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

Should you visit Meknes or Cape Town?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Meknes and Cape Town can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Meknes or Cape Town?

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.

Cape Town

Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.

Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.

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


Which place is cheaper, Cape Town or Meknes?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Meknes is $48, while the average daily cost in Cape Town is $106. 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 Meknes and Cape Town in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Meknes $27
    Cape Town $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Meknes $54
    Cape Town $84
Compare Hotels in Meknes and Cape Town

Looking for a hotel in Meknes or Cape Town? 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 Meknes


Hotels in Cape Town


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: Meknes Hotel Prices and Cape Town Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Meknes $1.51
    Cape Town $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Meknes

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

  • Private Transfer from fez to Rabat or from Rabat to Fes: $143
  • Private Transfer From Meknes to Fez: $98
  • Private Transfer From Fez To Meknes: $98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town

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

  • Full Day Private Chauffeur and Transfer Services in Cape Town: $300
  • Shark Cage Diving & Penguins Tour to Gansbaai with private transfers: $292
  • Aquila Safari Game Drive, Lunch & Shared Transfers from Cape Town: $268
  • Full Day Big Five Safari Tour from Cape Town with Transfers: $268
  • Cape Town International Airport and Hotel Private Group Transfers: $262
  • Cape Winelands Explore Full Day Tour with Private Transfer: $253
  • Airport Transfers To Hermanus: $236
  • Full day Cape Point + Constantia Wine Tour with Private Transfer: $224
  • Aquila Safari Game Drive Lunch & Transfers from Cape Town: $222
  • Cape Town Morning or Afternoon Safari including private transfer: $216
  • Hemel en Aarde Whale Coast + Wine Day Tour with Private Transfer: $215
  • Historical Tour in Capes Town with Private Transfer: $204

Is it cheaper to fly into Meknes or Cape Town?

Prices for flights to both Cape Town and Meknes 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
    Meknes $15
    Cape Town $45
Typical Food Prices in Meknes

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


  • Popcorn
    $0.21
  • Spices
    $2.58

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: $98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town

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

  • African Cooking with a Chef Founder: $30
  • Cape Malay Cooking with a Chef Founder: $30
  • Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $43
  • 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $46
  • Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $60
  • Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $63
  • African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $65
  • From CapeTown: African Dinner and Drumming Experience: $66
  • Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $66
  • Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in a Cape Town Home in Wynberg : $80
  • Private Authentic Cape Malay Cooking Class in Manenberg with Locals: $92
  • Half Day Cape Town African Dinner Restaurant with Live Music Show: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Meknes $3.67
    Cape Town $25

Tours and Activities in Meknes

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

  • Fes to Volubilis via Meknes and Moulay Idriss Day Tour: $17
  • From Fez: Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes Full Day Tour: $18
  • From Rabat: Volubilis and Meknes Full-day Tour: $265

Tours and Activities in Cape Town

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

  • 3 Wineries Private Tour in Stellenbosch, Paarl Tasting Included: $147
  • Big 5 Safari aquila Day Tour wine testing and Lunch included: $163
  • Cape Agulhas Full Day Private Tour: $204
  • Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope day tour Up to 10 persons: $70
  • Cape Town Aquila Game Reserve Safari Tour with Lunch Included : $265
  • Cape Town Woodstock Street Art Walking Tour: $32
  • Cape Winelands From Cape Town Private Day Tour: $166
  • Cape of Good Hope T Mountain Bo-Kaap Penguins Private +Tickets : $262
  • Day Tour in Robben Island, Bo-Kaap and Table Mountain : $177
  • Franschhoek Wine Tram Tour from Town & Stellenbosch experience: $94
  • Full Day Private Adventure Tour in Cape Town with table mountain: $130
  • Guided Private Historical City Tour in Cape Town : $204

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Meknes $2.71
    Cape Town $22
Typical Alcohol Prices in Meknes

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


  • Bottle of Wine
    $4.74

Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town

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

  • Distillery Tour, rum and gin tasting: $7.66
  • Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $10
  • African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $26
  • Wine Tasting & Storytelling with SA Tapas add-on: $30
  • From 3 Regions Wine Tour with 3 Estates, 15 Wines: $43
  • Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $44
  • Three Region Wine Tour: $47
  • half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $47
  • Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $51
  • Stellenbosch Franschhoek & paarl 20 Wine Tasting small grp tour : $53
  • Stellenbosch, Franschhoek & Paarl 5 Wine Tasting Tour small group: $53
  • Fullday Wine Tour: $55


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


Which is Bigger, Meknes or Cape Town?

Cape Town has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Meknes. When comparing the sizes of Meknes and Cape Town, 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 Meknes or Cape Town?

Cape Town 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 Meknes or Cape Town in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Meknes and Cape Town. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Meknes year-round.

In July, Meknes is generally around the same temperature as Cape Townin January. Daily temperatures in Meknes average around 23°C (73°F), and Cape Town fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Town this time of the year. In Meknes, it's very sunny this time of the year. Meknes usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Town during summer. Meknes gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Meknes usually receives less rain than Cape Townin January. Meknes gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Meknes 23°C (73°F) 
    Cape Town 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Meknes or Cape Town in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Meknes as well as Cape Town. Meknes attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Meknes is around the same temperature as Cape Town in the autumn. The daily temperature in Meknes averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Cape Town fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Town. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Meknes this time of the year. In the autumn, Meknes often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Townin April. Meknes gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 233 hours of full sun.

Meknes usually gets more rain in October than Cape Townin April. Meknes gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Meknes 19°C (67°F) 
    Cape Town 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Meknes or Cape Town in the Winter?

Both Cape Town and Meknes are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Meknes throughout the year.

In the winter, Meknes is around the same temperature as Cape Town. Typically, the winter temperatures in Meknes in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Cape Town averages at about 13°C (55°F)in July.

Meknes usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during winter. Meknes gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 193 hours of full sun in the winter.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Meknes 12°C (54°F) 
    Cape Town 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Meknes or Cape Town in the Spring?

Both Cape Town and Meknes during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Meknes because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Meknes is generally around the same temperature as Cape Townin October. Daily temperatures in Meknes average around 16°C (60°F), and Cape Town fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Cape Town, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Meknes. In the spring, Meknes often gets less sunshine than Cape Townin October. Meknes gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 278 hours of full sun.

Meknes usually gets more rain in April than Cape Townin October. Meknes gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Meknes 16°C (60°F) 
    Cape Town 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Cape Town and Meknes

Meknes Cape Town
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 1 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 19°C (65°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)