Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Durban?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Durban 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 Durban 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: Durban or Rabat?
Durban
The third largest city in South Africa, Durban sits on the east coast of the country in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The city also has the country's most active port. The city's comfortable weather and vast beaches make it one of the country's major tourist centers. There's a population of about 3.5 million in the entire metropolitan area that spreads over 2,295 square kilometers.
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 Overlanding Trips in South Africa, The Best Adventure Tours to South Africa, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDurban $52Rabat $44
The average daily cost (per person) in Durban is $52, 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 Durban and Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDurban $24Rabat $27
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDurban $48Rabat $54
Compare Hotels in Durban and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Durban 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: Durban Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Durban $13Rabat $2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Durban
Also for Durban, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Overnight Safari w/ Transfer: $485
- Private transfers from King Shaka Airport: $106
- Arrival Private Transfer from Durban Airport DUR to Durban City by Minivan: $84
- Durban King Airport (DUR) to Durban - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
- 1-3 Passenger Private Durban - Airport Transfer: $45
- Durban Airport (DUR) to Durban - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Durban to Durban King Airport (DUR) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:
-
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 (RBA) Airport to Tetouan: $291
- Private transfer from Rabat To Chefchaouen: $282
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Asilah: $273
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Fes: $273
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Tangier: $267
- Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $261
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $261
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $254
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $230
- Private Transfer from Rabat-Sale Airport (RBA) to Casablanca: $221
- Private Transfer From Fez To Rabat: $205
- Private Transfer from Rabat To Fez: $205
Is it cheaper to fly into Durban or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat and Durban 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 dayDurban $16Rabat $12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Durban
For Durban, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day Guided Taste of Africa Food Tour in Durban: $40
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 Like a Local: $75
- Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $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
- Gourmet Cooking Class in Rabat: $189
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Durban $16Rabat $2.84
Tours and Activities in Durban
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Durban.
- 1/2 Day Durban City & Phezulu Tour From Durban: $145
- 1/2 Day Durban City Tour: $143
- 1/2 Day Durban City Tour: $113
- 1/2 Day Durban City Tour & Phezulu Tour: $142
- 1/2 Day Phezulu Safari Tour from Durban: $146
- 1/2 Day Tala Game Reserve & Lion Park Tour From Durban: $147
- 1/2 Day Tala Game Reserve & Natal Lion Park Tour from Durban: $147
- 1/2 Day Tour to Drakensberg Mountains & Hiking from Durban: $155
- 1/2 Tala Game Reserve & Phezulu Safari Park Tour: $148
- 12 Days Best Of South Africa Tour - Johannesburg to CapeTown: $3,257
- 15 Day Tour Cape Town to Johannesburg: $3,257
- 2 Day Hluhluwe Imfolo & Isimangaliso W/Park Tour from Durban: $616
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 : $131
- From Casablanca:9Days Unforgettable Desert Tour To Marrakesh: $1,906
- From Fez : Rabat : Day Trip (Shared Group Tour): $102
- From 4 Days 3 Nights Sahara Desert Tour: $713
- From Tangier Guided Day Tour by High-Speed Train: $104
- Gems of Rabat Walking Tour: $115
- Luxury Morocco: 5-Day Private Guided Tour from Casablanca: $1,383
- Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $82
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDurban $13Rabat -
Sample the Local Flavors in Durban
Also in Durban, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bar Crawl in Durban : $36
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Durban and Rabat, we can see that Durban is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Durban would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Durban 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 Durban Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Durban or Rabat?
Durban has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Rabat. When comparing the sizes of Durban 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 Durban or Rabat?
Durban 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 Durban or Rabat in the Summer?
Both Rabat and Durban are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Durban is around the same temperature as Rabat in the summer. The daily temperature in Durban averages around 25°C (76°F) in January, and Rabat fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Rabat. Durban usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during summer. Durban gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Durban. In January, Durban usually receives more rain than Rabatin July. Durban gets 134 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyDurban 25°C (76°F)Rabat 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Durban or Rabat in the Autumn?
Both Rabat and Durban during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.
In the autumn, Durban is a little warmer than Rabat. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durban in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Rabat averages at about 20°C (67°F)in October.
In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Durban. In the autumn, Durban often gets less sunshine than Rabatin October. Durban gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun.
Durban usually gets more rain in April than Rabatin October. Durban gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberDurban 22°C (71°F)Rabat 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Durban or Rabat in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Durban and Rabat. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Durban is generally a little warmer than Rabatin January. Daily temperatures in Durban average around 17°C (62°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In Durban, it's very sunny this time of the year. Durban usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during winter. Durban gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Durban usually receives less rain than Rabatin January. Durban gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryDurban 17°C (62°F)Rabat 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Durban or Rabat in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Durban as well as Rabat. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.
Durban is a little warmer than Rabat in the spring. The daily temperature in Durban averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Rabat fluctuates around 16°C (60°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. In the spring, Durban often gets less sunshine than Rabatin April. Durban gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun.
Durban usually gets more rain in October than Rabatin April. Durban gets 98 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilDurban 21°C (69°F)Rabat 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Rabat and Durban
| Durban | Rabat | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (76°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (76°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (69°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (71°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 102 mm (4 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.