Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Bucharest?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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: Bucharest or Rabat?
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, 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 dayBucharest $139Rabat $43
The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $139, 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 Bucharest and Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBucharest $63Rabat $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBucharest $126Rabat $54
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Bucharest 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: Bucharest Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bucharest $26Rabat $2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:
- Bucharest to Sofia - Private Transfer: $584
- Bucharest to Sofia Private Transfer: $451
- Bucharest to Mihail Kogalniceanu - Private Transfer: $346
- Mihail Kogalniceanu to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $346
- Bucharest to Veliko Tarnovo - Private Transfer: $325
- Bucharest to Fetesti - Private Transfer: $325
- Bucharest to Craiova - Private Transfer: $303
- Transfer Bucharest Airport to Brasov: $290
- Bucharest to Tulcea - Private Guided Transfer - Driver and Car : $285
- Bucharest (Romania) to Veliko Tarnavo (Bulgaria) - Private Guided Transfer : $285
- Bucharest to Brasov - Private Transfer from Henri Coanda International Airport: $274
- Bucharest to Fetesti - Private Transfer - Car and Driver: $274
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$3.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Rabat To Fez: $110
- From Rabat : Private Transfer to Fes via Meknes & volubilis : $154
- One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $198
- Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $32
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Bouznika: $88
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $263
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Fes: $274
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Kenitra: $110
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $256
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Meknes: $197
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Temara: $66
- Private Transfer from Rabat City to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $44
Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat and Bucharest 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 dayBucharest $59Rabat $12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.
- Dinner at the Museum of Communism - Traditional Food Tour: $54
- Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $60
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $64
- Cooking Class traditional food: $66
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $74
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $87
- Private Walking Food Tour - Culture, History & Traditions: $99
- Discover Private Highlights and Traditional Food Tour: $109
- Private Bucharest Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $116
- Historical and Cultural Tour with Romanian Cuisine dinner: $142
- 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $203
- Bucharest City Tour & Traditional Home-made Cooking Experience: $229
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bucharest $15Rabat $2.83
Tours and Activities in Bucharest
Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bears Sanctuary, Dracula's Castle, Brasov Day Trip Private Tour from Bucharest: $251
- Bucharest Panoramic Sightseeing - Private City Tour: $93
- Transylvania Heritage Tour at Peles Bran and Cantacuzino Castles: $93
- 1 Day 4x4 Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $174
- 1 Day ATV Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $208
- 10h Bucharest City Tour & Snagov Monastery (Dracula's Grave): $260
- 14 Days Private Tour in Romania, Moldova & Transnistria: $4,761
- 2 Days Private Tour - The Romanian Caves from Bucharest: $563
- 2 Hour Photoshoot Experience Near Bucharest Architectural Charms: $99
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Bucharest City: $88
- 2-Day Medieval Transylvania with Brasov,Sibiu and Sighisoara Tour from Bucharest: $252
- 2-Day Small-Group Tour to Dracula's Castle, Rasnov Fortress, Peles Castle, Sighisoara and Libearty Brown Bear Sanctuary with Overnight in Brasov: $204
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBucharest $9.28Rabat -
Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest
Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Weekend Pub Crawl: $24
- Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
- From Romanian Wine Tasting Tour: $26
- Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $38
- Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $43
- Private Wine Tasting Experience: $43
- Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $47
- Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $52
- Guided Pub Crawl in Bucharest: $56
- Bucharest Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $57
- Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $59
- Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Rabat, we can see that Bucharest is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bucharest 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 Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest 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 Bucharest Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Rabat?
Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Rabat. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Rabat?
Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Rabat in the Summer?
Both Rabat and Bucharest during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.
Bucharest is around the same temperature as Rabat in the summer. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 23°C (73°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 Bucharest. In the summer, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun.
Bucharest usually gets more rain in July than Rabat. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBucharest 23°C (73°F)Rabat 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Rabat in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Rabat. The autumn months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Bucharest is much colder than Rabat. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bucharest in October average around 13°C (55°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. Bucharest usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during autumn. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Rabat. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBucharest 13°C (55°F)Rabat 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Rabat in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Rabat. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Bucharest in the winter. In January, Bucharest is generally much colder than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around -1°C (29°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the winter, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun.
Bucharest usually gets less rain in January than Rabat. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBucharest -1°C (29°F)Rabat 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Rabat in the Spring?
Both Rabat and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Bucharest is cooler than Rabat in the spring. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Rabat fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Rabat. Bucharest usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during spring. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Rabat. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBucharest 12°C (54°F)Rabat 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Rabat and Bucharest
| Bucharest | Rabat | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (29°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (44°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.