Which place is cheaper, Rome or Marrakech?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Marrakech or Rome?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Marrakech or Rome? 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.
Marrakech
Marrakech is a high-energy, fascinating, and ancient city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Rome
Rome is a bustling, fun-filled, and popular city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.
Marrakech and Rome: Pros and Cons
Marrakech
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
- Less popular for nightlife
- Public transit not as usable
Rome
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Colosseum
Is there more to do in Marrakech or Rome?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Rome than Marrakech. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rome is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Marrakech attracts visitors for its historical sights. Marrakech is famous for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. Rome is famous for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also well known for The Colosseum.
The Colosseum
How is Marrakech different from Rome?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rome and Marrakech. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Marrakech or Rome?
Marrakech
Rome
Rome is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Rome has many famous sights for visitors. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.
Many visitors head to Marrakech specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. While wandering the medina is an attraction in and of itself, there are also several sights that you should specifically check out. The iconic Djemaa el-Fnaa, or the city's main square, is best visited as the sun goes down. Other notable landmarks include Koutoubia Mosque, Majorelle Gardens, and Medersa Ben Youssef.
Is the Food Better in Marrakech or Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Marrakech
Rome
Rome is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
For foodies, Rome is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.
With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Marrakech makes for a great culinary experience. Moroccan food is amazing and you'll enjoy grilled meats, tagines, couscous, and more. The city is more touristy than some parts of Morocco so you'll find the quality of the food can vary a bit, but it's still a culinary delight. Marrakesh is also a great city for taking a cooking class.
Is Marrakech or Rome Better for Nightlife?
Marrakech
Rome
Rome is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.
The nightlife in Rome is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.
Marrakech has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Although alcohol is hard to come by, you'll find it in most western style restaurants and high end hotel chains. The city has more bars and nightclubs than you'd expect. There's also a great nighttime energy with many locals heading outside in the evening. Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square, comes to life with street vendors, performers, and people during the nighttime hours.
Is Marrakech or Rome Better for Music?
Marrakech
Rome
Rome is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Marrakech is not a live music destination.
Rome has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.
Marrakech is not a live music destination.
Is Marrakech or Rome Better for its Old Town?
Marrakech
Rome
Marrakech is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.
With a famous historical old-town, Marrakech offers plenty to see. The historic medina is filled with spices, antiques, art, and pottery. The culture and experience of wandering the medina will have you feeling like you stepped back in time.
Rome does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Rome?
Marrakech
Rome
Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Marrakech and Rome.
Many people travel to Marrakech specifically to go shopping. Shop your way through the street stalls and sample perfumes, spices, produce, and more. You'll find everything from souvenir trinkets to local items and authentic antiques.
Rome is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.
Is Marrakech or Rome Better for Families?
Marrakech
Rome
Kids will enjoy a visit to either Marrakech or Rome.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Marrakech. Kids will enjoy exploring a new culture and wandering through the medina. The food is very kid-friendly and during the evening the main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, comes to life with street performers, vendors, and entertainment. Families can also take cooking classes or head into the desert for a camel trek.
Rome is a very family-friendly place to visit. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.
Is Marrakech or Rome Better for Couples?
Marrakech
Rome
Marrakech is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Rome is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
Marrakech is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. There are many wonderful restaurants and fascinating places for couples to explores. Wandering the medina or visiting the gardens make for a romantic and adventurous getaway.
Rome is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.
Is Marrakech or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Marrakech
Rome
Marrakech and Rome are both terrific destinations for backpackers.
A large number of backpackers visit Marrakech, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is very affordable and there are countless riads that are budget-friendly. There are enough backpackers around town that it's not hard to meet fellow travelers.
Rome is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).
Is Marrakech or Rome Better for Students?
Marrakech
Rome
Rome is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Marrakech is not popular with students.
Many students frequent Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.
Marrakech is not popular with students.
Is Marrakech or Rome Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Marrakech
Rome
Rome is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Marrakech is lacking in options for its public transit.
Visitors in Rome can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.
Public transit is limited or non-existant in Marrakech. While there are local buses, most people take taxis around town when they can't walk. Taxis are affordable and convenient.
Is Marrakech or Rome a more walkable city?
Marrakech
Rome
Rome is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Rome. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.
Marrakech is very walkable. The medina is the best area to walk around but it's very easy to get lost. Outside of the medina you'll want to keep your eyes open for motorbikes and the occasional donkey.
For even more information, also check out Is Marrakech Worth Visiting? and Is Rome Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Rome or Marrakech?
How long in Marrakech or Rome?
Both Marrakech and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Rome has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Rome than Marrakech. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Rome than Marrakech. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rome, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Rome than Marrakech. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rome that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome than Marrakech if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Rome.
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How many days in Marrakech or Rome? Ideal Length of StayMarrakech 3-7Rome 3-7
One day in Marrakech or Rome?
Marrakech is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Rome. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Marrakech or Rome?
Marrakech is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
You'll find live music and food around the popular big city of Rome. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Marrakech or Rome?
Marrakech is a fascinating big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.
You'll find food and shopping around the bustling city of Rome. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
A week in Marrakech or Rome?
Marrakech is a cultural city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.
Rome is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rome, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarrakech $69Rome $184
The average daily cost (per person) in Marrakech is $69, while the average daily cost in Rome is $184. 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 Marrakech and Rome in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarrakech $46Rome $96
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarrakech $92Rome $192
Compare Hotels in Marrakech and Rome
Looking for a hotel in Marrakech or Rome? 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: Marrakech Hotel Prices and Rome Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marrakech $6.30Rome $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marrakech
Also for Marrakech, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Marrakech Transfer one way: $22
- Hammam and Massage Experience with Transfers: $67
- Marrakech Airport Private Transfer: $13
- Private Transfer Agadir airport - Marrakech: $163
- Private Transfer From Marrakech To Fez: $206
- private transfer to or from Marrakech and Taroudant one trip: $98
- transfer from Marrakech city to Agadir city (AGA) one-way: $81
- "Marrakech to Chefchaouen: Your Exclusive Private Transfer": $250
- 2h Buggy Adventure in the Marrakech Desert with Transfer and Tea Break: $49
- Agadir private transfer from Imouzzer Ida Ou Tanane to Agadir airport (AGA): $104
- Airport Transfer Ride : $20
- Airport Transfert: $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:
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Metro Ride (for Two)$2.17
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Train to the Airport$16
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Taxi to Airport$49
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Bicycle Rental (Full Day)$11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:
- private transfer from Rome to Fiumicino airport: $54
- Welcome in airport Transfer with welcome box: $88
- Verona Airport (VRN) : One-Way Private Transfer to Ravenna: $703
- VIP Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Rome or Vice Versa: $51
- VIP Transfer from Civitavecchia Port to Rome or Vice Versa: $109
- VIP Experience Private Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Rome: $76
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Rome HTL-APT (FCO): $160
- Trieste Port: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Rome Hotels: $2,525
- Transfers from Fiumicino airport: $76
- Transfers from Airports to Rome city or Rome city to Airports: $63
- Transfers From Fiumicino to Terracina: $153
- Transfers Ciampino airport To Rome: $46
Is it cheaper to fly into Marrakech or Rome?
Prices for flights to both Rome and Marrakech 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 dayMarrakech $13Rome $51
Typical Food Prices in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Orange Juice on the Square$0.30
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Breakfast$1.20
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Dates$0.60
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Olives$0.90
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Sandwich$1.29
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Souvenir Spices$6.18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Online Moroccan Cooking Class: $17
- Cooking Lesson at the Ouirgane Ecolodge with Lunch: $18
- Magical dinner in agafay desert with camel ride: $19
- Marrakech desert: Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner Show: $20
- Restaurant Dinner Experience with Hotel Pickup: $21
- Sunset in Agafay: Dinner, Camel, Quad-Book Adventure with Viator: $22
- Desert Dinner, Camel Ride, Sunset & Show: $23
- Dinner in Desert Marrakech and Camel ride at Sunset: $23
- Moroccan Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $24
- From Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner with Live Show: $25
- Dinner Magic in Agafay desert with transport from Marrakech: $26
- Desert Agafay Dinner at Nomad Camp and Camel Ride: $26
Typical Food Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$15
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4 Ice Cream Sandwiches$3.24
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Cafe e doce$4.33
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Pizza (Fast Food)$2.87
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Sitdown Lunch (for Two)$34
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Cheese and bread$11
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Espresso$2.17
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Dinner$63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.
- Award-Winning Roman Food Tours: $15
- Eat Pasta in Rome, Testaccio - Self-Guided Walking Food Tour: $16
- Rome Food Tour with Wine Tasting and Farmers Market in Prati Area: $32
- Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $32
- Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $32
- Guided Food Tour with Food and Drink Tastings: $32
- Cooking Class with Wine - Become a Roman Master Chef: $36
- Painting & Pizza Party with Unlimited Wine: $40
- Pasta Making & Wine Tasting with Dinner in Frascati from Rome: $41
- Campo dei Fiori & Jewish Ghetto area Street Food Tour: $42
- Leonardo Da Vini, Wine and Pizza Painting Class: $42
- Vatican Street Food Tour and Wine Experience with Local Guide: $42
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marrakech $7.01Rome $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Marrakech
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Marrakech's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Palace Tickets$1.99
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Golf at Atlas Golf$56
Tours and Activities in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3-Hour Colorful Souks Tour: $5.00
- 3-Hour Colorful Souks Tour experience: $5.00
- 3-Hour Colorful Souks Tour with Tour guide: $5.00
- Marrakesh: Cactus Thiemann Entry Ticket: $8.20
- Ourika Valley, Atlas Mountain and Waterfalls Tour from Marrakech: $10
- Camel ride experience at the palm grove of Marrakech: $12
- 1/2 day Guided Medina Walking Tour & Souks : $13
- Marrakech:Quad Tour in Palmeraie: $14
- Historical Marrakech Walking Tour: $15
- Full Day Hiking Tour to Atlas Mountains from Marrakech: $15
- Marrakech activities: Camel ride tour Marrakech: $15
- Marrakech Sightseeing Tour: $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome
Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)$75
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Coliseum Tickets (for Two)$36
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Roma Pass$32
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Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)$22
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Segway Tour$81
Tours and Activities in Rome
Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Appian Way and Aqueducts Electric Bike Tour: $82
- Borghese Gallery Skip-the-Line Ticket & Golf Cart Ride: $56
- Castel Sant Angelo Skip the Line Tickets: $39
- Colosseum Arena Floor Guided Tour with Ancient Rome Access : $195
- Colosseum Arena Floor with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour: $74
- Colosseum Gladiator Arena Floor Complete Guided Tour : $206
- Colosseum Tour With Kids: $195
- Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill Professional Guided Tour: $161
- Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour: $184
- Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour Professional Guided Tour : $151
- Cruise into Rome?! Full-Day Rome Discovery from Civitavecchia : $96
- Electric Bike Tour of City Centre with Gelato Highlights of Rome: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarrakech $15Rome $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Marrakech
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marrakech:
- Bar Crawl with Local Guide: $28
- Moroccan wine tasting workshop in Marrakech: $70
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:
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Bottle of Wine$7.04
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Pint of Beer$6.87
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Beer$11
Sample the Local Flavors in Rome
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:
- Trionfale and Prati Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $31
- Cabaret & Burlesque Show: $32
- Vatican Street Food and Wine Tour with Farmers Market: $37
- Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Drinks: $52
- Rome's Ultimate Party aka the Spanish Steps Pub Crawl: $52
- Tipsy Tour: Fun Bar Crawl In Rome With Local Guide : $53
- Roman Night Life and Burlesque Show Tour: $53
- Guided Wine Tasting Experience in a Roman Vineyard: $53
- Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $54
- Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $60
- Pasta Making Class & Wine Tasting in a Trasteve Villa: $67
- E-Bike Night Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marrakech and Rome, we can see that Rome is more expensive. And not only is Marrakech much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Marrakech is in Africa and Rome is in Europe, 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 Marrakech would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marrakech 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome than you might in Marrakech.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Marrakech Expensive? and Is Rome Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Rome?
Rome has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Marrakech. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech and Rome, 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.
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.