Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Rabat?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul 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: Istanbul or Rabat?
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
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 Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.
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Istanbul Prices
Turkey PricesRabat Prices
Morocco Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $149Rabat $54
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $149, while the average daily cost in Rabat is $54. 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 Istanbul and Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $69Rabat $28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $138Rabat $56
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul 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: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $32Rabat $2.15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Metro Cards$4.29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Private Cultural Tours, Hotel Transfers Including: $299
- Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $290
- Private Transfer from Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gökcen Airport: $262
- Private Transfer from Sabiha Gökcen Airport to Istanbul Airport: $262
- Private Transfer to Bursa Uludag Hotels from Sabiha Gokcen airport: $245
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Sabiha Airport SAW to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $222
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $222
- Gallipoli Day Trip from Lunch & Hotel Transfers: $200
- Istanbul Layover Tour: Private & Personalized with Transfers: $189
- Istanbul Private Airport Transfer: $182
- Cappadocia Private Tour, Transfers from Local Hotels or Istanbul: $181
- Istanbul Private Guided Tour for Layover Flight. Transfer incl.: $175
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:
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Taxi to Sale$3.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer to or from rabat city service Vip airport: $15
- Private Transfer to or from Rabat-Salé Airport: $16
- Private Transfer from Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $16
- Private Transfer from Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $18
- Private Airport Transfer from Rabat to Salé Airport: $20
- Private transfer Rabat Salé to or from Rabat: $20
- Rabat–Salé Airport to Private Transfer: $22
- Private Transfer from Rabat to Rabat Salé Airport: $23
- Transfer Rabat to Rabat Airport: $23
- Luxury airport transfer to downtown Rabat: $24
- Private Airport Transfer Rabat Airport to Rabat city: $25
- One Way Private Transfer from Rabat Sale Airport to Rabat Medina: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat and Istanbul 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 dayIstanbul $55Rabat $22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Food Tour 30 Tasting Stops with Audio Maps Written Guide: $8.00
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Optional 4 Course Dinner: $25
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show Private Table: $29
- Dinner and Turkish Night Show in Bosphorus Strait: $29
- Budget Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Party: $29
- Bosphorus Night Cruise Dinner and Dance Show,Transfer included: $30
- Bosphorus Turkish Night Show and Dinner Cruise with Private Table: $30
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Show with Private Table: $30
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Turkish Night Show Experience: $30
- Istanbul Night Life : Bosphorus Dinner Cruise - Unlimited Drinks: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show: $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat
For Rabat, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Food Tour of Rabat’s Old Medina by Green Taxi: $33
- Taste the Medina Like a Local Rabat Food Tour: $34
- Express Moroccan Cooking Workshop in Rabat: $40
- Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $51
- Rabat Eats Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Moroccan Cooking Class with Local Amazigh Family in Medina Rabat: $65
- Food Tour in Rabat with an Expert Guide Lunch or Dinner Include: $67
- Rabat Authentic Moroccan Cooking Class with Expert Chefs: $70
- Rabat Food Tour: $76
- Authentic Moroccan Cooking Class: $79
- 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $36Rabat $2.90
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- "Walk Through History: A Bespoke Istanbul Adventure": $149
- 1 Istanbul Tour: Highlights, Street Food & Hidden Pearls: $274
- 1 Perfect Day in Istanbul Private Guided Tour of the City’s Icons: $250
- 1 or 2 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $80
- 1, 2 Or 3 Days Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $75
- 1,2 or 3 DAY: Private Guided Istanbul Tour from CRUISE SHIP or HOTEL: $130
- 10 Tastings of Istanbul Foodie Tour: $103
- 2 - Hours Bosphorus Yacht Cruise: $299
- 2 Day Cappadocia Tour with Istanbul Flights &Hot Air Balloon Tour: $285
- 2 Days Cappadocia Tour with Hotel Flights and Hot Air Balloon: $200
- 2 Full Days Guided Istanbul City Tour With Skip the Line Entry: $194
- 2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise ((MORNING TOUR)): $23
Tours and Activities in Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- SUP Adventure Rabat Kayaking: $16
- Rabat Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $30
- Rabat Walking Tour, City of lights by night: $31
- Private TukTuk Tour of Medina, Chellah, Hassan Tower,Udaya: $32
- Savory Home-Cooked Meal and Experience Moroccan Hospitality: $32
- Rabat Tuk-Tuk Eco Tours: $32
- Private Half-Day Exploration Tour of Rabat in a Green Taxi: $32
- Rabat City Tour by Tuk Tuk – Private Experience: $32
- Rabat tuktuk tour: $32
- Explore Rabat by Electric Tuk Tuk – Private City Highlights Tour: $34
- Private Premium Rabat City Tour expérience: $34
- Rabat Kasbah of the Udayas and Pirate History Tour: $34
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $9.85Rabat -
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl: Bars, Dancefloors, & Beyond: $16
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Pub Crawl Original Istanbul Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $30
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Taksim Pera Wine Tasting 3 Hour Guided Tour: $130
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Rabat, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul 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 Istanbul Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Rabat?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Rabat. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Rabat?
Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Rabat in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Rabat. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.
In the summer, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Rabat. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Rabat averages at about 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in July than Rabat. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Rabat 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Rabat in the Autumn?
Both Rabat and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Istanbul is generally cooler than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
It's quite sunny in Rabat. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Rabat. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Rabat 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Rabat in the Winter?
Both Rabat and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.
Istanbul is much colder than Rabat in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Rabat. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Rabat 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Rabat in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Rabat. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Istanbul is cooler than Rabat. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Rabat averages at about 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Rabat. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Rabat 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Rabat and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Rabat | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 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.