Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Marbella?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Marbella or Rabat?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella 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: Marbella or Rabat?
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.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarbella €117Rabat €41
The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €117, while the average daily cost in Rabat is €41. 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 Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarbella €61Rabat €25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarbella €122Rabat €50
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Marbella 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: Marbella Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marbella €24Rabat €1.97
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: $221
- Private Transfer from Puerto de la Duquesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
- Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $154
- Private Transfer from Cómpeta to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $137
- Private Transfer from El Paraíso to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $134
- Private Transfer from Cancelada to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $134
- Private Transfer from Guadalmina to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from San Pedro de Alcántara to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from La Quinta Golf Resort to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Istán to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
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€3.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Rabat to Tetouan: $145
- Transfer Rabat to Tangier: $144
- Transfer Rabat to Salé: $22
- Transfer Rabat to Safi: $166
- Transfer Rabat to Rabat Airport: $22
- Transfer Rabat to Mohammedia: $59
- Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $261
- Transfer Rabat to El Jadida: $115
- Transfer Rabat to Casablanca: $75
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Tangier: $267
- Private Transfer to Fes via Meknes & volubilis : $152
- Private Transfer from Rabat To Fez: $208
Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat 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 €38Rabat €12
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
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 ): $49
- Cooking Class in a Family Home: $66
- Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $75
- Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $75
- Rabat Family Cooking Class: $75
- Walking Food Tour: $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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marbella €19Rabat €2.66
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: $37
- 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 160€: $174
- 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: $108
- 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
- Dolphin Watching Tour on Sailboat in Marbella: $103
Tours and Activities in Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
- 9-Day Tour to Imperial Cities and Desert: $1,400
- Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
- Fes Full Day Private Tour from Rabat: $250
- Fes Full-Day Private Tour from Rabat with hotel pickup : $130
- From Casablanca:9Days Unforgettable Desert Tour To Marrakesh: $1,930
- From Fez : Rabat : Day Trip (Shared Group Tour): $104
- From 4 Days 3 Nights Sahara Desert Tour: $722
- From Tangier Guided Day Tour by High-Speed Train: $104
- Gems of Rabat Walking Tour: $115
- Luxury Morocco: 5-Day Private Guided Tour from Casablanca: $1,401
- Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $83
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarbella €5.71Rabat -
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: $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: $260
- VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $270
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Rabat, we can see that Marbella is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Marbella 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 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 Rabat.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Marbella Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Marbella or Rabat?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella or Rabat?
Marbella 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 Marbella or Rabat in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Rabat. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Marbella is around the same temperature as Rabat in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Rabat fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Marbella usually receives more rain than Rabat. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMarbella 25°C (77°F)Rabat 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Rabat in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Rabat. 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 Rabat throughout the year.
In the autumn, Marbella is around the same temperature as Rabat. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Rabat averages at about 20°C (67°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the autumn, Marbella often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets more rain in October than Rabat. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMarbella 19°C (67°F)Rabat 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Rabat in the Winter?
Both Rabat 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 Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Rabat. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
Marbella usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Marbella usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rabat. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMarbella 12°C (54°F)Rabat 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Rabat in the Spring?
Both Rabat 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 Rabat year-round.
Marbella is around the same temperature as Rabat in the spring. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Rabat fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the spring, Marbella often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Rabat. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMarbella 16°C (60°F)Rabat 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Rabat and Marbella
| Marbella | 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) |
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.