Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dubai or Rabat?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Rabat can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Rabat?
Dubai
Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.
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 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, 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 dayDubai $248Rabat $43
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, 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 Dubai and Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Rabat $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Rabat $54
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Dubai 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: Dubai Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Rabat $2.10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:
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Taxi Ride$12
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Airport Taxi$12
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Sea Taxi$0.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai
Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Burj Khalifa: Skip-the-Line Entry, Gourmet Meal, & Transfer: $799
- From Private Van Transfer in Maybach: $735
- Dubai Parasailing Tour With Private Transfers: $300
- Guided Abu Dhabi City Tour Private Transfer: $300
- Hot Air Balloon Flight with 4X4 Transfers: $299
- Hot Air Balloon with 60 Minutes Balloon Ride with Transfers: $299
- The Dubai Mall Tour with Private Transfers : $299
- Jet Car Ride for 2 Pax with Optional Transfer: $299
- Sky Dining Experience at Dubai Marina with Optional Transfers: $290
- 4 Seater Jet Car Adventure in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $280
- Jet Ski Self Ride in Dubai With Private Transfers: $280
- Afternoon High Tea in Burj Al Arab with Transfer: $275
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 Chefchaouen: $285
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Fes: $274
- Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $264
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $263
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $256
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $231
- Private Transfer from Rabat-Sale Airport (RBA) to Casablanca: $222
- Private Transfer From Fez To Rabat: $207
- Private Transfer from Rabat To Fez: $207
- One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $198
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Meknes: $197
- Private transfer from Rabat to Casablanca: $191
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat and Dubai 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 dayDubai $56Rabat $12
Typical Food Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
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French bread$0.95
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Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice$10
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Lemon Mint Tea$4.36
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Coffee & Cake$6.53
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Smoothie$5.45
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Shawarma$1.91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Premium Dinner Cruise Al-Seef: $12
- Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek with Buffet Dinner: $14
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $14
- Dubai:Desert Safari BBQ dinner, Dune bashing,Camel&Sandboarding: $14
- Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $14
- Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
- 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
- Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
- Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet: $18
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $19
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.Dubai $19Rabat $2.83
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Visit to the Dubai Museum$0.82
Tours and Activities in Dubai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.
- 60 Minutes Dubai Yellow Boat Marina Tour: $78
- Abu Dhabi City Tour Including Ferrari World Ticket : $170
- Bur Dubai Abra Tour and Boat Ride with Museum of Illusions : $135
- Burj Khalifa Observation deck Dubai Admission Ticket : $71
- Classical Dubai Highlights City Tour : $44
- DXB Tour and Aquaventure water park & lost Chambers PRIVATE tour: $215
- Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with BF : $95
- Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with Breakfast: $105
- Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Explorer Tickets: $95
- Dubai City Tour : Half Day: $45
- Dubai City Tour(Full Day) with Burj Khalifa Ticket 'At the Top' : $225
- Dubai Frame Entry Ticket: $22
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 : $132
- From Casablanca:9Days Unforgettable Desert Tour To Marrakesh: $1,924
- From Fez : Rabat : Day Trip (Shared Group Tour): $103
- From 4 Days 3 Nights Sahara Desert Tour: $720
- 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: $1,397
- Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $83
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Rabat -
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
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A Couple Drinks$25
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tours: $66
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $67
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Rabat, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Rabat?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or Rabat?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Dubai or Rabat in the Summer?
Both Rabat and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Dubai is June to August. In July, Dubai usually receives more rain than Rabat. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally much warmer than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubai 35°C (95°F)Rabat 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Rabat in the Autumn?
Both Rabat and Dubai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.
Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Rabat. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Dubai is a little warmer than Rabat in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubai 29°C (84°F)Rabat 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Rabat in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Rabat. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai. In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Rabat. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Dubai is a little warmer than Rabat. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Rabat averages at about 13°C (56°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubai 19°C (66°F)Rabat 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Rabat in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Rabat. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.
Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season. Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Rabat. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubai 26°C (79°F)Rabat 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Rabat and Dubai
| Dubai | Rabat | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.