Which place is cheaper, Meknes or Ouarzazate?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Ouarzazate or Meknes?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Ouarzazate and Meknes 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: Ouarzazate or Meknes?
Ouarzazate
Morocco can be quite an energetic country, but if you're looking for more of a quiet getaway, consider Ouarzazate. Small by Moroccan standards, this town is built up mostly around a main street – the Avenue Mohammad V. Ouarzazate. The name "Ouarzazate" comes from the Berber language meaning "without noise" or "without confusion." It was once a crossroad for a African traders traveling to northern cities in Morocco and Europe. Today, Ouarzazate is the largest town in the Moroccan Sahara, and its central location serves as a good home base touring the rest of Morocco.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Morocco, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOuarzazate $42Meknes $46
The average daily cost (per person) in Ouarzazate is $42, while the average daily cost in Meknes is $46. 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 Ouarzazate and Meknes in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOuarzazate $21Meknes $26
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOuarzazate $42Meknes $52
Compare Hotels in Ouarzazate and Meknes
Looking for a hotel in Ouarzazate or Meknes? 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: Ouarzazate Hotel Prices and Meknes Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ouarzazate $3.39Meknes $1.46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ouarzazate
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ouarzazate are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$1.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ouarzazate
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ouarzazate:
- Private Transfer between Ouarzazate & Marrakech: $307
- "Ouarzazate to Marrakech: Your Comfortable Private Transfer": $107
- Ouarzazate Airport: Private Transfer: $41
- Ouarzazate Airport transfer: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Ouarzazate or Meknes?
Prices for flights to both Meknes and Ouarzazate 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 dayOuarzazate $16Meknes $14
Typical Food Prices in Ouarzazate
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Ouarzazate:
-
Dinner for Two$11
Typical Food Prices in Meknes
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Meknes:
-
Popcorn$0.20
-
Spices$2.49
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: $95
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ouarzazate $11Meknes $3.55
Tours and Activities in Ouarzazate
Here are a few actual costs in Ouarzazate for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Hour Horse Riding Adventure in Ait Ben Haddou: $26
- 3 days group tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert: $125
- 3-Day Desert Adventure: Ouarzazate to Merzouga: $100
- 4 day Fantastic Desert Tour From Fes To Marrakech via desert: $461
- 7 night 8 day Casablanca morocco tour via merzouga: $1,500
- Ait-Ben-Haddou - City Tour: $22
- Casablanca: 6 Days Tour Blue City, Fes, Desert & Marrakech: $1,076
- Desert by Quad: 5 Days of Pure Adventure from Ouarzazate: $2,869
- Experience of kasbah ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate city: $130
- Fes-bound 3-Day Desert Tour departing from Marrakech: $249
- Fez to Merzouga & Marrakech Combined 3 Day Desert Tour: $212
- From Agadir : 4-Day Private Desert Tour To Zagora & Merzouga: $568
Tours and Activities in Meknes
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Meknes.
- From Fez: Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes Full Day Tour: $17
- Fes Volubilis Tour: $45
- From Rabat: Volubilis and Meknes Full-day Tour: $256
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayOuarzazate -Meknes $2.62
Typical Alcohol Prices in Meknes
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Meknes:
-
Bottle of Wine$4.58
When comparing the travel costs between Ouarzazate and Meknes, we can see that Meknes 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 Ouarzazate Expensive? and Is Meknes Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ouarzazate or Meknes?
Meknes has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ouarzazate. When comparing the sizes of Ouarzazate and Meknes, 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.