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

Should you visit Pamukkale or Rabat?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Rabat can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Rabat?

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.

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 Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Pamukkale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $156, while the average daily cost in Rabat is $44. 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 Pamukkale and Rabat in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Rabat $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Rabat $54
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Rabat

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale


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: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $35
    Rabat $2.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale

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

  • Antalya; Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour with Transfer: $280
  • City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $165
  • Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $136
  • Pamukkale to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport-Departure Transfer: $125
  • Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
  • Transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $102
  • Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
  • Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
  • Antalya: Guided Pamukkale Tour w/Lunch/Transfer: $84

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

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


  • Taxi to Sale
    $3.49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

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

  • Private transfer from Rabat To Chefchaouen: $283
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Asilah: $272
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Tangier: $268
  • Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $262
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $254
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $230
  • Private Transfer From Fez To Rabat: $206
  • Private Transfer from Rabat To Fez: $206
  • One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $196
  • One-Way Transfer from Fez to Rabat via volubilis & meknes : $196
  • Private transfer from Rabat to Casablanca: $190
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Fes: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Rabat?

Prices for flights to both Rabat and Pamukkale 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
    Pamukkale $69
    Rabat $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat

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

  • Small Group Cooking Classes with Tour of Rabat : $45
  • Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $49
  • Cooking Class in a Family Home: $66
  • Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $75
  • Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $75
  • Rabat Family Cooking Class: $75
  • Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local: $120
  • Gourmet Cooking Class in Rabat: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $54
    Rabat $2.84
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale

For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance fees Travertines & Pool
    $2.01

Tours and Activities in Pamukkale

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

  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tours: $120
  • All-inclusive Private Guided Tour of Pamukkale: $256
  • Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $80
  • Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $37
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour with Lunch from Izmir&Kusadasi: $299
  • Best Rates Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour : $277
  • Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour included Pick Up from Denizli Airport: $118
  • Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Hotel in Pamukkale.: $93
  • Daily Pamukkale Guided Tour with extra Red spring enjoyment.: $92
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour from istanbul: $642
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Airport : $109
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Bus station: $103

Tours and Activities in Rabat

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

  • 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
  • 9-Day Tour to Imperial Cities and Desert: $1,400
  • Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
  • Fes Full Day Private Tour from Rabat: $250
  • Fes Full-Day Private Tour from Rabat with hotel pickup : $131
  • From Casablanca:9Days Unforgettable Desert Tour To Marrakesh: $1,916
  • From Fez : Rabat : Day Trip (Shared Group Tour): $103
  • From 4 Days 3 Nights Sahara Desert Tour: $717
  • From Tangier Guided Day Tour by High-Speed Train: $105
  • Gems of Rabat Walking Tour: $115
  • Luxury Morocco: 5-Day Private Guided Tour from Casablanca: $1,391
  • Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $15
    Rabat -


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

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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Rabat?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale 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.


When is the best time to visit Pamukkale or Rabat?

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

Should I visit Pamukkale or Rabat in the Summer?

Both Rabat and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 28°C (82°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Rabat. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Rabat 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Rabat in the Autumn?

Both Rabat and Pamukkale during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.

Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Rabat in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the autumn, Pamukkale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in October than Rabat. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Rabat 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Rabat in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Rabat. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Pamukkale is cooler than Rabat. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamukkale in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Rabat averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Pamukkale usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during winter. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pamukkale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Rabat. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Rabat 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Rabat in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Rabat. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.

In April, Pamukkale is generally around the same temperature as Rabat. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 17°C (62°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In the spring, Pamukkale often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in April than Rabat. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Rabat 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Rabat and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Rabat
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in)