Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Portimao 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 Portimao 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: Portimao or Rabat?
Portimao
The second biggest city in the Alrgarve region of Portugal, Portimao sits on the coast where the Arade River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is renowned for its fresh fish restaurants and is also a popular destination for beachgoers at the Praia da Rocha to the south of the city.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, 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 dayPortimao €152Rabat €41
The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €152, while the average daily cost in Rabat is €41. 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 Portimao and Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortimao €78Rabat €25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortimao €156Rabat €50
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Portimao 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: Portimao Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portimao €37Rabat €1.97
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
- Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $244
- Private Transfer from Monte Ruivo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $236
- Private Airport Transfer To Armação De Pera Area: $115
- Private Transfer from Alvor to Faro Airport (1-4 pax): $109
- Transfer Armação de Pêra - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $99
- Private Transfer from Estombar to Faro (FAO) Airport: $94
- Private Transfer from Lagoa to Faro (FAO) Airport: $93
- Carvoeiro Private Transfer to Faro Airport: $85
- Private Transfer from Portimao to Faro (FAO) Airport: $84
- Private Transfer from Hotel da Rocha to Faro (FAO) Airport: $84
- Private Transfer from Josper Grill Steakhouse Dry Aged to Faro (FAO) Airport: $80
- Private Transfer from Alvor to Faro (FAO) Airport: $80
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€3.27
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: $43
- Transfer Rabat to Kenitra: $51
- Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport Private Transfer: $54
- Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport : Private Transfer: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat and Portimao 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 dayPortimao €45Rabat €12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portimao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portimao.
- Algarve wine tour and mountain top trip with lunch or dinner at sunset time: $147
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: $75
- Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $75
- Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $75
- Rabat Family Cooking Class: $75
- Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Rabat with a Local Family: $110
- 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.Portimao €41Rabat €2.66
Tours and Activities in Portimao
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
- Kayak Tours to Benagil & Marine caves - From Benagil Beach: $38
- Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave - 90Mins Cave Tour: $25
- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Benagil Caves Kayak Tour: $36
- 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $27
- 7 Hour Guided Sailboat Yacht Cruise Tour in Algarve: $81
- Adventure in Serra de Monchique - 4 Hours: $49
- Algarve - Exclusive horseriding in Portimao (no experience required): $54
- Algarve Coast Guided Boat Tour: $38
- Algarve Jeep Safari tours: $49
- Algarve Private Tour with Typical Lunch: $81
- Alone in Benagil, perfect pictures Kayak tour with @StarToursAlgarve: $60
- Benagil & Marinha Boat Tour: $38
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: $42
- Private Surf Experience in Rabat: $44
- 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
- Rabat Shopping Tour: $55
- Private Guided City Walking Tour: $61
- 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
- Private Boat Exploration Tour in Rabat: $65
- Private Guided Boat Tour in Rabat: $70
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPortimao €30Rabat -
Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:
- Wine Tasting and Art Tour: $39
- Algarve Wine Tasting & Music Experience: $60
- Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $73
- Algarve wine tour of 2 wine estates and lunch at the countryside: $153
- Algarve wine tour and farmer's lunch at wine estate: $181
- Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Rabat, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Portimao 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 Portimao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portimao 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 Portimao Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portimao or Rabat?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao 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 Portimao or Rabat?
Portimao 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 Portimao or Rabat in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Rabat. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.
In July, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Portimao usually gets more rain in July than Rabat. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPortimao 25°C (78°F)Rabat 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Rabat in the Autumn?
Both Rabat and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Portimao is around the same temperature as Rabat in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
In October, Portimao usually receives more rain than Rabat. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPortimao 19°C (67°F)Rabat 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Rabat in the Winter?
Both Rabat and Portimao during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.
In the winter, Portimao is cooler than Rabat. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Rabat averages at about 13°C (56°F).
Portimao usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Rabat. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPortimao 11°C (52°F)Rabat 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Rabat in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Rabat. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Portimao is generally around the same temperature as Rabat. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Rabat. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPortimao 15°C (60°F)Rabat 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Rabat and Portimao
| Portimao | Rabat | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.