A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alicante vs. Rabat for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Alicante 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 Alicante and Rabat can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Alicante or Rabat?

Alicante

Alicante is a gorgeous coastal city in the Costa Blanca region, on the east coast of Spain. The region is famous for its white sandy beaches, the party-haven of Benidorm and the stunning palm tree-lined boulevard in the city of Alicante. I have been visiting Alicante for close to 20 years, so, it has become almost a second home to me. Here are my top tips to have the best vacation in Alicante.

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 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Alicante?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Alicante is €127, while the average daily cost in Rabat is €41. 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 Alicante and Rabat in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alicante 42
    Rabat 25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alicante 84
    Rabat 50
Compare Hotels in Alicante and Rabat

Looking for a hotel in Alicante 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.

Hotels in Alicante


Hotels in Rabat


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: Alicante Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alicante -
    Rabat 1.97

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alicante

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:

  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Puerto Lumbreras : $281
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Azohia: $269
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Drova (urbanisation): $254
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Bolnuevo: $254
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to la Manga Puerto Maestre: $245
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Cehegin: $245
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Manga strip dos Mares: $237
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Cabo de Palos: $237
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Gandia: $237
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Campo sol Golf Resort : $226
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Orba: $218
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Oliva: $218

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:


  • Taxi to Sale
    3.27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer From Rabat To Fez: $109
  • One-Way Transfer from Fez to Rabat via volubilis & meknes : $196
  • One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez : $154
  • One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $196
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Asilah: $272
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Bouznika: $87
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Kenitra: $109
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $254
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Skhirat: $76
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Temara: $65
  • Private Transfer from Rabat City to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $44
  • Private Transfer from Rabat Sale Airport to Rabat City: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Alicante or Rabat?

Prices for flights to both Rabat and Alicante 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 day
    Alicante 72
    Rabat 12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alicante

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alicante.

  • Secret Flavors Food Tour: $31
  • Paella and Sangria Cooking Workshop: $60
  • Paella and Sangría Cooking Workshop: $64
  • Central Market Guided Food Tour with Tapas Bars: $70
  • Alicante Food Tour: $71
  • Fuse Spanish With Italian For Dinner In Mutxamel: $89
  • Alicante PRIVATE Food Tour With Locals: 10 Food & Drink Tastings Included: $136
  • Cooking Class with Private Chef and Local Wine: $176
  • Alicante cooking class with a private chef: $180

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
  • Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $75
  • Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $75
  • Rabat Family Cooking Class: $75
  • Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local: $120
  • Gourmet Cooking Class in Rabat: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alicante 53
    Rabat 2.66
Typical Entertainment Prices in Alicante

Here are a few typical costs in Alicante for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Food and Tapas Tour (for 2)
    54
  • Catamaran Cruise (for 2)
    67
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    120
  • Walking Tour (for 2)
    60

Tours and Activities in Alicante

Here are a few actual costs in Alicante for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Alcoy Walking Tour on the Modernist Route: $202
  • Alicante - Old Town Private Walking Tour: $385
  • Alicante : E-Bike Coast Tour, Román Fishpond and Snorkeling: $37
  • Alicante : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
  • Alicante Charming Villages Tour: Villajoyosa and Altea: $75
  • Alicante City & Beach Bike Tour : $33
  • Alicante Discovery Tour from Benidorm: $28
  • Alicante Evening Tapas tour: $82
  • Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide : $32
  • Alicante Highlights Bike Tour(min 2p) MEDIUM CYCLE LEVEL REQUIRED: $35
  • Alicante Highlights Private Tour with Castle : $76
  • Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting: $32

Tours and Activities in Rabat

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.

  • Guided Bike Tour: $1.55
  • SUP Adventure Rabat (kayaking, stand up paddle , boating) VIP: $15
  • Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $43
  • Private Surf Experience in Rabat: $44
  • 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 Guided City Walking Tour: $62
  • 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
  • Private Boat Guided Tour in Rabat: $65
  • Private Guided Tour in Rabat City: $76
  • Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alicante -
    Rabat -

Sample the Local Flavors in Alicante

Also in Alicante, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Santa Bárbara Castle Wine Tasting with Cold Cuts: $28
  • Vineyards of Wine Tasting Tour: $73
  • Alicante Wine Tour with Wine Tasting : $74
  • Private Tour of Vinalopó Castles and Wine Tasting: $82
  • Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $144
  • Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies: $147
  • Total Alicante walking tour, tapas and wine tasting: $267


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alicante and Rabat, we can see that Alicante is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alicante is in Europe 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 Alicante would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alicante 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 Alicante Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Alicante or Rabat?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Alicante. When comparing the sizes of Alicante 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 Alicante or Rabat?

Alicante has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Rabat experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Rabat in the Summer?

Both Rabat and Alicante during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.

Alicante is around the same temperature as Rabat in the summer. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Rabat fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the summer, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Rabat. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets more rain in July than Rabat. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alicante 25°C (77°F) 
    Rabat 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Alicante or Rabat in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Rabat. Many visitors come to Alicante in the autumn for the shopping scene. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Alicante is around the same temperature as Rabat. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alicante in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Rabat averages at about 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat during autumn. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Alicante usually receives more rain than Rabat. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alicante 20°C (68°F) 
    Rabat 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Alicante or Rabat in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Rabat. Most visitors come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.

In January, Alicante is generally cooler than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 11°C (52°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the winter, Alicante often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in January than Rabat. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alicante 11°C (52°F) 
    Rabat 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Alicante or Rabat in the Spring?

Both Rabat and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Alicante is around the same temperature as Rabat in the spring. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Rabat fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat during spring. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Alicante usually receives less rain than Rabat. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alicante 16°C (60°F) 
    Rabat 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Rabat and Alicante

Alicante Rabat
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 25 mm (1 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in)