Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Playa del Carmen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen 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: Playa del Carmen or Bocas del Toro?
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, 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 dayPlaya del Carmen $81Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, 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 Playa del Carmen and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen 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: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- One Way Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Coba: $276
- Airport Transfers to Playa del Carmen - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $227
- Private Transfer to Cenote at Tulum: $213
- Transfers in Lincoln StretchLimo from Puerto Aventuras-Cun Airport.: $194
- Cancun Airport Round Trip transfer to Puerto Aventuras: $190
- 2x1 Tour: Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres, Open Bar, Lunch and Transfers: $190
- Wedding Transfers Services in Round Trip Playa del Carmen: $180
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Playa del Carmen from CUN: $173
- Private Transfer From Cancún Airport - Puerto Aventuras: $163
- Contoy and Mujeres Islands Tour with Transfer Options: $159
- Tour Bacalar Ponton with Transfer from Cancun & Playa del Carmen : $147
- Access to Xel-Há Park with Transfer: $145
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 Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Playa del Carmen 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 dayPlaya del Carmen $24Bocas del Toro $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $60
- Walking Food Tour: $65
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $77
- Mexican Cooking Class: $100
- Seafood Tour in Playa del Carmen: $101
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $104
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Cultural Coba Sunset Adventure with Dinner and show from Cancun: $130
- Sunset Adventure in Coba and Dinner with Show from Riviera Maya: $155
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $157
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.Playa del Carmen $17Bocas del Toro $22
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Romantic tour in Akumal: $115
- Tulum Ruins, Turtle Sightseeing & Underground Cenote from Tulum: $140
- VIP Cenote Scuba Tour, Certified Divers Only: $230
- 3 in 1 Private Tour Tulum Cenote and Snorkeling in the reef: $210
- 3D Museum of Wonders Admission Ticket: $42
- 5X1: Tulum and Coba Ruins, Cenote & Mayan Village Full Day Tour : $114
- ATV Adventure with Ziplines Cenote from Playa del Carmen: $75
- ATV Extreme and Snorkel Adventure from the Riviera Maya: $139
- ATV Ride and Secret Caves Tour from Playa del Carmen: $80
- ATV Shared & Ziplines Adventure in Tulum Jungle from Riviera Maya: $133
- ATV Shared, Cavern & Ziplines -Jungle Adventure from Riviera Maya: $158
- ATV Xtreme & Snorkel Experience: $138
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 dayPlaya del Carmen $21Bocas del Toro $12
When comparing the travel costs between Playa del Carmen and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen is in North America 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 Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Bocas del Toro?
Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Bocas del Toro?
Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
In July, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 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 Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Bocas del Toro. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Bocas del Toro. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In the winter, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Playa del Carmen gets 224 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. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.