A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chefchaouen vs. San Sebastian for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Chefchaouen or San Sebastian?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Chefchaouen and San Sebastian 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: Chefchaouen or San Sebastian?

Chefchaouen

To feel like you've really stepped back in time to the glory days of Morocco, you're going to want to spend time in Chefchaouen. This town's beautiful medina is filled with white washed buildings with blue highlights. The wandering alleyways provide a fairy tale setting where you can relax for a few days. This mountainous region is a humble example of the classic picture of this area. Set against the backdrop of the Rif Mountains, the white and powder blue accented buildings and call to calls to prayer throughout the day let every visitor know they've arrived in a relaxing spot of peace and serenity.

San Sebastian

San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Morocco, The Best Luxury Tours to Morocco, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Chefchaouen?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Chefchaouen is $57, while the average daily cost in San Sebastian is $96. 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 Chefchaouen and San Sebastian in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chefchaouen $24
    San Sebastian $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chefchaouen $48
    San Sebastian $86
Compare Hotels in Chefchaouen and San Sebastian

Looking for a hotel in Chefchaouen or San Sebastian? 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 Chefchaouen


Hotels in San Sebastian


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: Chefchaouen Hotel Prices and San Sebastian Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chefchaouen $15
    San Sebastian $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chefchaouen

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chefchaouen

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

  • One-Way Transfer from Chefchaouen to Fes : $23
  • One-Way Transfer from Chefchaouen to Fes: $27
  • Fes: One-Way Transfer to Chefchaouen "The Blue City": $27
  • Vice versa transfer to chefchaouen with optional tour guide: $64
  • Transfer Private From Chefchaouen To Tangier: $74
  • From Fes:2-Day Transfers to Chefchaouen & back to Fez/Tanger: $75
  • Tangier to Chefchaouen private transfer: $82
  • Private Transfers from Chefchaouen to Fez (one way): $99
  • transfers from Chefchaouen to Fez (Door to Door): $107
  • Transfer to/from Tangier and Chefchaouen: $113
  • One way transfer Chefchaouen to Fes or vice versa: $116
  • Chefchaouen to Tangier private transfer: $119

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:

  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Vitoria: $291
  • San Sebastián-Bilbao city or airport private transfer: $273
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Bilbao Airport: $268
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Bilbao: $268
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $247
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $245
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to San Sebastian City: $84

Is it cheaper to fly into Chefchaouen or San Sebastian?

Prices for flights to both San Sebastian and Chefchaouen 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
    Chefchaouen $18
    San Sebastian $33
Typical Food Prices in Chefchaouen

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $8.97
  • Dinner for Two
    $9.97
  • Cupcake
    $0.30
  • Nutella and Yogurt
    $1.99

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chefchaouen

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

  • Funny Family Cooking Class in Blue City: $28
  • Cooking Class in Mountain From Chefchaouen: $44
  • 3-Hour Cooking Class overlooking the Blue City: $55
  • 4 hours Private Cooking Class With Family in Chefchaouen: $60
  • Chefchaouen Food Tour: $66
  • Chefchaouen Food Tour: $68
  • Guided Food Tour with over 6 Tasting Stops: $69
  • Discovery more Chefchaouen evening food tour with locals: $70
  • Make Your Own Tajine and Pastilla Cooking Class: $76
  • Discovery more Chefchaouen evening food tour with locals: $90
  • Private Tagine Cooking Class in Chefchaouen with Lunch: $100
  • Chaouen: 4- Hour Moroccan Cooking Class: $122

Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian

Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    $59
  • Lunch for 2
    $11
  • Lunch for 2
    $34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Sebastian.

  • San Sebastian Walking and Food Tour: $104
  • Insider Best Culinary Gems Guided Food Tour in San Sebastian: $109
  • Basque Cuisine Cooking Class with Market Visit: $148
  • Full Day San Sebastian Food Tour : $150
  • I travel for Food Tour in San Sebastian: $152
  • Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Old Town: $152
  • Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $158
  • Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $213
  • Food tour in San Sebastian and Visit to a Gastronomical Club: $224
  • History and flavors of San Sebastian for Dinner with Eskerne Falcón: $235

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chefchaouen $17
    San Sebastian $36

Tours and Activities in Chefchaouen

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

  • Walking Tour in Chefchaouen: $14
  • Chefchaouen with Local Eyes Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Tour by local guide : $16
  • Chefchaouen tour guide: $22
  • From Fez: Day Tour to the Blue Town of Chefchaouenf: $26
  • From Fez: Day Tour to the Blue Town of Chefchaouen: $28
  • Day Tour to Chefchaouen from Fes with Local Expert: $28
  • Best Experience Fes to Chefchaouen Day Tour multi languages: $34
  • From Fez: Chefchaouen Guided Day Tour: $35
  • Discover Chefchaouen : A Walking Tour through Hidden Gems: $35
  • Discover the Blue Pearl - A Walking Tour through Hidden Gems: $38
  • Private walking tour of Chefchaouen (The blue city): $38

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • Valle de los Caídos Monument
    $6.43

Tours and Activities in San Sebastian

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Sebastian are as follows:

  • Biarritz & La Côte Basque Private tour: $246
  • Biarritz and French Coast Small Grop Tour from San Sebastian: $86
  • Bilbao city and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $164
  • Chef-Led Market Tour & Pintxo Lunch: $163
  • Chef-Led Walking Pintxo Tour of San Sebastián : $272
  • Cider House Experience From San Sebastian: $120
  • City tour, bike ride: $45
  • City tour, by electric bicycle: $50
  • Coastal "Winery Camino Trail" Walking Tour from San Sebastian: $186
  • Electric scooter city tour: $45
  • Evening Pintxo-Tapas Tour with Discover San Sebastian: $191
  • Exclusive Private Pintxos Adventure with Premium Spanish Wines": $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chefchaouen $14
    San Sebastian $21

Sample the Local Flavors in San Sebastian

Also in San Sebastian, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening): $141
  • Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian: $148
  • Best quality food & wine tasting tour in San Sebastian. : $191
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $240
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $251
  • Full Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch from San Sebastian Private Tour: $298


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chefchaouen and San Sebastian, we can see that San Sebastian is more expensive. And not only is Chefchaouen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chefchaouen is in Africa and San Sebastian is in Europe, 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 Chefchaouen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chefchaouen 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 San Sebastian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Sebastian than you might in Chefchaouen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chefchaouen Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chefchaouen or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Chefchaouen. When comparing the sizes of Chefchaouen and San Sebastian, 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 Chefchaouen or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chefchaouen experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Chefchaouen or San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Chefchaouen during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chefchaouen because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chefchaouen is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Chefchaouen average around 24°C (74°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In San Sebastian, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chefchaouen. In the summer, Chefchaouen often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Chefchaouen gets 346 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Chefchaouen usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Chefchaouen gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chefchaouen 24°C (74°F) 
    San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Chefchaouen or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chefchaouen and San Sebastian. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chefchaouen year-round. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

Chefchaouen is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chefchaouen averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Chefchaouen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chefchaouen usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Chefchaouen gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Chefchaouen usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Chefchaouen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chefchaouen 20°C (68°F) 
    San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Chefchaouen or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chefchaouen as well as San Sebastian. Chefchaouen attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Chefchaouen is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chefchaouen in January average around 13°C (55°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Chefchaouen often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Chefchaouen gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Chefchaouen receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chefchaouen usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Chefchaouen gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chefchaouen 13°C (55°F) 
    San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Chefchaouen or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Chefchaouen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chefchaouen throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Chefchaouen is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Chefchaouen average around 15°C (60°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Chefchaouen gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In April, Chefchaouen usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Chefchaouen gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chefchaouen 15°C (60°F) 
    San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen San Sebastian
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 127 mm (5 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 13°C (56°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)