Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo 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: Sao Paulo or Bocas del Toro?
Sao Paulo
With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.
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 3-Day Tours from Manaus, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
-
Sao Paulo Prices
Brazil PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $60Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $60, 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 Sao Paulo and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $28Bocas del Toro $33
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $56Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo 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: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.76Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Ilhabela Port: $295
- Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $230
- Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos (1 to 15 people): $229
- Private Transfer from Morumbi to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $178
- Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $176
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $170
- Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport GRU to Sao Paulo RoundTrip Transfer : $158
- Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $143
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo city hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $138
- Transfer to Guarulhos Airport - up to 4 passengers sedan: $130
- Private Transfer from Alphaville to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $125
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Congonhas (CGH) Airport: $123
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$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 Sao Paulo or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Sao Paulo 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 daySao Paulo $24Bocas del Toro $47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo
For Sao Paulo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Make 9 Brazilian Faves in a 4-Hour Cooking Workshop in Sao Paulo: $85
- Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189
Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:
-
Lunch$15
-
Breakfast$14
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $3.89Bocas del Toro $21
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
- 4 Hour Private Tour - São Paulo: $142
- 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
- 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions : $134
- 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football : $162
- 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $176
- 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $162
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $240
- 6 Hour Ayrton Senna Tour – The Greatest Formula 1 Drivers of all Time: $193
- 6-Hour Classic Half-Day Private Tour of São Paulo – Optional Airport Pickup : $178
- 6-Hour Private Layover Tour in São Paulo from GRU & CGH Airports: $178
- 7-hour Private Tour Overview Of São Paulo – Optional For GRU Airport Pickup: $192
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$25
-
Starfish Island Boat Trip$20
-
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.
- 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 daySao Paulo $3.38Bocas del Toro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sao Paulo Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Bocas del Toro?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 1010 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or Bocas del Toro?
Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the city activities 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 January, Sao Paulo is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toroin July. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 25°C (77°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Sao Paulo during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Sao Paulo is cooler than Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in October.
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toroin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Bocas del Toro. Many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Sao Paulo is cooler than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sao Paulo in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Bocas del Toro. Many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the spring for the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In October, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Bocas del Toroin April. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 21°C (70°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toroin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 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.