Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Rabat?
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 Abu Dhabi and Rabat can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Rabat?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
Rabat
While not high on the tourist destination list, Rabat is a quiet gem of a city with stunning colonial architecture and palm-lined streets. This political capital is a laid-back, pleasant alternative to the more cosmopolitan Casablanca.
Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, Rabat plus the city of Temera are home to a combined metropolitan population of 2.6 million.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Rabat $43
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Rabat is $43. 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 Abu Dhabi and Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Rabat $27
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Rabat $54
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Rabat? 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: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Rabat $2.10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
-
Car Rental$31
-
Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
- Private Transfer from Qasr Al Sarab to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $274
- Private Transfer from Jebel Dhanna Resort to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Talal Liwa: $274
- Private Transfer from Talal Liwa to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Jebel Dhanna Resort: $274
- Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
- Abu Dhabi Helicopter Ride with optional Private Transfers: $222
- Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $212
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $202
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:
-
Taxi to Sale$3.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Rabat to Salé: $22
- Private Transfer from or to Salé and Rabat: $24
- Private Transfer from Rabat Sale Airport to Rabat Medina : $25
- 1-Way Private Transfer to or from Rabat Airport: $31
- Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $32
- Private Transfer from Rabat Sale Airport to Rabat City: $42
- Private Transfer from Rabat City to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $44
- Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport Private Transfer: $55
- Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport : Private Transfer: $59
- Rabat to Casablanca Private Transfer: $65
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Temara: $66
- Rabat To Casablanca Luxury transfer: $82
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat and Abu Dhabi 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 dayAbu Dhabi $45Rabat $12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
- Dubai Best Dhow Cruise Dinner Marina: $46
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
- Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat
For Rabat, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Small Group Cooking Classes with Tour of Rabat : $45
- Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $49
- Cooking Class in a Family Home: $66
- Walking Food Tour: $76
- Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $76
- Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $76
- Rabat Family Cooking Class: $76
- Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Rabat with a Local Family: $110
- Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local: $120
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Rabat $2.83
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi Full Day City Tour : $100
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
- Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
- Falcon Hospital Tour with Transportation : $101
- Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $234
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
- 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
- Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $32
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Abu Dhabi : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide: $43
- Abu Dhabi City Tour: $186
Tours and Activities in Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- SUP Adventure Rabat (kayaking, stand up paddle , boating) VIP: $15
- Rabat old Medina ,Hassan Tower and Kasbah Oudaya Walking tour : $40
- Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $43
- Rabat tour ;Small Group Guided Walking tour in the City of Light: $44
- Private Boat Tour of the Bouregreg River, a Traditional Boat: $45
- Private Walking Guided Cultural Stroll with Licensed Tour Expert: $53
- Private Boat Guided Tour in Rabat: $60
- Private Guided City Walking Tour: $62
- 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
- Private Guided Boat Tour in Rabat: $70
- Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
- Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $83
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Rabat -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Rabat, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Rabat is in Africa, 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 Rabat would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rabat 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 Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Rabat.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Rabat?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Rabat, 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 Abu Dhabi or Rabat?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Rabat in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Rabat. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.
Abu Dhabi usually gets more rain in July than Rabat. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Rabat. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Rabat averages at about 23°C (73°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Rabat 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Rabat in the Autumn?
Both Rabat and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Rabat. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Rabat 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Rabat in the Winter?
Both Rabat and Abu Dhabi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Rabat. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Rabat. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Rabat in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Rabat 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Rabat in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Rabat. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Rabat. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Rabat. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Rabat averages at about 16°C (60°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Rabat 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Rabat and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Rabat | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 102 mm (4 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.