Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Jose 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 San Jose 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: San Jose or Bocas del Toro?
San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
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 Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, 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 daySan Jose $90Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $90, 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 San Jose and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $49Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $98Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in San Jose and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in San Jose 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: San Jose Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19Bocas del Toro $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
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Taxi from SJO$25
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Local Bus$2.72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Tortuguero: $300
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport to Guanacaste Hotels: $299
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Tambor beach: $276
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Manuel Antonio Quepos: $269
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Samara Beach: $265
- Private Transfer: $260
- Private Transfer Airport or San Jose hotels to Puerto Viejo Limon: $259
- Private Ground Transfer SJO - Monteverde: $256
- Private VIP Transfer from San Jose Airport to Fortuna (1-9 ppl): $250
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport welcome service playa Hermosa beach: $245
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Papagayo: $244
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Cahuita, English Speaking Driver: $239
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 from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
- Transfer Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
- Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and San Jose 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 daySan Jose $18Bocas del Toro $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Jose
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose : $34
- San Jose By Night Tour: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktails Classes: $57
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $76
- Explore San Jose By Night: Food and Culture Tour with Local Dinner: $80
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
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.San Jose $21Bocas del Toro $22
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 6 in 1 RainForest Adventure From San Jose: $189
- AERIAL TRAM TOUR - HALF DAY PASS Rainforest Adventures Braulio Ca: $78
- AWA Water Museum - Waterfall Adventure (Organic Food Experience): $98
- Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs one day tour from San Jose: $199
- Arenal Volcano Eco Tour & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose: $159
- Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour: $295
- Arenal Volcano National Park Sloth Tour: $100
- Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs Full Day Tour from San Jose: $194
- Awesome Class 3 Balsa River Rafting 5-Hour Tour in La Fortuna: $90
- BRIBRI Chocolate tour & Cahuita National park from San Jose: $244
- Best of San José City Tour: $89
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 daySan Jose $17Bocas del Toro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $85
- Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and Bocas del Toro, we can see that San Jose is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 San Jose would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Jose 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 San Jose Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or Bocas del Toro?
San Jose has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of San Jose 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 San Jose 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 San Jose or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose 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 summer. San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, San Jose usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
San Jose usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, San Jose is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Jose in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit San Jose or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Bocas del Toro. San Jose 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. San Jose receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Jose usually gets more rain in October than Bocas del Toro. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, San Jose often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toro. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.
In October, San Jose is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit San Jose or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and San Jose are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose 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 January, San Jose usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
San Jose is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the winter. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit San Jose or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and San Jose during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose 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. San Jose usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in San Jose. In the spring, San Jose often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun.
In the spring, San Jose is a little warmer than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Jose in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and San Jose
| San Jose | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.