A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nairobi vs. Rabat for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nairobi or Rabat?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nairobi and Rabat 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: Nairobi or Rabat?

Nairobi

Nairobi is Kenya's capital as well as the country's largest city. With a population of about 3 million, it is also one of the largest cities in Africa. It is a prominent city both politically and financially within the region. There are many international companies that are located in Nairobi and the Nairobi Securities and Exchange is one of the largest in Africa.

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 Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Nairobi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $67, while the average daily cost in Rabat is $58. 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 Nairobi and Rabat in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nairobi $12
    Rabat $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nairobi $24
    Rabat $60
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Rabat

Looking for a hotel in Nairobi 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.

Hotels in Nairobi


Hotels in Rabat


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: Nairobi Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nairobi $11
    Rabat $2.34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Nairobi:


  • Taxi from Airport
    $9.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nairobi

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

  • Private Road Transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli national park: $197
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi Airport or city To Maasai Mara By Road: $135
  • Private Transfers from Nairobi Airport to Hotels: $100
  • Nairobi National Park Game Drive and Transfer: $95
  • Airport/hotel/transfers In Van/bus/sedan Car Within Nairobi: $80
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi to Naivasha: $70
  • Airport Transfers In Nairobi City: $67
  • Airport and Hotel Private Transfers.: $59
  • Airport VIP Transfers - Nairobi Hotels : $55
  • Private Luxury airport Taxi transfer Services Nairobi JKIA to City Hotels: $50
  • Private Transfer from Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) to Nairobi: $42
  • Private Airport and Hotel Transfer in Nairobi: $40

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:


  • Taxi to Sale
    $3.88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

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

  • Transfer to where DE from Casablanca Airport: $60
  • Transfer from or to airport rabat: $15
  • Transfer Rabat to Tangier: $160
  • Transfer Rabat to Marrakech: $207
  • Transfer Rabat to Kenitra: $50
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $253
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Tangier: $295
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Fes: $204
  • Transfer De Luxe Rabat Vers Chefchouen : $156
  • Rabat to Casablanca Private Transfer: $71
  • Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport : Private Transfer: $65
  • Rabat Guided City Tour with Hotel Transfers: $137

Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Rabat?

Prices for flights to both Rabat and Nairobi 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
    Nairobi $13
    Rabat $24
Typical Food Prices in Nairobi

For Nairobi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner for Two
    $5.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nairobi

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

  • Carnivore Restaurant: Lunch or Dinner Experience in Nairobi: $21
  • Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class and Dining Experience: $40
  • Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour : $55
  • Private Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class with Lunch in Nairobi: $60
  • Carnivore restaurant Dinner or lunch from Nairobi: $65
  • Safari Park Dinner with Safari Cats Dance Show: $97
  • Nairobi dinner and safari cat dancers : $100
  • Authentic Local Kenyan Food Tour: $108
  • Carnivore Restaurant Dinner Experience in Nairobi: $125
  • Nairobi Carnivore Restaurant Lunch / Dinner Experience: $125
  • Barbecue Dinner & Entertainment in Nairobi : $135
  • Safari Park Hotel Cat Dance and Dinner Experience: $135

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat

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

  • Express Moroccan Cooking Workshop in Rabat: $32
  • Private Food Tour of Rabat’s Old Medina by Green Taxi: $35
  • Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $54
  • Rabat Authentic Moroccan Cooking Class with Expert Chefs: $65
  • Rabat Restaurant Cooking Class: $71
  • Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $74
  • Rabat Family Cooking Class: $78
  • “Flavors of Morocco: Authentic Cooking Class Experience”: $84
  • Rabat Night Tour with balade Sunset views & Moroccan Dinner : $107
  • Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Rabat with a Local Family: $110
  • Rabat Night Tour with traditional Moroccan Dinner : $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nairobi $46
    Rabat $3.15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nairobi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Nairobi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Village Visit
    $15

Tours and Activities in Nairobi

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

  • Day Tour Amboseli Park From Nairobi: $180
  • Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre Tour: $95
  • Lake Naivasha Full day Tour With Boat Rides: $156
  • Local Lunch and Beer Tasting Experience: $90
  • Nairobi National Park Morning Or Evening Game Drive 4x4 Tour Van: $50
  • Nairobi park Tour 6.A.M-11.AM: $70
  • Private 4WD Lake Nakuru Day Tour from Nairobi: $190
  • 1 Day Bike Tour to Hell’s Gate And Lake Naivasha : $139
  • 1 Day Tour Hiking Mt. Longonot and lake Naivasha Boat ride : $75
  • 1 Day Tour Nairobi National Park,Giraffe Center&Karen Blixen: $46
  • 1-Day Hiking Adventure at Mount Longonot from Nairobi: $170
  • 2 Days Group Safari to Amboseli using a Landcruiser 4x4 Jeep: $260

Tours and Activities in Rabat

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

  • “Unveiling Immersive walking Tour await’s ”: $72
  • Car tour in Rabat: $51
  • Chefchaouen Full-Day Guided Tour Check-out DE Rabat: $192
  • Day Trip from Rabat to Casablanca with Hassan II Mosque Ticket : $144
  • Experience Todra Gorge Hiking Adventure: $36
  • Fes Full-Day Private Tour from Rabat with hotel pickup : $239
  • From Full Day Tour in Fes City All inclusive Tickets: $263
  • Full Day Guided Tour from Rabat to Fez: $239
  • Full-day guided tour from Rabat to Chefchaouen iconic blue city: $210
  • Half-Day Guided Tour of Rabat Highlights: $90
  • Local Traditional Hammam Experience in Rabat Medina: $36
  • Paragliding Experience at Rabat: $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nairobi $16
    Rabat -


When comparing the travel costs between Nairobi and Rabat, we can see that Nairobi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Africa, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Rabat?

Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Rabat. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi 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.