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

Should you visit Athens or Rabat?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Rabat. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Athens or Rabat?

Athens

Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.

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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Athens?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens 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 Athens and Rabat in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens 63
    Rabat 25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens 126
    Rabat 50
Compare Hotels in Athens and Rabat

Looking for a hotel in Athens 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 Athens


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: Athens Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens 27
    Rabat 1.97
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    6.40
  • Metro
    1.50
  • Metro
    2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

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

  • From Paros: Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands or Athens: $2,695
  • From Meteora Private Day Trip with Transfer: $1,048
  • From Ancient Corinth Day Trip with Private Transfer: $461
  • Private Transfer to/from Volos: $449
  • From Private Cape Sounion Sunset Tour with Transfer: $299
  • Transfer from Athens airport to Epidavros up to 4 customers: $298
  • Athens Airport to Kyllini Transfer or from Kyllini to Athens: $291
  • Private Transfer From Athens To Lefkada: $284
  • Private Transfer From Athens To Meteora - Kalabaka: $273
  • Private Transfer through Athens Attractions at Night: $273
  • Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $273
  • Private Transfer From Athens To Ancient Olympia: $262

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 Chefchaouen: $283
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Asilah: $272
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Tangier: $268
  • Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $262
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $254
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $230
  • Private Transfer From Fez To Rabat: $206
  • Private Transfer from Rabat To Fez: $206
  • One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $196
  • One-Way Transfer from Fez to Rabat via volubilis & meknes : $196
  • Private transfer from Rabat to Casablanca: $190
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Fes: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Rabat?

Prices for flights to both Rabat and Athens 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
    Athens 37
    Rabat 12
Typical Food Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    3.00
  • Souvlaki
    2.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
  • Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
  • Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
  • Greek Street Food Tour: $51
  • Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
  • Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $52
  • Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
  • Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
  • Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
  • Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
  • Light Lunch Tasting & Cooking Demo: $67

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.
    Athens 36
    Rabat 2.66

Tours and Activities in Athens

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

  • Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $87
  • Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $180
  • Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 5Hours: $142
  • Delphi full day V.R audio guided tour with entry ticket: $48
  • EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $173
  • Full Day Tour in Athens with Lunch: $147
  • Half Day Private Tour on Highlights of Classical Athens: $158
  • Layover Private Tour in Athens: $245
  • Mycenae Lions Gate Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Private Tour 8H : $191
  • Self-Guided Tour at the Romantic Island of Hydra from Athens: $284
  • Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $59
  • "Acropolis Half-day Tour and City Visit": $168

Tours and Activities in Rabat

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

  • 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
  • 9-Day Tour to Imperial Cities and Desert: $1,400
  • Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
  • Fes Full Day Private Tour from Rabat: $250
  • Fes Full-Day Private Tour from Rabat with hotel pickup : $131
  • From Casablanca:9Days Unforgettable Desert Tour To Marrakesh: $1,916
  • From Fez : Rabat : Day Trip (Shared Group Tour): $103
  • From 4 Days 3 Nights Sahara Desert Tour: $717
  • From Tangier Guided Day Tour by High-Speed Train: $105
  • Gems of Rabat Walking Tour: $115
  • Luxury Morocco: 5-Day Private Guided Tour from Casablanca: $1,391
  • Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens 23
    Rabat -

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:

  • Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
  • Greek Wine Tasting: $23
  • Premium Wine Tastings: $35
  • Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
  • Athens Wine Tasting: $44
  • Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
  • Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $52
  • 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $53
  • Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
  • Greek food and wine tasting: $53
  • Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
  • Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60


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


Which is Bigger, Athens or Rabat?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Rabat?

Athens 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 Athens or Rabat in the Summer?

Both Rabat and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives more rain than Rabat. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Rabat 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Athens or Rabat in the Autumn?

Both Rabat and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.

Athens is around the same temperature as Rabat in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets more rain in October than Rabat. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Rabat 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Athens or Rabat in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Rabat. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Athens is cooler than Rabat. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Rabat averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Athens usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Rabat. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Rabat 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Athens or Rabat in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Rabat. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.

In April, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Rabat. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Rabat. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Rabat and Athens

Athens Rabat
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in)