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

Should you visit Malaga or Rabat?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Malaga and Rabat. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Malaga or Rabat?

Malaga

Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.

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


Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Malaga?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Rabat is €40. 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 Malaga and Rabat in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malaga 75
    Rabat 25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malaga 150
    Rabat 50
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Rabat

Looking for a hotel in Malaga 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 Malaga


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: Malaga Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Rabat 1.93

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ferreirola: $271
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Adra: $265
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Cortes de la Frontera: $250
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Osuna: $245
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Los Barrios: $245
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Lanjarón: $245
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada: $245
  • Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $233
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Algodonales: $225
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Benarrabá: $225
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to San Roque: $216
  • Private Transfer from Ronda to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $216

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:


  • Taxi to Sale
    3.20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

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

  • Transfer Rabat to Salé: $22
  • Private Transfer from Rabat Sale Airport to Rabat Medina and Back: $25
  • Private Transfer from or to Salé and Rabat: $26
  • 1-Way Private Transfer to or from Rabat Airport: $31
  • Private Transfer from Rabat Sale Airport to Rabat City: $42
  • Private transfer: from Casablanca to Rabat: $59
  • Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport : Private Transfer: $59
  • Transfer Rabat to Mohammedia: $60
  • Private Transfer from Rabat to Casablanca Airport: $61
  • Rabat to Casablanca Private Transfer: $65
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Temara: $66
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Skhirat: $77

Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Rabat?

Prices for flights to both Rabat and Malaga 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
    Malaga 35
    Rabat 11
Typical Food Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    30
  • Dinner for 2
    44
  • Breakfast for 2
    8.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.

  • Paella Cooking Class in Malaga: $85
  • Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $90
  • Andalucia by Sunset - half day tour including dinner and Ronda pickup: $94

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 ): $50
  • Cooking Class in a Family Home: $66
  • Walking Food Tour: $75
  • 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.
    Malaga 31
    Rabat 2.61
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    7.10
  • Concert
    31

Tours and Activities in Malaga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:

  • Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $22
  • 1 Hour Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $88
  • 1 Hour Malaga Panoramic Segway Tour : $39
  • 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $17
  • 1h buggy tour: $116
  • 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $166
  • 2 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $144
  • 2 Hours Kayak Tour in Cerro Gordo Natural Park, La Herradura: $29
  • 2 hours guided Quad tour in Mijas, Malaga.: $127
  • 3-Hours Catamaran Tour in Malaga with Paella: $50
  • 3-hour Buggy Tour in Almuñecar with Picnic: $210
  • Alcazaba, Gibralfaro and Nasrid Palace in Malaga Private Tour: $276

Tours and Activities in Rabat

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

  • SUP Adventure Rabat (kayaking, stand up paddle , boating) VIP: $15
  • Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $43
  • Rabat tour ;Small Group Guided Walking tour in the City of Light: $44
  • Private Boat Tour of the Bouregreg River, a Traditional Boat: $45
  • Private Guided City Walking Tour: $62
  • 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $64
  • Private Boat Exploration Tour in Rabat: $65
  • Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
  • Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $82
  • Rabat Half Day City Tour: $94
  • Rabat Guided Tour with VIP Transportation: $98
  • Rabat Medina Walking Half Day Guided Tour: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malaga 22
    Rabat -

Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga

Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $18
  • Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $61
  • Winederlust Wine Tasting: $66
  • Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $77
  • Evening Tapas Tour and Wine Tasting in Malaga: $88
  • Day trip from White Washed Town, Vineyard & Wine Tasting: $94
  • Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $138
  • Axarquia VIP Wine Tour with Gourmet Winery Lunch Experience: $231


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


Which is Bigger, Malaga or Rabat?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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 Malaga or Rabat?

Malaga 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 Malaga or Rabat in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Rabat. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.

Malaga is around the same temperature as Rabat in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Rabat fluctuates around 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 Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Rabat. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in July than Rabat. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malaga 25°C (77°F) 
    Rabat 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Rabat in the Autumn?

Both Rabat and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music 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 the autumn, Malaga is around the same temperature as Rabat. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Rabat averages at about 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives more rain than Rabat. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malaga 19°C (67°F) 
    Rabat 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Rabat in the Winter?

Both Rabat and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.

In January, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Rabat. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Rabat. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malaga 12°C (54°F) 
    Rabat 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Rabat in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Rabat. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Malaga is around the same temperature as Rabat in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Rabat fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Rabat. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malaga 16°C (60°F) 
    Rabat 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Rabat and Malaga

Malaga Rabat
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in)