Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Veracruz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Veracruz or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Veracruz and Bocas del Toro can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Veracruz or Bocas del Toro?
Veracruz
Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Adventure Tours to Panama.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVeracruz $122Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $122, 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 Veracruz and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVeracruz $54Bocas del Toro $33
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVeracruz $108Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Veracruz 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: Veracruz Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Veracruz $28Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz
Also for Veracruz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $32
- Colima Airport (CLQ) to Colima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $28
- Airport Transfer: $25
- Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
- Colima Airport (CLQ) to Colima - Arrival Private Transfer: $14
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$3.01
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
- Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $43
Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Veracruz 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 dayVeracruz $50Bocas del Toro $27
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.Veracruz $15Bocas del Toro $22
Tours and Activities in Veracruz
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.
- 1 day tour of Tlacotalpan and Alvarado from Veracruz: $102
- 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $25
- Adventure through the Chachalacas Beach and Dunes from Veracruz: $123
- Alvarado And Tlacotalpan Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $112
- Antigua and Zempoala Tour from Veracruz: $86
- Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $27
- Catemaco And Los Tuxtlas Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $112
- City Tour en Veracruz y Acuario: $100
- Coffee Route, an adventure of aroma and flavor to Veracruz: $150
- From Veracruz or Boca del río: Coffee Tour in Coatepec: $96
- From Alvarado, Tlacotalpan and Agustín Lara Tour: $100
- From Catemaco, Nature, Waterfalls & Monkeys Tour: $100
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$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: $233
- 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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVeracruz $17Bocas del Toro $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Veracruz and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Veracruz is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Veracruz is in North 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 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 Veracruz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Veracruz 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 Veracruz Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Bocas del Toro?
Veracruz has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz 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 Veracruz or Bocas del Toro?
Veracruz 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 Veracruz or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Veracruz 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.
Veracruz is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Veracruz gets 208 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. It's quite rainy in Veracruz. In July, Veracruz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bocas del Toro. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVeracruz 27°C (81°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Veracruz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
In the autumn, Veracruz is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Veracruz in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
In the autumn, Veracruz often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Veracruz gets 188 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 Veracruz. Veracruz usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVeracruz 26°C (79°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Veracruz is generally cooler than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 21°C (71°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Veracruz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toro during winter. Veracruz gets 156 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, Veracruz usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVeracruz 21°C (71°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Bocas del Toro. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
Veracruz is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Veracruz this time of the year. In the spring, Veracruz often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Veracruz gets 203 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. Veracruz usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVeracruz 26°C (78°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Veracruz
| Veracruz | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (71°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (71°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (74°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 410 mm (16.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 346 mm (13.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (76°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 27 mm (1.1 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.