Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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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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Dubai Prices
UAE PricesRabat Prices
Morocco Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $289Rabat $54
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Rabat is $54. 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 $28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Rabat $56
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 $2.15
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:
- Private Transfer to/from Dubai Airport for Up to 6 People: $300
- Private Dubai Shopping Tour with Transfer: $300
- Khor Fakkan Private Day Tour From Dubai with Transfer: $297
- Burj Khalifa Lounge Access 152,153 and 154 with Optional Transfer: $297
- Sunrise Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride with Hotel Transfers: $293
- 4 Seater Jet Car Adventure in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $280
- Jabel Jais High Mountain Private Tour with Transfers From Dubai: $279
- Dubai Iconic Helicopter Ride 12 Minutes with Private Transfers: $275
- X Line Ride in Dubai Marina with Optional Private Transfers: $270
- Burj Khalifa Lounge at Levels 152, 153 & 154 + Optional Transfers: $266
- Magical Hot Air Balloon Experience with Refreshments & Transfers: $265
- Private Full Day Abu Dhabi City Tour with Transfer: $265
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$3.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Fes: $284
- Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $273
- Transfer De Luxe Rabat Vers Chefchouen: $267
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $265
- Transfer Rabat to Agadir: $250
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $241
- One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis: $205
- One-Way Transfer from Fez to Rabat via volubilis & meknes: $205
- Transfer Rabat to Safi: $199
- Private transfer from Rabat to Casablanca: $197
- Rabat to Marrakech Private Transfer – Fast, Safe & Comfy Ride Now: $170
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Casablanca: $170
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 $96Rabat $22
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$6.54
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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:
- VIP Red Dunes Dubai Desert Safari BBQ Quad Dinner Shows: $3.75
- Royal Desert Adventure with BBQ dinner: $5.00
- Dubai Desert Safari, Dunes Drive, Camel Ride, Shows & Dinner: $6.98
- Desert Safari Dubai with Camel Ride, Sandboarding and BBQ Dinner: $7.80
- Luxury Red Dune Safari Dubai with Quad Bike, Camel Ride & Dinner: $7.90
- VIP Red Dune Safari, Pick/Drop, Camel Ride,BBQ Dinner & Quad Bike: $7.99
- VIP Red Dune Safari Dubai,Pick/Drop,Camel Ride, Quad & BBQ Dinner: $8.00
- VIP Desert Safari Dubai with Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $8.00
- Premium Desert Safari Dubai with BBQ dinner Quad Bike and Shows: $9.73
- Premium Desert Safari Dubai with Quad Bike BBQ Dinner and Shows: $10
- Dhow Cruise With Dinner at Al Jaddaf Dubai: $14
- VIP Desert Safari Dubai with Quad Bike, Camel & BBQ Buffet Dinner: $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat
For Rabat, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Food Tour of Rabat’s Old Medina by Green Taxi: $33
- Taste the Medina Like a Local Rabat Food Tour: $34
- Express Moroccan Cooking Workshop in Rabat: $40
- Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $51
- Rabat Eats Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Moroccan Cooking Class with Local Amazigh Family in Medina Rabat: $65
- Food Tour in Rabat with an Expert Guide Lunch or Dinner Include: $67
- Rabat Authentic Moroccan Cooking Class with Expert Chefs: $70
- Rabat Food Tour: $76
- Authentic Moroccan Cooking Class: $79
- 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 $2.90
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.
- “Dubai City Tour – Old & Modern Highlights with Hotel Pickup.: $209
- "Discover Abu Dhabi: A Captivating 6-Hour Guided Tour": $69
- 1 Day Dubai City Tour: $80
- 1 HR - Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour: $20
- 1 Hour Private 800cc Buggy Tour Good for 2 persons: $223
- 1 Hour Private Luxury Yacht Experience in Dubai: $97
- 1 Hour Shared Desert Horse Riding Experience: $50
- 1 hour Jetski Tour - Burj Al Arab Tour: $165
- 1-Hour Desert Buggy Self-Drive Adventure: Camel Ride & Sandboard: $249
- 1-Hour Kayaking Experience in Dubai: $47
- 10 Hours Private Abu Dhabi City Tour: $181
- 12 mins Helicopter Tour & The View at The Palm Observatory Deck: $282
Tours and Activities in Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- Car tour in Rabat: $49
- Chefchaouen 1 Day Tour from Rabat Discover the Blue City: $180
- Day Trip from Rabat to Casablanca with Hassan II Mosque Ticket: $159
- Exclusive Rabat City Tour with Authorized Guide and VIP Vehicle: $74
- Experience Todra Gorge Hiking Adventure: $34
- Explore Rabat by Electric Tuk Tuk – Private City Highlights Tour: $34
- From Casablanca 6Day Private Morocco Tour By Imperial Cities: $1,550
- From Casablanca: 5-Day Private Desert Adventure to Marrakech: $1,540
- From Rabat : Fes Guided city tour: $195
- From Rabat To FEZ guided city tour: $195
- From Private Casablanca Tour With Hassan II Mosque Ticket: $148
- Full Day Private Tour from Rabat to Blue City of Chefchaouen: $270
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
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.