6+ Tastings: $60
  • Authentic Indian Dinner in Paris : $66
  • Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $68
  • Paris Prestige Dinner Cruise from Eiffel Tower Area: $74
  • Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $78
  • Paris Food Tour: $82
  • Seine River Sightseeing Cruise and Dinner at Le Bistro Parisien: $84
  • Paris Unlimited Brunch Cruise and Cooking Workshop: $94
  • Private French Home Cooking Class in Paris with Local Chef Ioana: $99
  • Champagne & Oysters Paris Food Tour: $102
  • French Gourmet Cuisine: Dinner and Wine Pairing: $106
  • Paris 3-Course Gourmet Dinner and Sightseeing Seine River Cruise : $110

Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:


  • Lunch
    13
  • Breakfast
    12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paris 76
    Bocas del Toro 18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris

For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    18
  • Admission to Pantheon
    5.00
  • Catacombs (2)
    23

Tours and Activities in Paris

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.

  • Area ,Opera, Jewellery,Fashion,Palais Royal walking tour : $74
  • Audio-Guided Montparnasse Tower Tour with Priority Admission: $42
  • Eiffel Tower with 2nd Floor Access & Trocadero Gardens Tour: $73
  • Half Day Giverny Monet's Gardens Tour : $172
  • Illumination Tour of Paris: $75
  • Louvre Evening Escape: Avoid the Crowds - Exclusive Guided Tour : $167
  • Musée d'Orsay Rebels Passion Colour. A Private Guided Tour: $143
  • Notre-Dame Exterior & Sainte-Chapelle Medieval Paris Tour : $71
  • Palace of Versailles Ticket and Guided Visit: $86
  • Paris City Center Self-Guided Walking Tour : $12
  • Paris Sightseeing Tour with Seine River Cruise from Disneyland®: $106
  • Versailles Small Group Guided Tour with Local Guide: $84

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bocas del Toro

For Bocas del Toro, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Island Boat Tour
    21
  • Starfish Island Boat Trip
    17
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paris 24
    Bocas del Toro 10
Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:


  • Wine
    14

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • Paris International Pub Crawl with Free Shots & Fun Games: $18
  • Original Paris Pub Crawl : $24
  • Paris Gin Craft Distillery Tour and Tasting: $36
  • Paris Nation wine tasting: $47
  • Wine tasting Paris Saint Germain des Pres: $56
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting in the Latin Quarter with Chef Alex: $59
  • Paris New Year's Eve Pub Crawl with Shots and Nightclub Entry: $84
  • The only Paris Wine Tasting experience you need to do - 2 hours : $94
  • Paris Wine Tasting Session with Expert Sommelier: $106
  • Paris Amateur Art of Pairing Cheese and Wine Tasting : $114
  • Left Bank Gastronomy & Wine tour with a Culinary School : $114
  • Walk & Wine Tour in the Latin Quarter: $118


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paris and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Paris or Bocas del Toro?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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 Paris or Bocas del Toro?

Paris 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 Paris or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?

Both Bocas del Toro and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Paris is cooler than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paris in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paris. Paris usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Paris gets 241 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 July, Paris usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Paris 20°C (68°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Paris or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?

Both Bocas del Toro and Paris during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Paris in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.

In October, Paris is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 13°C (56°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In the autumn, Paris often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Paris gets 127 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. Paris usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Paris 13°C (56°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Paris or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Bocas del Toro. Most visitors come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Paris can be very cold during winter. Paris is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the winter. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Paris gets 62 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 January, Paris usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Paris 5°C (40°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Paris or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Paris as well as Bocas del Toro. The spring months attract visitors to Paris because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.

In the spring, Paris is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paris in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In the spring, Paris often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toro. Paris gets 172 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. Paris usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Paris 11°C (52°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Paris

Paris Bocas del Toro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 319 mm (12.6 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 367 mm (14.4 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 402 mm (15.8 in)