Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Islamabad or Rabat?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Islamabad and Rabat 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: Islamabad or Rabat?
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
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 Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Rabat $43
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Rabat 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 Islamabad and Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Rabat $27
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Rabat $54
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad 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: Islamabad Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67Rabat $2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:
-
Taxi to Sale$3.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer from Rabat To Chefchaouen: $285
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Fes: $274
- Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $264
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $263
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $256
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $231
- Private Transfer from Rabat-Sale Airport (RBA) to Casablanca: $222
- Private Transfer From Fez To Rabat: $207
- Private Transfer from Rabat To Fez: $207
- One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $198
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Meknes: $197
- Private transfer from Rabat to Casablanca: $191
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat and Islamabad 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 dayIslamabad $15Rabat $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
- Walking Food Tour: $76
- Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $76
- Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $76
- Rabat Family Cooking Class: $76
- Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Rabat with a Local Family: $110
- Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local: $120
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Rabat $2.83
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- From 15 Day Trekking Tour of Thalay and Nangma: $3,070
- From 9-Day Colors of Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,065
- From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
- From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
- From Skardu and Baltistan Cultural Tour with Food: $2,339
- Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
- Islamabad City Tour : $150
- Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
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 : $132
- 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 dayIslamabad $2.88Rabat -
When comparing the travel costs between Islamabad and Rabat, we can see that Rabat is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Islamabad is in Asia and Rabat is in Africa, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Rabat?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Rabat?
Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Rabat in the Summer?
Both Rabat and Islamabad 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.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than Rabat. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°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 Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Rabat. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Rabat 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Rabat in the Autumn?
Both Rabat and Islamabad during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.
In October, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°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 Islamabad. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Rabat. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Rabat. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Rabat 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Rabat in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Rabat. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Islamabad is around the same temperature as Rabat in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Rabat. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Rabat 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Rabat in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Rabat. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.
In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Rabat. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°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 Islamabad this time of the year. In the spring, Islamabad often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Rabat. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Rabat 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Rabat and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Rabat | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.