Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Cairo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cairo 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 Cairo 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: Cairo or Rabat?
Cairo
Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, 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 dayCairo $17Rabat $44
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $17, while the average daily cost in Rabat is $44. 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 Cairo and Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $9.36Rabat $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $19Rabat $54
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Cairo 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: Cairo Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $2.99Rabat $2.10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
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Metro Ride$0.08
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Taxi Ride$0.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- From Private Day Trip to Luxor w/ Transfer & Flights: $659
- 3 Private Full-Day Tours to Cairo Top Attractions+One Airport Transfer: $300
- Private Transfer from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh : $290
- Cairo - Sharm El Sheikh: One-Way or Return Private Transfer: $290
- 2 Days and 2 Evenings Private Tour in Cairo include airport transfer and M&A: $280
- From One-Way Private Transfer To Luxor: $275
- Private Transfer from El Cairo (CAI) Airport to Hurghada: $263
- Private Pickup Transfers From Cairo To Dahab: $260
- Cairo : Marvel the Camping in the White & Black Deserts & Cairo Private Transfer: $250
- Private 3 Days in Giza Cairo and Alexandria including Free airport transfers: $250
- Cairo To El Gouna Private Transfer: $248
- Overnight camping White Desert (Baharaya Oasis) & Cairo Private Transfers: $240
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$3.49
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 via meknes & volubilis : $196
- Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $32
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Bouznika: $87
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $261
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Kenitra: $109
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $253
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Skhirat: $76
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Tetouan: $290
- Private Transfer from Rabat City to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $43
- Private Transfer from Rabat Sale Airport to Rabat City: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat and Cairo 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 dayCairo $4.75Rabat $12
Typical Food Prices in Cairo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:
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Juice$0.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.
- Cairo Dinner Cruise, Belly Dancer Show With Pickup Service: $8.78
- Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $12
- Cairo Night Dinner With Belly Dancer Show With Pickup & Drop Off: $13
- Nile Sunset, Dinner Cruise, Show and Private Transfer: $15
- Super Safari Quad Bike Jeep Safari Buggy and Dinner in Hurghada: $18
- Cairo Food Tour with Nile Felucca Ride : $18
- VIP tour Giza pyramids ,Sphinx, Quad bike ,Camel, Dinner cruise : $19
- Private Expert tour Giza Pyramids ,Sphinx ,Nile Dinner Cruise & Belly Dancer: $19
- Giza Pyramids, Camel Ride, Quad Bike, Night and Dinner Cruise on Nile: $19
- All inclusive Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & ATV &Dinner cruise : $20
- Private Cairo Food Tour : $20
- Food Tour in Local Cairo Life with Egyptian tea: $23
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: $75
- Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $75
- Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $75
- Rabat Family Cooking Class: $75
- 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.Cairo $5.75Rabat $2.84
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo
Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Camel Market for Two$0.84
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.49
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Days 1 Nights Tour package to Saint-Catherine from Cairo : $300
- 2 Days in Cairo & Giza Private Tour : $80
- 2-Day Tour Ancient Egypt and Old Cairo Highlights Tour: $290
- 2-Days Tour at Cairo & Giza: $86
- 2-Days Tours at Cairo & Giza : $143
- 3-Day Cairo Top Attractions Exploration Tour: $180
- 3-Day Tour at Cairo & Giza : $200
- 3-Days Tour at Cairo (Customized Package): $229
- 3-Days Tour in Siwa Oasis from Cairo : $217
- 8-Hour Private Tour Giza Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and local Bazaars: $26
- All Inclusive 2-Day Private Tour to All Pyramids and Cairo and 2 evenings: $299
- All Inclusive Full-Day Tour to Pyramids, Museum, mosque and Felucca: $79
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
- Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $42
- Private Surf Experience in Rabat: $43
- Rabat tour ;Small Group Guided Walking tour in the City of Light: $43
- 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: $61
- 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
- Private Boat Exploration Tour in Rabat: $65
- Private Guided Tour in Rabat City: $76
- Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
- Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $82
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.17Rabat -
Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:
- Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $59
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Rabat, we can see that Rabat is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo 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 Rabat would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rabat than you might in Cairo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cairo Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or Rabat?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Rabat. When comparing the sizes of Cairo 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 Cairo or Rabat?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Cairo or Rabat in the Summer?
Both Rabat and Cairo during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.
Cairo usually gets more rain in July than Rabat. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the summer, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Rabat. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Cairo is a little warmer than Rabat. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cairo in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Rabat averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCairo 28°C (82°F)Rabat 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Rabat in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Rabat. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Cairo usually receives less rain than Rabat. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during autumn. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Cairo is generally a little warmer than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 23°C (73°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCairo 23°C (73°F)Rabat 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Rabat in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Rabat. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.
Cairo usually gets less rain in January than Rabat. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In the winter, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Rabat. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun.
Cairo is around the same temperature as Rabat in the winter. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCairo 14°C (57°F)Rabat 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Rabat in the Spring?
Both Rabat and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Cairo usually receives less rain than Rabat. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during spring. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Cairo is a little warmer than Rabat. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cairo in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Rabat averages at about 16°C (60°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCairo 21°C (70°F)Rabat 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Rabat and Cairo
| Cairo | Rabat | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.