Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Petra 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 Petra and Rabat can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Rabat?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $125Rabat $43
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $125, while the average daily cost in Rabat is $43. 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 Petra and Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Rabat $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Rabat $54
Compare Hotels in Petra and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Petra 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.
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: Petra Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Rabat $2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Petra to Sheikh Hussein Crossing Border Private Transfer: $180
- Petra to Madaba Private Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $135
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $118
- Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels Private Transfer: $110
- Petra Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $105
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Petra City Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $93
- Petra to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Ma'in Hotel and vice versa: $73
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:
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Taxi to Sale$3.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Rabat to Rabat Salé Airport: $22
- Transfer Rabat to Rabat Airport: $22
- Transfer Rabat to Salé: $22
- Private Transfer from Rabat Sale Airport to Rabat Medina : $25
- Private Transfer from or to Salé and Rabat: $26
- 1-Way Private Transfer to or from Rabat Airport: $31
- Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $32
- Private Transfer from Rabat Sale Airport to Rabat City: $41
- Private Transfer from Rabat City to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $44
- Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport Private Transfer: $55
- Private transfer: from Casablanca to Rabat: $59
- Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport : Private Transfer: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat and Petra 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
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Food Meals for one dayPetra $38Rabat $12
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $45
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $300
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: $76
- Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local: $120
- Gourmet Cooking Class in Rabat: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Rabat $2.83
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
- 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
- Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour: $215
- Private Back Trail Tour of Petra starting from the Monastery : $276
- Private Full-Day Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Dead Sea: $269
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $90
- Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
- Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
- Wadi Rum Private Tour from Petra with Martian and Star Wars Film Site: $173
Tours and Activities in Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- SUP Adventure Rabat (kayaking, stand up paddle , boating) VIP: $15
- Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $43
- Rabat tour ;Small Group Guided Walking tour in the City of Light: $44
- Private Surf Experience in Rabat: $44
- Private Boat Tour of the Bouregreg River, a Traditional Boat: $45
- Private Walking Guided Cultural Stroll with Licensed Tour Expert: $53
- Rabat Shopping Tour: $55
- Private Guided City Walking Tour: $62
- 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
- Private Boat Guided Tour in Rabat: $65
- Private Guided Boat Tour in Rabat: $70
- Private Guided Tour in Rabat City: $76
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Rabat -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Rabat, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra 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 Petra Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Rabat?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra or Rabat?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Petra or Rabat in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Petra as well as Rabat. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.
Petra usually gets less rain in July than Rabat. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the summer, Petra often gets more sunshine than Rabat. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun.
Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally a little warmer than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Rabat 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Petra or Rabat in the Autumn?
Both Rabat and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Rabat. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during autumn. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Petra is a little warmer than Rabat in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Rabat 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Petra or Rabat in the Winter?
Both Rabat and Petra during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.
Petra usually gets less rain in January than Rabat. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Petra. In the winter, Petra often gets more sunshine than Rabat. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Petra is a little warmer than Rabat. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Rabat averages at about 13°C (56°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Rabat 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Petra or Rabat in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Rabat. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Rabat. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during spring. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Petra is generally much warmer than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Rabat 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Rabat and Petra
| Petra | Rabat | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
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.