A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Meknes for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Marbella or Meknes?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Meknes, 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 Meknes?

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.

Meknes

So you love a bustling nightlife with fine restaurants and meaningful historical buildings, but you hate all the tourists. Well, it maybe time to visit Meknes, Morocco. Since most travelers head straight to Fez, that leaves Meknes relatively untouched and remains free of the usual hassles that plague other major destinations.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Morocco, and The Best Cultural Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Meknes or Marbella?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €117, while the average daily cost in Meknes 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 Marbella and Meknes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marbella 61
    Meknes 24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marbella 122
    Meknes 48
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Meknes

Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Meknes? 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 Marbella


Hotels in Meknes


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 Meknes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marbella 24
    Meknes 1.37

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: $234
  • Private Transfer from Gaucín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $222
  • Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $213
  • Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
  • Private Transfer from Manilva to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
  • Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $154
  • Private Transfer from Cancelada to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $135
  • Private Transfer from La Quinta Golf Resort to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
  • Private Transfer from Guadalmina to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
  • Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
  • Private Transfer from Atalaya Park to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $126
  • Private Transfer from Torrox to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Meknes?

Prices for flights to both Meknes 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Marbella 38
    Meknes 13

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: $86
  • Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $190

Typical Food Prices in Meknes

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


  • Popcorn
    0.19
  • Spices
    2.34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Meknes

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

  • Fes Medina :Grocery shopping & cooking Class with Fatima: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marbella 19
    Meknes 3.32

Tours and Activities in Marbella

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

  • Taste of Marbella Food & Market Small Group Tour : $105
  • 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
  • 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 160€: $174
  • 3-Hour Private Guided Bicycle Tour in Marbella: $53
  • Antequera Classic Winery Tour: $205
  • 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): $43
  • Discover Marbella's Old Town with five-star private tour: $97
  • Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38

Tours and Activities in Meknes

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

  • Fes Volubilis Tour: $45
  • From Fez: Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes Full Day Tour: $17
  • From Rabat: Volubilis and Meknes Full-day Tour: $256

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marbella 5.71
    Meknes 2.45

Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella

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

  • E-Mountain Bike & Wine Tour from Marbella to Sierra Blanca: $108
  • Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $151
  • From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
  • Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $194
  • From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $212
  • From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $233
  • Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $261
  • VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $271

Typical Alcohol Prices in Meknes

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Meknes:


  • Bottle of Wine
    4.29


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Meknes, we can see that Marbella is more expensive. And not only is Meknes much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Marbella is in Europe and Meknes 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 Meknes would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Meknes 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 Meknes.

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


Which is Bigger, Marbella or Meknes?

Meknes has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Meknes, 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 Meknes?

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

Should I visit Marbella or Meknes in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Meknes. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Meknes attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Marbella is around the same temperature as Meknes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Meknes averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Meknes 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 Meknes during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Meknes receives 330 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marbella usually receives more rain than Meknes. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Meknes receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Marbella 25°C (77°F) 
    Meknes 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Meknes in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Meknes. 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 Meknes throughout the year.

In October, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Meknes. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 19°C (67°F), and Meknes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Meknes. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the autumn, Marbella often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Meknes. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Meknes receives 227 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in October than Meknes. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Meknes receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marbella 19°C (67°F) 
    Meknes 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Meknes in the Winter?

Both Meknes 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 Meknes because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Marbella is around the same temperature as Meknes in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Meknes fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Marbella usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Meknes during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Meknes receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marbella usually receives around the same amount of rain as Meknes. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Meknes receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marbella 12°C (54°F) 
    Meknes 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Meknes in the Spring?

Both Meknes 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 Meknes year-round.

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

In Meknes, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the spring, Marbella often gets less sunshine than Meknes. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Meknes receives 256 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Meknes. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Meknes receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marbella 16°C (60°F) 
    Meknes 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Meknes and Marbella

Marbella Meknes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 9 mm (0.3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 13°C (55°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)