Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Rio de Janeiro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro 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: Rio de Janeiro or Bocas del Toro?
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Rio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $115Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $115, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is $96. 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 Rio de Janeiro and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $64Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $128Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro 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: Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.65Bocas del Toro $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
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Taxi Ride$2.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- TRANSFER VAN Rio de Janeiro x Búzios/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio: $282
- Private Transfer From Rio De Janeiro to Buzios: $249
- Private Bilingual Transfer Angra dos Reis, Búzios or Paraty: $242
- TRANSFER - CLUB MED Rio: $225
- Private transfer Rio de Janeiro x Nova Friburgo: $222
- Buzios Private Transfer to and from Rio de Janeiro: $200
- TRANSFER 4 Passengers: Búzios/Angra dos Reis/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio.: $200
- Transfers Rio X Buzios : $184
- Private Rio de Janeiro Layover Transfer & Tour from Airport: $180
- Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro cruise port to Rio de Janeiro city: $172
- Rio to Buzios Private Transfer - by Alan Denis: $170
- Private Transfer from Cabo Frio Port to Rio de Janeiro hotels: $166
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$3.00
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 Rio de Janeiro or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Rio de Janeiro 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 dayRio de Janeiro $34Bocas del Toro $47
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
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Popcorn$0.56
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Corn on the Cob$0.75
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Hamburger$0.94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Waterfront Dinner and Live Music in Rio de Janeiro: $46
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $75
- Authentic Brazilian BBQ & Wine: A Guided Dinner Experience in Rio: $79
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $85
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
- LGBTQ+ Cooking Class in Rio: Cook, Toast & Celebrate Together: $95
- Brazilian BBQ Cooking & Drinks Class + Patio Party in Copacabana: $95
- Dinner and Show at the Official Roxy Dinner Show - Rio de Janeiro: $122
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $126
- Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
- Flavors of Cooking Class and Caipirinhas: $130
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.Rio de Janeiro $21Bocas del Toro $21
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Day Tour from Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado and Arraial do Cabo: $180
- A Day in Arraial do Cabo Guided Tour: $77
- Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $23
- Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
- One Day Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $165
- Samba Backstage Tour: Go Behind-the-Scenes of Carnival: $159
- 1 Day Discovery Tour NO Rio DE Janeiro: $192
- 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $115
- 10 Hours Private City Tour in Rio de Janeiro - Chartered Tour: $300
- 2 Days Tour in City Tour Express and Arraial do Cabo: $168
- 2 Days in Rio: Cultural & Ecologic Tours: $290
- 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide : $42
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$4.99
Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.
- Zapatilla Island Hopping Day Tour: $49
- Bioluminescence Tour - Bocas del Toro: $49
- Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro: $50
- Isla Colon Tour to Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach: $50
- Bocas del Toro Island Hopping Day Tour in Zapatilla Beach: $51
- From Isla Colon: Bocas del Toro Archipelago Boat Tour: $56
- 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
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Bocas Biodiversity: A Birds & Wildlife EcoTour Experience: $76
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Bocas del Toro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $40
- Rio Pub Crawl: Taste Caipirinhas & Local Bar Snacks: $95
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rio de Janeiro 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 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 Rio de Janeiro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Bocas del Toro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 610 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro or Bocas del Toro?
Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Rio de Janeiro during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
In January, Rio de Janeiro is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toroin July. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 26°C (79°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toroin July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 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 January and JulyRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Bocas del Toro. The autumn months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in October.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Rio de Janeiro usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Bocas del Toro. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In the winter, Rio de Janeiro is cooler than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Rio de Janeiro usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toroin January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 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 July and JanuaryRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, 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 October, Rio de Janeiro is generally cooler than Bocas del Toroin April. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 23°C (73°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In October, Rio de Janeiro usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | Bocas del Toro | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 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.