Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, The Best Adventure 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 daySao Paulo $52Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, 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 Sao Paulo and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Bocas 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- (Sedan Executive Class) Transfer VCP Airport • São Paulo: $298
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $233
- Private São Paulo Airport - Hotels Transfer In or Out : $200
- Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos (1 to 15 people): $199
- Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $194
- Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $180
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $180
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $175
- Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $169
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Campinas Airport (VCP): $167
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Viracopos Airport (VCP): $167
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City Centre Hotels to Santos Port: $167
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 Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
- Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $42
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
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Food Meals for one daySao Paulo $15Bocas del Toro $27
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:
- Private Traditional Brazilian or Paulistano Cooking Class with a Chef: $130
- 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:
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Lunch$15
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Breakfast$14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05Bocas del Toro $22
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- Guarani Indigenous Village of São Paulo (private tour)-5 hours: $150
- 2 Hours Private São Paulo Museum of Modern Art Tour: $240
- 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $150
- 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
- 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions : $134
- 4WD One Day Tour visiting Water Fall and the Big Stone from Sao Paulo: $260
- 5 Hour City Tour in São Paulo: $90
- 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football : $162
- 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $174
- 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $162
- 5-hour private tour in São Paulo (departures from hotels and airport): $156
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $249
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 daySao Paulo $3.52Bocas 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:
- Half Day Private Wine Tour from São Roque: $54
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $180
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. 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.
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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. 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.
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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. 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.
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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. 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.
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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 | |||
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| 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.