A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Messina vs. Tangier for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Messina or Tangier?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Messina and Tangier 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: Messina or Tangier?

Messina

Messina is a city in the northwest area of Sicily. There are only five kilometers across the Straits of Messina to the Calabria region of mainland Italy. You can reach Messina by boats which travel every hour from the town of Villa San Giovanni in mainland Italy. There are also a couple of hydrofoils that make the trip every day from Reggio di Calabria. During the summer season don't be surprised to see cruise ships arriving with crowds of tourists. They are usually docked right downtown and are therefore hard to miss. Messina is also connected to mainland Italy by train, which are transported across the Straits of Messina by ferry.

Tangier

Welcome to the gateway to Africa. Sitting on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier, Morocco has historically served as the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Africa.

After World War II, this city became a destination for eccentric foreigners, artists, spies and hippies. After that, the city was neglected and gained a horrible reputation for the hustlers cheating visitors left and right.

In 1999 Morocco saw the beginning of a new monarch who was more progressive with his vision for tourism. This message lit a fire under Tangier, helping the people see the amazing potential in their great city. They built a new port, a new business district and revamped the airport. The beaches and streets have been cleaned up of trash and hustlers and there's a sudden surge in cultural activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Tangier or Messina?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Messina is €118, while the average daily cost in Tangier is €57. 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 Messina and Tangier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Messina 65
    Tangier 22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Messina 130
    Tangier 44
Compare Hotels in Messina and Tangier

Looking for a hotel in Messina or Tangier? 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 Messina


Hotels in Tangier


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: Messina Hotel Prices and Tangier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Messina 22
    Tangier 22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Messina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Messina:

  • From Private Air-Conditioned Transfer to Taormina: $99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tangier

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

  • Transfer from Tangier Airport to Chefchaouen: $87
  • "Fez to Marrakech: Enjoy a Private Transfer for a Smooth Journey": $205
  • Airport Transfer to Tanger City : $26
  • Casablanca Airport Arrival To Tanger Private Transfer: $216
  • Door to door transfer from Tangier to Fes: $291
  • From Fes: Transfer to Tangier passing by Chefchaouen: $96
  • From Tangier : Private Luxury Transfer to Fes: $272
  • From Transfer to Fez via Chefchaouen and Volubilis: $245
  • Luxury transfer from Tangier to Tamuda bay or vice versa: $233
  • One Way transfer from Fes to Tanger passing by chefchaouen: $82
  • One-Way Transfer from Tanger to Fez: $154
  • One-way Luxury Tangier Airport or Port Transfer: $24

Is it cheaper to fly into Messina or Tangier?

Prices for flights to both Tangier and Messina 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
    Messina 37
    Tangier 19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Messina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Messina.

  • Private Home Cooking Demo with a Four-Course Meal: $112
  • Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Messina: $115
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $149
  • Messina Private Home Cooking Class: $155
  • Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Messina: $158
  • Market Tour, Private Home Cooking Class and Dinner: $202

Typical Food Prices in Tangier

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


  • Fruit & Yogurt
    1.59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tangier

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

  • 3 Hour Private Moroccan Food Tour in Tanger : $49
  • Tanger Local Street food tours: $60
  • Tangier Private Cooking Class With a Local Family: $66
  • Tangier Food Tour with a certified local guide!: $67
  • Tangier food tour with Rababe: $71
  • Tangier food tour : $71
  • Tangier Food Tour with a certified guide!: $71
  • Morocco Food Cooking Class and Tangier City Tour: $71
  • Moroccan 3-in-1 Cooking Experience: $75
  • Moroccan 3 in 1 Cooking Experience: $76
  • The Food tour of Tangier: $76
  • Inclusive Beach Camel Ride, Cap Spartel, Hercules & Full Dinner: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Messina 21
    Tangier 18

Tours and Activities in Messina

Here are a few actual costs in Messina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion: $120
  • Messina Taormina: cultural heritage experience: $85
  • 2,5-Hour Messina Walking Tour: $46
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Messina: $271
  • 3-Hour Messina Segway PT Authorized Tour: $118
  • Alfotour 2/3 hour tour with swimming stop: $32
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Messina: $152
  • Etna Alcantara tour: the majestic lava landscape : $126
  • Etna Taormina and Castelmola The best excursion for cruise passengers from Messina: $208
  • Etna and Taormina Private Tour from Giardini Naxos: $240
  • From Private Guided Day Tour of Savoca and Taormina: $642
  • From Private Tour of Etna & Taormina with Pickup: $684

Tours and Activities in Tangier

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

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus: $14
  • Tangier City Tour Bus Hop On - Hop Off: $14
  • From Marrakesh: Discover Essaouira Full-Day Tour: $17
  • Tangier Stroll: Public Guided Tour: $17
  • Tangier walking tour: $17
  • Tangier Private Walking Tour with a Guide: $25
  • Tangier Private Walking Tour: $26
  • Tangier Guided Walking Experience: $26
  • Touristic guide: $28
  • 3 Hours Tangier walking Tour in Old Medina,Kasbah & berber market: $31
  • Walking Tour Tangier Medina: $31
  • Tangier Highlights Tour: Exploring the Cultural Gems: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Messina 18
    Tangier 9.87


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Messina and Tangier, we can see that Messina is more expensive. And not only is Tangier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Messina is in Europe and Tangier 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 Tangier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tangier 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 Messina would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Messina than you might in Tangier.

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


Which is Bigger, Messina or Tangier?

Tangier has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Tangier, 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 Messina or Tangier?

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

Should I visit Messina or Tangier in the Summer?

Both Tangier and Messina during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tangier year-round.

Messina is a little warmer than Tangier in the summer. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Tangier fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

In Tangier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Messina. In the summer, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tangier. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 346 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets more rain in July than Tangier. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Messina 27°C (80°F) 
    Tangier 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Messina or Tangier in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Tangier. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Tangier attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Messina is around the same temperature as Tangier. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Messina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Tangier averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tangier this time of the year. Messina usually receives less sunshine than Tangier during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Messina usually receives more rain than Tangier. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Messina 21°C (69°F) 
    Tangier 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Messina or Tangier in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Messina as well as Tangier. Many travelers come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year.

In January, Messina is generally around the same temperature as Tangier. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 13°C (55°F), and Tangier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets less sunshine than Tangier. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tangier. Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Tangier. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Messina 13°C (55°F) 
    Tangier 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Messina or Tangier in the Spring?

Both Tangier and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Messina in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Messina is around the same temperature as Tangier in the spring. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Tangier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Tangier. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives less sunshine than Tangier during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tangier. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Messina 16°C (60°F) 
    Tangier 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Tangier and Messina

Messina Tangier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 113 mm (4.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (74°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (1 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)