A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Eilat vs. Rabat for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Eilat or Rabat?

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

Should I visit Eilat or Rabat? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Eilat or Rabat?

Eilat

Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.

Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.

Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.

Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

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 10-Day Tours in Israel, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Eilat?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Eilat is $140, 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 Eilat and Rabat in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Eilat $93
    Rabat $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Eilat $186
    Rabat $54
Compare Hotels in Eilat and Rabat

Looking for a hotel in Eilat 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.

Hotels in Eilat


Hotels in Rabat


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: Eilat Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Eilat $13
    Rabat $2.10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat

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


  • Local Bus
    $3.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat

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

  • From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90
  • Private Transfer From Ramon airport Eilat to Eilat Hotels or Arava Border : $70

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:

  • Transfer Rabat to Tetouan: $146
  • Transfer Rabat to Salé: $22
  • Transfer Rabat to Safi: $167
  • Transfer Rabat to Rabat Airport: $22
  • Transfer Rabat to Mohammedia: $59
  • Transfer Rabat to Meknes: $102
  • Transfer Rabat to Marrakech: $195
  • Transfer Rabat to Fes: $115
  • Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $262
  • Transfer Rabat to El Jadida: $115
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $230
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Tangier: $269

Is it cheaper to fly into Eilat or Rabat?

Prices for flights to both Rabat and Eilat 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
    Eilat $35
    Rabat $12

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
  • Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $75
  • Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $75
  • Rabat Family Cooking Class: $75
  • Walking Food Tour: $76
  • 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.
    Eilat $16
    Rabat $2.84

Tours and Activities in Eilat

For Eilat, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1 Day Tour to Petra From Eilat: $217
  • 2 day tour to Petra from Eilat: $299
  • Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219
  • From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $65
  • Full Day Petra Tour from Eilat: $289
  • Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat: $199
  • Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
  • Park Timna: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
  • Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
  • Petra 2-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Authentic Lunch: $290
  • Petra and Wadi Rum 2 day tour from Eilat: $299
  • Private Scuba Diving Tour with Transportation and Guide : $220

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: $1,924
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Eilat $27
    Rabat -


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Eilat and Rabat, we can see that Eilat is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Eilat 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 Eilat would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Eilat 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 Eilat Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Eilat or Rabat?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Eilat. When comparing the sizes of Eilat 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 Eilat 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 Eilat or Rabat in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Eilat and Rabat. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Eilat year-round. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Eilat usually receives less rain than Rabat. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In Eilat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during summer. Eilat gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun in the summer.

Eilat can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Eilat is generally a little warmer than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 33°C (91°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Eilat 33°C (91°F) 
    Rabat 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Rabat in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Eilat as well as Rabat. Eilat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.

Eilat usually gets less rain in October than Rabat. Eilat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Eilat this time of the year. In the autumn, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Rabat. Eilat gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun.

Eilat is a little warmer than Rabat in the autumn. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Eilat 26°C (79°F) 
    Rabat 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Rabat in the Winter?

Both Rabat and Eilat are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Eilat throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Eilat usually receives less rain than Rabat. Eilat gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Eilat. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during winter. Eilat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Eilat is around the same temperature as Rabat. Typically, the winter temperatures in Eilat in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Rabat averages at about 13°C (56°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Eilat 14°C (57°F) 
    Rabat 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Rabat in the Spring?

Both Rabat and Eilat during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Eilat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.

Eilat usually gets less rain in April than Rabat. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Eilat. In the spring, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Rabat. Eilat gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun.

In April, Eilat is generally much warmer than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 24°C (75°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Eilat 24°C (75°F) 
    Rabat 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Rabat and Eilat

Eilat Rabat
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in)