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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Rabat?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria 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: Gran Canaria or Rabat?

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is the third largest of the islands, and is known for its variety of volcanic beaches. This island is sometimes called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, which allow for a range of activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving.

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 Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Gran Canaria?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €125, 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 Gran Canaria and Rabat in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Rabat 25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Rabat 50
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Rabat

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria


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: Rabat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Rabat 1.97

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria

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

  • From Playa del Inglés: Guided Jet Ski Tour & Hotel Transfers: $160
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Maspalomas to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
  • Private Transfer from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tejeda to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Maspalomas: $98
  • Playa Del Ingles: Discover Scuba Diving - Free Transfers: $91
  • Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to San Bartolomé de Tirajana: $89
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Fataga to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $79
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Mogán to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $77
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Mogán: $77
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Puerto de Mogán to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $76
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tauro to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72

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 Gran Canaria or Rabat?

Prices for flights to both Rabat and Gran Canaria 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
    Gran Canaria 34
    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: $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.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Rabat 2.66

Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria

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

  • Firgas, Tejeda, Guayadeque - VIP Tour Gran Canaria: $52
  • Guided Tour With Electric Moped: $71
  • Tour in a real VW 70's Buggy in Gran Canaria 4 People. : $153
  • 1 Day Vespa | Gran Canaria by Vespa GPS Guided Tour: $82
  • 2-Hour Afternoon Snorkeling Experience in Gran Canaria by Boat: $49
  • 2-Hours Sunset Segway experience near by Sand Dunes: $85
  • 3-Hour Hiking Experience in Roque Nublo: $70
  • 4 Hour Boat Tour with Snorkeling from Puerto Rico and Mogan: $82
  • 40-minute Submarine Tour in Mogán: $38
  • Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $11
  • Agaete: Gran Canaria Coasteering Tour with Snorkeling: $70
  • Airsoft Park Ticket: $36

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
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Rabat -

Sample the Local Flavors in Gran Canaria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:

  • Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $52
  • Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $60
  • Gran Canaria Picnic Experience & Wine Tasting: $102


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


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Rabat?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Gran Canaria. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria or Rabat?

Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria or Rabat in the Summer?

Both Rabat and Gran Canaria 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.

In July, Gran Canaria is generally around the same temperature as Rabat. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat during summer. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Rabat 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Rabat in the Autumn?

Both Rabat and Gran Canaria during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.

Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Rabat in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the autumn, Gran Canaria often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Rabat. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Rabat 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Rabat in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Rabat. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Rabat. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gran Canaria in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Rabat averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Gran Canaria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat during winter. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Rabat. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Rabat 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Rabat in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Rabat. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.

In April, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 19°C (66°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 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 Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the spring, Gran Canaria often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Rabat. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Rabat 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Rabat and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Rabat
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in)


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