Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Salvador 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 Salvador 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: Salvador or Bocas del Toro?
Salvador
Salvador de Bahia was the first capital of Brazil, founded by the Portuguese in 1549. Also known as "Brazil's capital of happiness," Salvador is famous for its plentiful and spirited street festivals. The third most populous city in Brazil, Salvador is also well-known for its Afro-Brazilian culture and Portuguese colonial architecture.
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 Contiki Tours to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, 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 daySalvador $44Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $44, 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 Salvador and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $24Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $48Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Salvador 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: Salvador Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $6.02Bocas del Toro $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Salvador:
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Bus from Airport$1.17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:
- Transfer Salvador to Barra Grande Round Trip: $300
- Ivan Bahia, Private Transfer Salvador BA to Lençois (Chapada Diamantina): $300
- Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $285
- Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $160
- Transfer Grand Palladium - Private Executive Van: $150
- Private Transfer to/from Salvador Airport to/from Praia do Forte: $140
- Transfer in Salvador: $140
- Private Transfer from Salvador Airport: $136
- Private Transfer to/from Sauipe Resort By Minivan one way: $130
- Shared Transfer Salvador / Morro de São Paulo / Salvador: $130
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $128
- One-Way Private Transfer to Boipeba Island: $120
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 Salvador or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Salvador 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 daySalvador $13Bocas del Toro $27
Typical Food Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Salvador:
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Dinner for 2$1.37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salvador.
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- Private Cooking Experience with local in Salvador: $130
- Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $132
- Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $140
- Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $152
- Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195
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.Salvador $5.67Bocas del Toro $22
Tours and Activities in Salvador
Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Afro-Brazilian Roots city Tour in Salvador with lunch at Favela: $150
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Salvador Capital Afro-Brazilian: $60
- Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador": $102
- Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
- Bike Rentals and Bike Tours: $142
- Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $160
- Candomblé Cerimony Tour: $61
- Candomble Religion Mysteries Private Tour in Salvador: $80
- City Tour in Salvador Discover the first capital of Brazil - En: $140
- Cruise Ship Special Private Tour Salvador da Bahia Historic Old Town Bonfim and Barra: $152
- Culinary Traditions Tour: $180
- Easy Diving - Lord Beach Snorkeling - Leaving Forte Beach by Emytour: $33
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 daySalvador $5.38Bocas del Toro $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:
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Beers for 2$1.37
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Drinks$2.74
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salvador 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 Salvador would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salvador 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 Bocas del Toro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bocas del Toro than you might in Salvador.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salvador Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or Bocas del Toro?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Salvador 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 Salvador or Bocas del Toro?
Salvador 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 Salvador or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Salvador during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
In January, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toroin July. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 27°C (81°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Salvador. In the summer, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toroin July. Salvador gets 246 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 Salvador. Salvador usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toroin July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 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 JulySalvador 27°C (81°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Salvador is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in October.
Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Salvador gets 190 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. Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Salvador usually receives more rain than Bocas del Toroin October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSalvador 26°C (80°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Bocas del Toro. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In the winter, Salvador is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salvador in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
In the winter, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toroin January. Salvador gets 181 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. Salvador receives a lot of rain in the winter. Salvador usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toroin January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 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 JanuarySalvador 24°C (75°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toroin April. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (78°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. Salvador gets 228 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. It's quite rainy in Salvador. In October, Salvador usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSalvador 26°C (78°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Salvador
| Salvador | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 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.