Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Arusha?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Arusha or Rabat?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Arusha and Rabat 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: Arusha or Rabat?
Arusha
Arusha is a city in East Africa's Tanzania, located at the base of volcanic Mt. Meru. It’s a gateway to safari destinations and to Africa’s highest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro, lying some 100 kilometers northeast. To the west lies Serengeti National Park, home to wildlife including lions, rhinoceros, giraffes and leopards. Annual migrations feature huge herds of wildebeests crossing its plains. Arusha is Tanzania’s gateway to the northern circuit of stellar national parks and the starting point of many a memorable safari. It’s also a large, sprawling city which offers a nice break from the rigors of life on the African road – it has excellent places to stay and eat and, for the most part, it’s lush and green and enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year. Arusha is a great destination, and you're sure to enjoy your time here, no matter what your interests are.
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 G Adventures Tours to Tanzania, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Tanzania, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayArusha $165Rabat $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Arusha is $165, while the average daily cost in Rabat is $45. 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 Arusha and Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personArusha $121Rabat $28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomArusha $242Rabat $56
Compare Hotels in Arusha and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Arusha 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: Arusha Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Arusha $12Rabat $2.18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arusha
Also for Arusha, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport (KIA): $136
- Transfer from Arusha to Karatu: $110
- Transfer Around Moshi and Arusha in Tanzania: $75
- Airport Transfers, Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro JRO: $70
- Kilimanjaro Airport Transfer to Moshi: $65
- Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha City Center Transfer: $60
- Airport transfer: $45
- Arusha Airport & Hotel Transfers: $40
- Tanzanite Museum and Shopping Tour with Transfer: $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:
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Taxi to Sale$3.61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Rabat to Tangier: $150
- Transfer Rabat to Safi: $171
- Transfer Rabat to Rabat Airport: $23
- Transfer Rabat to Mohammedia: $62
- Transfer Rabat to Marrakech: $200
- Transfer Rabat to Kenitra: $53
- Transfer Rabat to Fes: $119
- Transfer Rabat to El Jadida: $120
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $237
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Tangier: $276
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Fes: $191
- Private Transfer from Rabat To Fez: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Arusha or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat and Arusha 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 dayArusha $22Rabat $13
Typical Food Prices in Arusha
For Arusha, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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A Quick Lunch (for 2)$2.01
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Arusha
For Arusha, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking and Sewing & Jewelry Workshops in Arusha: $33
- NGO Lifted Strong - Traditional Tanzanian Cooking Class: $50
- Guided walking city tour& traditional cooking lesson: $78
- Africa health cuisine food tour: $111
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat
For Rabat, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $51
- cooking classe near the medina of rabat with local chefs : $67
- Walking Food Tour: $76
- Cooking Class in a Family Home: $77
- Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $78
- Rabat Family Cooking Class: $82
- Night Tour River Sunset Boat Ride & Moroccan Dinner: $99
- Rabat Night Tour with River Sunset Boat Ride & Moroccan Dinner : $100
- Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Rabat with a Local Family: $110
- Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local: $120
- Gourmet Cooking Class in Rabat: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Arusha $42Rabat $2.94
Tours and Activities in Arusha
For Arusha, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- From Day Tour in Arusha National Park: $279
- Marangu waterfall & Coffee making Cultural Tour | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO LTD : $150
- Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee making Cultural Tour | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS LTD : $167
- Materuni Waterfalls,Coffee and Chemka Hotspring Tour: $100
- Materuni waterfalls coffee tour & Chemka hot springs Day trip: $95
- Private Tour to Marangu Waterfalls, Chagga Caves, Coffee tour & Hot Springs: $127
- 1 DAY NGORONGORO CRATER DAY TOUR: $360
- 1 Day Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Plantation Tour: $250
- 1 Day Tour Hot Spring (Majimoto): $80
- 1 Day Tour to Tarangire National Park Tanzania: $480
- 1-Day Ngorongoro Crater Special Tour: $645
- 1-Day Tarangire National Park Tour: $267
Tours and Activities in Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- private Tour between the monuments of Rabat City : $45
- 9-Day Moroccan Adventure: Imperial Cities to Atlas Mountains: $1,995
- Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
- Exclusive Luxe Private Boat Guided Tour in Rabat: $73
- Fes Full Day Private Tour from Rabat: $250
- From Casablanca: 15-Day Guided Tour of Morocco: $2,080
- From Casablanca:9Days Unforgettable Desert Tour To Marrakesh: $1,996
- From Fez : Rabat : Day Trip (Shared Group Tour): $107
- From 4 Days 3 Nights Sahara Desert Tour: $747
- From Tangier Guided Day Tour by High-Speed Train: $109
- Gems of Rabat Walking Tour: $115
- Luxury Morocco: 5-Day Private Guided Tour from Casablanca: $1,448
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayArusha $10Rabat -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arusha and Rabat, we can see that Arusha is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Arusha would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arusha 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 Arusha Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Arusha or Rabat?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Arusha. When comparing the sizes of Arusha 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.
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.