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

Should you visit Faro or Rabat?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Rabat, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Faro or Rabat?

Faro

Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.

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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Faro?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is €133, while the average daily cost in Rabat is €41. 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 Faro and Rabat in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Rabat 25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Rabat 50
Compare Hotels in Faro and Rabat

Looking for a hotel in Faro 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 Faro


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: Faro Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Rabat 1.97

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Airport Transfer to Malaga: $743
  • Airport Transfer to Cadiz: $669
  • Airport Transfer to Sintra: $569
  • Airport Transfer to Lisbon: $533
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
  • Private Seville airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
  • Airport Transfer to Sevilla: $476
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Lisboa: $465
  • Airport Transfer to Evora: $414
  • From Faro Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Lisbon: $385
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Sevilha: $380
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 4pax cars): $374

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:


  • Taxi to Sale
    3.27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

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

  • Private transfer from Rabat To Chefchaouen: $283
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Asilah: $272
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Tangier: $268
  • Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $262
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $254
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $230
  • Private Transfer From Fez To Rabat: $206
  • Private Transfer from Rabat To Fez: $206
  • One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $196
  • One-Way Transfer from Fez to Rabat via volubilis & meknes : $196
  • Private transfer from Rabat to Casablanca: $190
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Fes: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Rabat?

Prices for flights to both Rabat and Faro 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
    Faro 36
    Rabat 12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

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

  • The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $83
  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $97
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $162

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: $75
  • 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.
    Faro 9.41
    Rabat 2.66

Tours and Activities in Faro

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

  • Faro to Benagil Hiking Tour and Marinha beach: $60
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
  • 2:30 Hours Tour: $273
  • 3 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $33
  • 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $33
  • 5 hours tour in Ria Formosa: $49
  • 5-hour island hopping tour: $60
  • 6 hour boat tour navegating through the Islands of Ria Formosa National Park : $65
  • A Timeless Private Walking Tour Experience in Tavira: $202
  • Algarve Buggy Tours: $202
  • Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $55

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: $1,916
  • From Fez : Rabat : Day Trip (Shared Group Tour): $103
  • From 4 Days 3 Nights Sahara Desert Tour: $717
  • 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: $1,391
  • Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro 3.13
    Rabat -

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $19
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
  • Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48


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


Which is Bigger, Faro or Rabat?

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

Faro 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 Faro or Rabat in the Summer?

Both Rabat and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Faro is a little warmer than Rabat. Typically, the summer temperatures in Faro in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Rabat averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Faro 25°C (78°F) 
    Rabat 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Faro or Rabat in the Autumn?

Both Rabat and Faro during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.

In October, Faro is generally around the same temperature as Rabat. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 20°C (68°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Faro. In the autumn, Faro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets more rain in October than Rabat. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Faro 20°C (68°F) 
    Rabat 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Faro or Rabat in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Rabat. Many visitors come to Faro in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Faro is around the same temperature as Rabat in the winter. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Faro usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Faro usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rabat. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Faro 12°C (54°F) 
    Rabat 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Faro or Rabat in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Faro as well as Rabat. Most visitors come to Faro for the beaches during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.

In the spring, Faro is around the same temperature as Rabat. Typically, the spring temperatures in Faro in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Rabat averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In the spring, Faro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in April than Rabat. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Faro 17°C (62°F) 
    Rabat 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Rabat and Faro

Faro Rabat
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in)