Which place is cheaper, Marrakech or Beijing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beijing or Marrakech?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Marrakech 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.
Beijing
Beijing is a jam-packed, cultural, and fascinating city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.
Marrakech
Marrakech is a high-energy, fascinating, and ancient city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Beijing and Marrakech: Pros and Cons
Beijing
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Home to the Forbidden City
- Less popular with couples
- Less walkable
Marrakech
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Beijing or Marrakech?
Both Marrakech and Beijing have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Beijing is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Marrakech attracts visitors for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Beijing is famous for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Marrakech is famous for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces.
How is Beijing different from Marrakech?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Marrakech and Beijing. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beijing or Marrakech?
Beijing
Marrakech
Beijing is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Beijing has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.
Many visitors head to Marrakech specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. While wandering the medina is an attraction in and of itself, there are also several sights that you should specifically check out. The iconic Djemaa el-Fnaa, or the city's main square, is best visited as the sun goes down. Other notable landmarks include Koutoubia Mosque, Majorelle Gardens, and Medersa Ben Youssef.
Is the Food Better in Beijing or Marrakech? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Beijing
Marrakech
Beijing is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
For foodies, Beijing is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.
With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Marrakech makes for a great culinary experience. Moroccan food is amazing and you'll enjoy grilled meats, tagines, couscous, and more. The city is more touristy than some parts of Morocco so you'll find the quality of the food can vary a bit, but it's still a culinary delight. Marrakesh is also a great city for taking a cooking class.
Is Beijing or Marrakech Better for Nightlife?
Beijing
Marrakech
Beijing is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.
Beijing has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.
Marrakech has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Although alcohol is hard to come by, you'll find it in most western style restaurants and high end hotel chains. The city has more bars and nightclubs than you'd expect. There's also a great nighttime energy with many locals heading outside in the evening. Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square, comes to life with street vendors, performers, and people during the nighttime hours.
Is Beijing or Marrakech Better for its Old Town?
Beijing
Marrakech
Marrakech is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.
With a famous historical old-town, Marrakech offers plenty to see. The historic medina is filled with spices, antiques, art, and pottery. The culture and experience of wandering the medina will have you feeling like you stepped back in time.
Beijing does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Marrakech?
Beijing
Marrakech
Marrakech is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.
Marrakech is a world class destination for shoppers. Shop your way through the street stalls and sample perfumes, spices, produce, and more. You'll find everything from souvenir trinkets to local items and authentic antiques.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.
Is Beijing or Marrakech Better for Families?
Beijing
Marrakech
Marrakech is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Marrakech is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring a new culture and wandering through the medina. The food is very kid-friendly and during the evening the main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, comes to life with street performers, vendors, and entertainment. Families can also take cooking classes or head into the desert for a camel trek.
Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.
Is Beijing or Marrakech Better for Couples?
Beijing
Marrakech
Marrakech is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
Marrakech is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. There are many wonderful restaurants and fascinating places for couples to explores. Wandering the medina or visiting the gardens make for a romantic and adventurous getaway.
Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.
Is Beijing or Marrakech Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Beijing
Marrakech
Marrakech is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Marrakech is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city is very affordable and there are countless riads that are budget-friendly. There are enough backpackers around town that it's not hard to meet fellow travelers.
Beijing is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.
Is Beijing or Marrakech Better for Students?
Beijing
Marrakech
Beijing is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Marrakech is not popular with students.
Beijing is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.
Marrakech is not popular with students.
Is Beijing or Marrakech Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Beijing
Marrakech
Beijing is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marrakech is lacking in options for its public transit.
Beijing offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.
Public transit is limited or non-existant in Marrakech. While there are local buses, most people take taxis around town when they can't walk. Taxis are affordable and convenient.
Is Beijing or Marrakech a more walkable city?
Beijing
Marrakech
Marrakech is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.
Marrakech is a very walkable destination. The medina is the best area to walk around but it's very easy to get lost. Outside of the medina you'll want to keep your eyes open for motorbikes and the occasional donkey.
Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.
For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Marrakech Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Marrakech or Beijing?
How long in Beijing or Marrakech?
Both Beijing and Marrakech have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Marrakech has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Marrakech than Beijing. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Marrakech than Beijing. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Marrakech, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Marrakech than Beijing. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Marrakech that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Marrakech than Beijing if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Marrakech.
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How many days in Beijing or Marrakech? Ideal Length of StayBeijing 3-7Marrakech 3-7
One day in Beijing or Marrakech?
People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
In Marrakech, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
A weekend in Beijing or Marrakech?
People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
In Marrakech, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Five days in Beijing or Marrakech?
People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
Marrakech is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marrakech has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Beijing or Marrakech?
Beijing is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beijing, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marrakech. In Marrakech, you'll find museums and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeijing $77Marrakech $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $77, while the average daily cost in Marrakech is $69. 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 Beijing and Marrakech in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeijing $39Marrakech $46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeijing $78Marrakech $92
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Marrakech
Looking for a hotel in Beijing or Marrakech? 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: Marrakech Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beijing $7.65Marrakech $6.30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.72
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Train from Airport for Two$6.91
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Taxi to Hotel$8.29
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2 Metro Passes$2.21
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- [Airport Transfer] Beijing Capital Airport ⇔ Beijing City Transfer (one way) ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $30
- Visit Great Wall With Beijing Capital Airport Round-Way Transfer : $215
- Ultimate Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall Discovery with Airport Transfer: $186
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Beijing APT-HTL (PEK): $62
- Transfers to Jinshanling Great Wall with professional driver: $95
- Tianjin International Cruise Port to Beijing Capital Airport by private transfer: $148
- Tianjin International Cruise Port Transfer from Beijing: $130
- Tianjin Cruise Port to Beijing Daxing Airport by Private Transfer: $148
- Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City Private Tour With Airport Transfer: $205
- Shijingshan Amusement Park with FlyOver China Experience by Private Transfer: $78
- Shared Shuttle Bus Transfer Between Tianjin Cruise Port And Downtown Beijing : $59
- Self Guided transfer service to Juyongguan Great Wall or Badaling Great Wall: $78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marrakech
Also for Marrakech, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Marrakech Transfer one way: $22
- Hammam and Massage Experience with Transfers: $67
- Marrakech Airport Private Transfer: $13
- Private Transfer Agadir airport - Marrakech: $163
- Private Transfer From Marrakech To Fez: $206
- private transfer to or from Marrakech and Taroudant one trip: $98
- transfer from Marrakech city to Agadir city (AGA) one-way: $81
- "Marrakech to Chefchaouen: Your Exclusive Private Transfer": $250
- 2h Buggy Adventure in the Marrakech Desert with Transfer and Tea Break: $49
- Agadir private transfer from Imouzzer Ida Ou Tanane to Agadir airport (AGA): $104
- Airport Transfer Ride : $20
- Airport Transfert: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Marrakech?
Prices for flights to both Marrakech and Beijing 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 dayBeijing $21Marrakech $13
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.83
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Hot Pot Dinner$6.91
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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Watermelon$1.94
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
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Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- discovery more Beijing back street evening food tour with locals : $79
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
Typical Food Prices in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Orange Juice on the Square$0.30
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Breakfast$1.20
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Dates$0.60
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Olives$0.90
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Sandwich$1.29
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Souvenir Spices$6.18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Online Moroccan Cooking Class: $17
- Cooking Lesson at the Ouirgane Ecolodge with Lunch: $18
- Magical dinner in agafay desert with camel ride: $19
- Marrakech desert: Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner Show: $20
- Restaurant Dinner Experience with Hotel Pickup: $21
- Sunset in Agafay: Dinner, Camel, Quad-Book Adventure with Viator: $22
- Desert Dinner, Camel Ride, Sunset & Show: $23
- Dinner in Desert Marrakech and Camel ride at Sunset: $23
- Moroccan Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $24
- From Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner with Live Show: $25
- Dinner Magic in Agafay desert with transport from Marrakech: $26
- Desert Agafay Dinner at Nomad Camp and Camel Ride: $26
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beijing $24Marrakech $7.01
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.29
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.68
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Day Mutianyu Great Wall and Beijing Airport Drop off Tour: $235
- 4 hours Deep Forbidden City Private Tour by Knowledgeable Guide.: $80
- 4-Hour Beijing Layover Tour to Hutong from Daxing Airport: $145
- All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour: $188
- All Inclusive Private Tour: Juyongguan Greatwall, Sacred Road, MingTombs : $176
- Beijing 2 Summer Palace Private Garden Tour: $140
- Beijing Art Tour: Seeing Fantastic Ming Murals at Fa Hai Temple : $220
- Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with English Driver : $100
- Beijing Private Tour of Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube: $297
- Classic One Day Beijing Tour: $260
- Forbidden City Tour : $110
- Lama temple -Confucius temple - DongYue temple Private Cultural Tour: $156
Typical Entertainment Prices in Marrakech
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Marrakech's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Palace Tickets$1.99
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Golf at Atlas Golf$56
Tours and Activities in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3-Hour Colorful Souks Tour: $5.00
- 3-Hour Colorful Souks Tour experience: $5.00
- 3-Hour Colorful Souks Tour with Tour guide: $5.00
- Marrakesh: Cactus Thiemann Entry Ticket: $8.20
- Ourika Valley, Atlas Mountain and Waterfalls Tour from Marrakech: $10
- Camel ride experience at the palm grove of Marrakech: $12
- 1/2 day Guided Medina Walking Tour & Souks : $13
- Marrakech:Quad Tour in Palmeraie: $14
- Historical Marrakech Walking Tour: $15
- Full Day Hiking Tour to Atlas Mountains from Marrakech: $15
- Marrakech activities: Camel ride tour Marrakech: $15
- Marrakech Sightseeing Tour: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeijing $12Marrakech $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $161
- Private Tour-Bejing Old Hutong Food Tasting+Local Brewery Beer: $165
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
Sample the Local Flavors in Marrakech
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marrakech:
- Bar Crawl with Local Guide: $28
- Moroccan wine tasting workshop in Marrakech: $70
When comparing the travel costs between Beijing and Marrakech, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Beijing is in Asia and Marrakech is in Africa, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Marrakech Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beijing or Marrakech?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Marrakech. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Marrakech, 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.