A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisbon vs. Tangier for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lisbon or Tangier?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Tangier? 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: Lisbon or Tangier?

Lisbon

Portugal's capital city of Lisbon continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination. The cultural scene has come to life in recent years and the city itself is stunningly beautiful. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of hills that create a dramatic and scenic layout. The city has many white-bleached limestone buildings, narrow alleyways, and a laidback charm that appeals to visitors.

Tangier

Welcome to the gateway to Africa. Sitting on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier, Morocco has historically served as the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Africa.

After World War II, this city became a destination for eccentric foreigners, artists, spies and hippies. After that, the city was neglected and gained a horrible reputation for the hustlers cheating visitors left and right.

In 1999 Morocco saw the beginning of a new monarch who was more progressive with his vision for tourism. This message lit a fire under Tangier, helping the people see the amazing potential in their great city. They built a new port, a new business district and revamped the airport. The beaches and streets have been cleaned up of trash and hustlers and there's a sudden surge in cultural activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Tangier or Lisbon?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €131, while the average daily cost in Tangier is €57. 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 Lisbon and Tangier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisbon 58
    Tangier 22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisbon 116
    Tangier 44
Compare Hotels in Lisbon and Tangier

Looking for a hotel in Lisbon or Tangier? 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 Lisbon


Hotels in Tangier


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: Lisbon Hotel Prices and Tangier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisbon 24
    Tangier 22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lisbon

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:


  • Taxi Ride
    6.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon

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

  • Lisbon to Seville private transfer one way max 6 persons: $736
  • Full Day Tour - Transfer to Porto from Lisbon with Stops: $719
  • Full Day Tour - Transfer to Algarve from Lisbon with Stops: $666
  • From Private Transfer to Six Senses Douro Valley: $639
  • Lisboa - Porto Private Transfer, with 2 visits on the way: $629
  • One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport - Lagos: $586
  • One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport - Faro: $586
  • From the Algarve to Lisbon; Guided transfer with extra Wow!: $554
  • To/From the Lisbon Airport: Faro Private Transfer: $533
  • One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport and Portimão: $533
  • One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport - Albufeira: $533
  • Private Transfer Algarve / lisbon center city or for airport: $527

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tangier

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

  • Vip Private Transfer From Airport/Port to Tangier Vice Versa: $36
  • Vip Private Transfer From Airport / Port to Tangier or Vice Versa: $34
  • VIP transfer from Tangier to Chefchaouen or vice versa: $197
  • Transfers from Tangier to chefchaouen "blue city": $70
  • Transfers From Tangier To Tetouan: $46
  • Transfers From Tangier To Marrakech: $243
  • Transfers From Tangier To Chefchaouen-Asilah-Fes-Casablanca .: $130
  • Transfers From Tangier Airport to Asilah: $51
  • Transfer to Tangier from fes via Chefchaeun: $159
  • Transfer to Fes from Tangier via Chefchaeun: $159
  • Transfer from Tangier to Tetouan: $82
  • Transfer from Tangier to Nador: $615

Is it cheaper to fly into Lisbon or Tangier?

Prices for flights to both Tangier and Lisbon 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
    Lisbon 42
    Tangier 19
Typical Food Prices in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon

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

  • Soirée Rivage - Sunset cruise with dinner and Party: $25
  • Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon with Set Lunch or Dinner : $28
  • Tapas Food Tour: $37
  • Fado Show and Portuguese Dinner: $48
  • Lisbon Food Tour: $53
  • Alfama Tour and Live Fado with Traditional Dinner: $53
  • 2-Hour Pastel de Nata Cooking Class: $53
  • Legendary Beer Dinner: $53
  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Lisbon: $54
  • No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Lisbon with many Tastings: $62
  • Original Morning Food Tour: $63
  • Lisbon Tipsy Food Tour with Drinks and Food inlcuded: $69

Typical Food Prices in Tangier

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tangier:


  • Fruit & Yogurt
    1.59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tangier

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

  • Morocco Food Cooking Class and Tangier City Tour: $30
  • Tangier Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $30
  • Tangier Private Cooking Class With a Local Family: $52
  • 3 Hour Private Moroccan Food Tour in Tanger : $65
  • Tangier Food Tour with a certified local guide!: $67
  • Tangier food tour : $70
  • Tangier Food Tour with a certified guide!: $70
  • Morocco Food Cooking Class and Tangier City Tour: $70
  • Tangier food tour with Rababe: $71
  • Moroccan 3-in-1 Cooking Experience: $75
  • The Food tour of Tangier: $76
  • Inclusive Beach Camel Ride, Cap Spartel, Hercules & Full Dinner: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lisbon 24
    Tangier 18

Tours and Activities in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Óbidos - Nazaré - Mafra (National Palace of Mafra)Private tour from Lisbon: $217
  • 2-Hour Night Sailing Tour in Lisbon with a Drink: $49
  • Divine Journey : Fatima Full Day Private Tour: $163
  • Lisbon Essential Walking Tour: History, Stories and Lifestyle: $27
  • Lisbon Full Day Small Group City Tour: $71
  • Lisbon by Heart Private Walking Tour: $65
  • Private 4X4 Jeep Tour to Arrábida, Sesimbra & Picnic - Lisbon: $93
  • Private Walking Tour - Wandering Around Lisbon: $120
  • Private Walking Tour in Belém: $85
  • Private day tour Serra da Estrela cheese factory bread museum: $209
  • Sintra & Cascais Private Tour from Lisbon + Dinosaur footprints on the beach!: $158
  • Sintra or Cascais Half-day Private Tour - The real portuguese essence!: $120

Tours and Activities in Tangier

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

  • 3-Hour Private Enchanting Tangier Coastal Adventure: $69
  • Highlights of Tangier Half Day Tour: $87
  • Luxury Tangier private Day Tour from Tarifa Spain All inclusive : $250
  • Private Guided Food Experience Tour in Medina of Tangier: $76
  • Private LuxuryTour of Tangier for 4hours: $76
  • Tangier Private Tour from Tarifa Ferry & Lunch Included : $209
  • Tangier private customized tour & camel ride experience : $101
  • The Best of Tangier Walking Tour : $208
  • 2 Days Chefchaouen and Tangier Tour from Casablanca: $510
  • 2 Days Chefchaouen and Tangier Tour from Casablanca: $538
  • 2 Days Luxury Tour to Merzouga Desert from Fez with Small Group: $250
  • 2 Days Tour of Tangier & Chefchaouen JC Private Tours: $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisbon 18
    Tangier 9.87

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

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

  • Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks and VIP Club Entry: $18
  • 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $20
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar and VIP Club Entry: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar, Shots, & VIP Club Entry: $21
  • Lisbon Wild Pub Crawl : $22
  • Private Bar Crawl in Lisbon: $22
  • Beer Tasting in a Classic Brewery: $27
  • Pub Crawl Lisbon: $27
  • Wine Tasting at Quinta das Murgas: $38
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
  • Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Drinks: $42
  • Portuguese Wine Tasting and Cheese Lunch: $52


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Tangier, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. And not only is Tangier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lisbon is in Europe and Tangier 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 Tangier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tangier 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 Lisbon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisbon than you might in Tangier.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lisbon Expensive? and Is Tangier Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Tangier?

Tangier has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Tangier, 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 Lisbon or Tangier?

Lisbon has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tangier experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Tangier in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Tangier. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Tangier attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Lisbon is around the same temperature as Tangier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisbon in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Tangier averages at about 24°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tangier this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tangier during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 346 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Tangier. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lisbon 23°C (73°F) 
    Tangier 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Tangier in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Tangier. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year.

In October, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Tangier. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 19°C (66°F), and Tangier fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tangier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets less sunshine than Tangier. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 235 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in October than Tangier. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lisbon 19°C (66°F) 
    Tangier 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Tangier in the Winter?

Both Tangier and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Tangier in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Tangier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Lisbon usually receives less sunshine than Tangier during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tangier. It's quite rainy in Lisbon. In January, Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tangier. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lisbon 12°C (53°F) 
    Tangier 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Tangier in the Spring?

Both Tangier and Lisbon during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tangier year-round.

In the spring, Lisbon is around the same temperature as Tangier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisbon in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Tangier averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In Tangier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the spring, Lisbon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tangier. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 251 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Tangier. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lisbon 16°C (60°F) 
    Tangier 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Tangier and Lisbon

Lisbon Tangier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 23°C (73°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)