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

Should you visit Phnom Penh or Rabat?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Phnom Penh and Rabat. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Phnom Penh or Rabat?

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in the country of Cambodia. It is located at the edge of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers and is the nation's center of economics and industry. The metropolitan area has a population of about 2.2 million.

Phnom Penh was once called the "Pearl of Asia." In the 1920s it was one of the most impressive French built cities in the region and was an important tourist destination. During the Vietnam War, refugees fled to the city and by 1975 the city's population was between 2 and 3 million, most of them being refugees. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and they cut off supplies to the population for over a year. Journalists reported torture and mutilation of the trapped civilians and the Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the city in what is known as the death march. The Khmer Rouge was driven from the city by the Vietnamese in 1979 and reconstruction began.

Today, tourism continues to grow in the city and those who visit are greeted by a welcoming and friendly population, a rich culture, and truly rewarding travel experience.

Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is hot year around with very little temperature variation. Lows are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit and highs are in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The southwest monsoon brings rains between May and October and the northeast monsoon brings the dry season from November to March.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Cambodia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Phnom Penh?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Phnom Penh is $41, 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 Phnom Penh and Rabat in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phnom Penh $12
    Rabat $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phnom Penh $24
    Rabat $54
Compare Hotels in Phnom Penh and Rabat

Looking for a hotel in Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh


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: Phnom Penh Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.81
    Rabat $2.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:

  • Vip Taxi Private Transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $450
  • Vip Taxi Transfer from Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk: $450
  • Private Taxi transfer from Bangkok to Phnom Penh City: $449
  • Private Taxi transfer from Pattaya to Phnom Penh (Cambodia): $435
  • Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Pattaya (Thailand): $435
  • Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Bangkok: $408
  • Private Transfer Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Hotel or Airport: $361
  • Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Koh Kong Province: $172
  • Private taxi transfer Phnom Penh to Pursat or Battambang: $155
  • Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $145
  • Private taxi transfer from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh city: $145
  • Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $145

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

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


  • 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 Fez: $110
  • From Rabat : Private Transfer to Fes via Meknes & volubilis : $154
  • One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $198
  • Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $32
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Bouznika: $88
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $263
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Fes: $274
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Kenitra: $110
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $256
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Meknes: $197
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Temara: $66
  • Private Transfer from Rabat City to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Phnom Penh or Rabat?

Prices for flights to both Rabat and Phnom Penh 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
    Phnom Penh $13
    Rabat $12
Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:


  • Dinner for Two
    $10
  • Breakfast for Two
    $4.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh

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

  • Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Avail: $9.90
  • Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Available: $9.90
  • Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
  • Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour Drinks & Tuk Tuk included: $36
  • Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour - Inclusive over 10 Local Tastings: $44
  • Phnom Penh Morning Market & Food Tour by Tuktuk - Includes All Food & Drinks!: $45
  • Half Day - Phnom Penh Food Tour: $45
  • Phnom Penh Local Market & Morning Food Tour Include Drinks: $49
  • Evening Cambodian Food Tour: $60
  • Ultimate PP Food Tour by Tuk Tuk - 20 tastings & drinks included: $69
  • Phnom Penh Authentic Food Tour 100% By Local: $69
  • Phnom Penh's Ultimate Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $69

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
  • Walking Food Tour: $76
  • Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $76
  • Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $76
  • Rabat Family Cooking Class: $76
  • Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Rabat with a Local Family: $110
  • Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.59
    Rabat $2.83

Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh

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

  • Killing field and Toul Sleng genocide museum Tour: $20
  • Phnom Penh Full Day Private Tours: $155
  • 10 Tastings of Phnom Penh Foodie Tour: $39
  • 2 Day-Phnom Penh by Private Tours: $155
  • 2 Days Phnom Penh Cyclo and Cycling Tour: $128
  • 2 Days of Phnom Penh City Tour: $199
  • 3 Hours Private Morning Market and Art Tour in Phnom Penh: $45
  • 5-Hour Biking Tour in Mekong Island: $49
  • 9 Days Cambodia Highlights Guided Motorcycle Tour: $1,964
  • A 10-day ethical animals tour of Cambodia: $1,699
  • A Half Day Tour in Phnom Penh City: $59
  • Alternative Tour to Silk Farm, SilverSmith Village and Udong: $150

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
  • Rabat old Medina ,Hassan Tower and Kasbah Oudaya Walking tour : $40
  • 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 Boat Tour of the Bouregreg River, a Traditional Boat: $45
  • Private Walking Guided Cultural Stroll with Licensed Tour Expert: $53
  • Private Boat Guided Tour in Rabat: $60
  • Private Guided City Walking Tour: $62
  • 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
  • Private Guided Boat Tour in Rabat: $70
  • Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
  • Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phnom Penh $4.30
    Rabat -

Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:

  • Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Pub Crawl: $10


When comparing the travel costs between Phnom Penh and Rabat, we can see that Rabat 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. Even though Phnom Penh is in Asia and Rabat is in Africa, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Phnom Penh or Rabat?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Phnom Penh. When comparing the sizes of Phnom Penh 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.