Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Tromso?
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 Tromso 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 Tromso 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: Tromso or Bocas del Toro?
Tromso
The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Tromso Prices
Norway PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTromso $83Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Tromso is $83, 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 Tromso and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTromso $32Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTromso $64Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Tromso and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Tromso 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: Tromso Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tromso $11Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tromso
Also for Tromso, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tromso Cable Car Arctic Panorama Transfer: $123
- Private Transfer Tromso Airport and City Vice Versa: $93
- Tromsø Private Airport-Hotel Transfer Service up to 13 guests: $45
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 Tromso or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Tromso 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 dayTromso $43Bocas del Toro $47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso
For Tromso, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hours Private Walking Food Tour in Norway: $185
- Reindeer Camp Dinner with Chance of Northern Lights in Tromso: $201
- Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $205
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.Tromso $6.59Bocas del Toro $21
Tours and Activities in Tromso
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tromso.
- 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $92
- Arctic fjord and Landscape Tour: $139
- 4 Hour Aurora Tour Photos Snacks and Warm Drinks Included: $98
- 7 hours Tromsø Aurora Tour: Photos, snacks & warm drinks included: $98
- Adventure Snowmobile Safari: $257
- All-Inclusive Arctic Fjords and Sommarøy Scenic Tour: $212
- Arctic Fjordcruise & Safari in Tromso with Luxury Catamaran : $150
- Arctic Nature Tour from Tromsø by minibus: $139
- Arctic Wildlife and Fjord Sightseeing: $232
- Aurora Adventure Tour with Creative Vacations: $268
- Aurora Cuisine Cruise: $195
- Aurora Magic Northern Lights Tour with Pro Photographer: $176
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.
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTromso $5.47Bocas del Toro $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tromso and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. And not only is Tromso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tromso is in Europe 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 Tromso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tromso 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 Tromso.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tromso Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tromso or Bocas del Toro?
Tromso has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Tromso 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 Tromso or Bocas del Toro?
Tromso 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 Tromso or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Tromso are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Tromso is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Tromso average around 12°C (54°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tromso. Tromso usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Tromso gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In July, Tromso usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Tromso gets 72 mm (2.8 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 JulyTromso 12°C (54°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Tromso or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Tromso during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Tromso because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
The weather in Tromso can be very cold. Tromso is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tromso averages around 3°C (37°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In the autumn, Tromso often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Tromso gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 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 Tromso. Tromso usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Tromso gets 125 mm (4.9 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 OctoberTromso 3°C (37°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Tromso or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tromso and Bocas del Toro. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tromso this time of year. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's quite cold in Tromso in the winter. In the winter, Tromso is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tromso in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Tromso usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Tromso gets 3 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tromso usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Tromso gets 81 mm (3.2 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 JanuaryTromso -4°C (25°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Tromso or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tromso as well as Bocas del Toro. Many travelers come to Tromso for the small town charm and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. In April, Tromso is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Tromso average around 1°C (33°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In the spring, Tromso often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toro. Tromso gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Tromso usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Tromso gets 60 mm (2.4 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 AprilTromso 1°C (33°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Tromso
| Tromso | Bocas del Toro | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (25°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 1°C (33°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 5°C (41°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (49°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (37°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | -1°C (31°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | -3°C (27°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.