Which place is cheaper, Meknes or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Heraklion or Meknes?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Meknes can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Heraklion or Meknes?
Heraklion
The largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion on first glance is almost completely modern - a frenzy of traffic, concrete, and dust. Do not expect pristine beaches and glittering waves (those can be found on other parts of Crete). Heraklion is first and foremost a city. Once you get past its grittiness, you will find that there are some attractive features beneath first impressions. The antiquity of the place lies embedded in the modern and is presented in one of the best museums in Greece, the food is excellent, and the people are friendly and welcoming. And though the sea is not great for swimming, its presence along the Venetian port will take you to another time if you need a break from Heraklion's bustling center.
Meknes
So you love a bustling nightlife with fine restaurants and meaningful historical buildings, but you hate all the tourists. Well, it maybe time to visit Meknes, Morocco. Since most travelers head straight to Fez, that leaves Meknes relatively untouched and remains free of the usual hassles that plague other major destinations.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Morocco, and The Best Cultural Tours in Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHeraklion €158Meknes €43
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Meknes is €43. 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 Heraklion and Meknes in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeraklion €81Meknes €24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeraklion €162Meknes €48
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Meknes
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Meknes? 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: Heraklion Hotel Prices and Meknes Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heraklion €31Meknes €1.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion
Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Private Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands: $4,021
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to SITIA area up to 7 customers: $280
- Private Transfer Port/Airport to/from Ierapetra: $273
- Knossos and Arch Museum of Heraklion (Guide+Transfer+Ticket) : $229
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to Makris Gialos area up to 7 : $228
- KNOSSOS PALACE private tour ( with Transfer from Heraklion Prefecture ): $196
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to IERAPETRA area up to 7 customers: $184
- Private Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Makrygialos: $175
- Semi Private Wine and Olive Oil tour (Transfer & Lunch Incl.): $163
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to RETHIMNO CITY area up to 7 : $157
- Private Wine | Food Pairing at Titakis Winery with Free Transfer: $153
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to MATALA area up to 7 customers: $149
Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Meknes?
Prices for flights to both Meknes and Heraklion 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 dayHeraklion €52Meknes €13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Troy Dinner-Show: $33
- Spectacular Dinner-Show: $44
- From Village Cretan Night, Live Dancers & dinner: $48
- Cretan Night with Dinner & Live Show: $49
- Crete: Olive Oil Festival, Farm Dinner, Live Show & Pickup: $59
- Cretan Farm with scenic view: Olive Mill Festival & dinner: $64
- Amazing Sunset Safari Route with Dinner: $84
- Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $86
- Crete: Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine: $90
- Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $97
- Food tour tasting walking tour: $123
- E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $125
Typical Food Prices in Meknes
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Meknes:
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Popcorn€0.19
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Spices€2.34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Meknes
For Meknes, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Fes Medina :Grocery shopping & cooking Class with Fatima: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Heraklion €38Meknes €3.32
Tours and Activities in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4x4 Safari tour Southern Crete Tripitis Gorge: $108
- Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $100
- Ηeraklion Walking Tour with Archaeological Museum: $82
- 3-Hour Trekking Mount Karfi Adventure with pickup from Heraklion: $118
- 4-Hour Giouchtas Trekking Hiking Experience from Heraklion: $90
- 4x4 self drive adventure_Cretan mainland: $87
- Adventure Jeep Safari Amazing sunset : $85
- Agios Nikolaos-Spinalonga-Elounda Tour TR: $47
- All Year Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion: $618
- All-Day Knossos Palace Tour & Olive Mill Visit: $695
- Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour: $86
- Archaeological Museum of Guided Walking Tour: $86
Tours and Activities in Meknes
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Meknes.
- Fes Volubilis Tour: $45
- From Fez: Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes Full Day Tour: $17
- From Rabat: Volubilis and Meknes Full-day Tour: $258
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHeraklion €26Meknes €2.45
Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion
Also in Heraklion, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $95
- Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $115
- Ecobike Tour with Wine Tasting: $118
- Luxury Private Wine Tasting Experience in Haralabakis Winery: $119
- Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with wine Tastings: $125
- Half Day Semi Private Wine Tour with Tastings: $134
- Semi Private Heraklion Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $159
- The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $180
- Private SUV Wine Tour with Lunch: $183
- Full Day Private Crete Wine Tour Experience from Heraklion : $190
- Full day Knossos Palace, Local Distillery, Lunch @ Archanes: $192
- Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $196
Typical Alcohol Prices in Meknes
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Meknes:
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Bottle of Wine€4.29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and Meknes, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Meknes much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Heraklion is in Europe and Meknes 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 Meknes would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Meknes 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 Heraklion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heraklion than you might in Meknes.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Heraklion Expensive? and Is Meknes Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Meknes?
Meknes has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Meknes, 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 Heraklion or Meknes?
Heraklion has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Meknes experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Heraklion or Meknes in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Meknes. The summer months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Meknes attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Meknes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Meknes averages at about 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Meknes this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Meknes during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Meknes receives 330 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Meknes. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Meknes receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHeraklion 25°C (78°F)Meknes 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Meknes in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Meknes. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Meknes throughout the year.
In October, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Meknes. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Meknes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Meknes. In the autumn, Heraklion often gets less sunshine than Meknes. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Meknes receives 227 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Meknes. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Meknes receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHeraklion 20°C (68°F)Meknes 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Meknes in the Winter?
Both Meknes and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Meknes because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Heraklion is around the same temperature as Meknes in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Meknes fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Heraklion usually receives less sunshine than Meknes during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Meknes receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Meknes. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Meknes receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHeraklion 12°C (54°F)Meknes 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Meknes in the Spring?
Both Meknes and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Meknes year-round.
In the spring, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Meknes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Meknes averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In Meknes, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets less sunshine than Meknes. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Meknes receives 256 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Meknes. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Meknes receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHeraklion 16°C (61°F)Meknes 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Meknes and Heraklion
| Heraklion | Meknes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 109 mm (4.3 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.