Which place is cheaper, Chefchaouen or Marbella?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Marbella or Chefchaouen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Chefchaouen, 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: Marbella or Chefchaouen?
Marbella
Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.
Chefchaouen
To feel like you've really stepped back in time to the glory days of Morocco, you're going to want to spend time in Chefchaouen. This town's beautiful medina is filled with white washed buildings with blue highlights. The wandering alleyways provide a fairy tale setting where you can relax for a few days. This mountainous region is a humble example of the classic picture of this area. Set against the backdrop of the Rif Mountains, the white and powder blue accented buildings and call to calls to prayer throughout the day let every visitor know they've arrived in a relaxing spot of peace and serenity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Morocco, and The Best Luxury Tours to Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarbella €117Chefchaouen €54
The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €117, while the average daily cost in Chefchaouen 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 Marbella and Chefchaouen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarbella €61Chefchaouen €23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarbella €122Chefchaouen €46
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Chefchaouen
Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Chefchaouen? 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: Marbella Hotel Prices and Chefchaouen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marbella €24Chefchaouen €14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella
Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Malaga: Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Marbella: $235
- Private Transfer from Gaucín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $223
- Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $214
- Private Transfer from La Alcaidesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $205
- Private Transfer from Manilva to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $175
- Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
- Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $155
- Private Transfer from Cómpeta to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $138
- Private Transfer from El Paraíso to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $135
- Private Transfer from San Pedro de Alcántara to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from Istán to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chefchaouen
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chefchaouen:
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Taxi Ride€0.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chefchaouen
Also for Chefchaouen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- transfers from Chefchaouen to Fez (Door to Door): $107
- Vip Private Transfer from Chefchaouen to Fes Vice Versa: $175
- Vice versa transfer to chefchaouen with optional tour guide: $64
- Transfer to/from Tangier and Chefchaouen: $191
- Transfer to/from Tangier and Chefchaouen: $113
- Transfer from Fez to Chefchaouen go and back (Both ways): $196
- Transfer Private From Chefchaouen To Tangier: $74
- Transfer Private From Chefchaouen To Rabat: $174
- Transfer Private From Chefchaouen To Merrakash: $297
- Transfer Private From Chefchaouen To Casablanca: $191
- Tangier to Chefchaouen private transfer: $82
- Private Transfers from Chefchaouen to Fez (one way): $99
Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Chefchaouen?
Prices for flights to both Chefchaouen and Marbella 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 dayMarbella €38Chefchaouen €17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella
For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tour: $87
- The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
- Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191
Typical Food Prices in Chefchaouen
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chefchaouen:
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Lunch for Two€8.41
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Dinner for Two€9.34
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Cupcake€0.28
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Nutella and Yogurt€1.87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chefchaouen
For Chefchaouen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Funny Family Cooking Class in Blue City: $28
- Cooking Class in Mountain From Chefchaouen: $44
- 3-Hour Cooking Class overlooking the Blue City: $55
- 4 hours Private Cooking Class With Family in Chefchaouen: $60
- Chefchaouen Food Tour: $66
- Chefchaouen Food Tour: $68
- Guided Food Tour with over 6 Tasting Stops: $69
- Discovery more Chefchaouen evening food tour with locals: $70
- Make Your Own Tajine and Pastilla Cooking Class: $76
- Discovery more Chefchaouen evening food tour with locals: $90
- Private Tagine Cooking Class in Chefchaouen with Lunch: $100
- Chaouen: 4- Hour Moroccan Cooking Class: $122
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marbella €19Chefchaouen €16
Tours and Activities in Marbella
For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
- 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 160€: $175
- Antequera Classic Winery Tour: $206
- Authentic Andalusia - Jeep Eco Tour (pick up from Marbella - Estepona) : $98
- Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
- Buggy Adventure with Incredible Views of the Sea and the Reservoir: $109
- Caminito del Rey and Ardales Guided Tour from Costa del Sol: $75
- Canyoning Experience Near Marbella (Benahavís River Walk): $49
- Discover Marbella's Old Town with five-star private tour: $97
- Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
- Dolphin Watching Tour on Sailboat in Marbella: $71
- E-Bike Tour through Marbella/ Puerto Banús and San Pedro: $101
Tours and Activities in Chefchaouen
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chefchaouen.
- 2 Hours Private Chefchaouen Walking Tour: $40
- Walking Tour in Chefchaouen: $14
- 2 days Guided tour Rabat and Chechouen from Casablanca: $391
- 9-day/8 nights Tour from Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Marrakech: $1,391
- Akchour waterfalls tours : $87
- Best Experience Fes to Chefchaouen Day Tour multi languages: $34
- Bleu city walking Tasting Tour : $60
- Chefchaouen : Traditional Hammam Experience As A Local: $75
- Chefchaouen Day Tour: $51
- Chefchaouen Photography tour: $46
- Chefchaouen tour guide: $22
- Chefchaouen with Local Eyes Guided Walking Tour: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarbella €5.71Chefchaouen €13
Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella
Also in Marbella, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
- From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
- Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
- From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
- From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
- Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
- VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Chefchaouen, we can see that Marbella is more expensive. And not only is Chefchaouen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Marbella is in Europe and Chefchaouen 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 Chefchaouen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chefchaouen 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 Marbella would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marbella than you might in Chefchaouen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Marbella Expensive? and Is Chefchaouen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Marbella or Chefchaouen?
Marbella has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chefchaouen. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Chefchaouen, 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 Marbella or Chefchaouen?
Marbella has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chefchaouen experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Marbella or Chefchaouen in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Chefchaouen. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Chefchaouen attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Marbella is around the same temperature as Chefchaouen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Chefchaouen averages at about 24°C (74°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chefchaouen this time of the year. In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chefchaouen during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Chefchaouen receives 346 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Marbella usually receives more rain than Chefchaouen. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Chefchaouen receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMarbella 25°C (77°F)Chefchaouen 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Chefchaouen in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Chefchaouen. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chefchaouen throughout the year.
In October, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Chefchaouen. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 19°C (67°F), and Chefchaouen fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chefchaouen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the autumn, Marbella often gets less sunshine than Chefchaouen. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chefchaouen receives 235 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Chefchaouen. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Chefchaouen receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMarbella 19°C (67°F)Chefchaouen 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Chefchaouen in the Winter?
Both Chefchaouen and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marbella in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Chefchaouen because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Marbella is around the same temperature as Chefchaouen in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Chefchaouen fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Marbella usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chefchaouen during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Chefchaouen receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chefchaouen. In January, Marbella usually receives less rain than Chefchaouen. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Chefchaouen receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMarbella 12°C (54°F)Chefchaouen 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Chefchaouen in the Spring?
Both Chefchaouen and Marbella during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chefchaouen year-round.
In the spring, Marbella is around the same temperature as Chefchaouen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marbella in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Chefchaouen averages at about 15°C (60°F).
In Chefchaouen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the spring, Marbella often gets less sunshine than Chefchaouen. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chefchaouen receives 251 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets more rain in April than Chefchaouen. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chefchaouen receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMarbella 16°C (60°F)Chefchaouen 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Chefchaouen and Marbella
| Marbella | Chefchaouen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 144 mm (5.7 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.