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

Should you visit Rabat or Arles?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rabat and Arles 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: Rabat or Arles?

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.

Arles

Arles is a city (and commune) in the south of France, in the Bouches-du-Rhone department. A large part of the Camargue is located on the territory of the commune, making it the largest commune in Metropolitan France in terms of territory. The city has a long history, and was considerably important in the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis. The Roman and Romanesque Monuments of Arles were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1981. The Dutch post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles from 1888 to 1889 and produced over 300 paintings and drawings during his time there. The Arles area is full of culture and rich in history. It has many treasures, points of interest, and colorful sunbaked houses and is a great introduction into the Camarguais culture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Arles or Rabat?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Rabat is $44, while the average daily cost in Arles is $152. 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 Rabat and Arles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rabat $27
    Arles $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rabat $54
    Arles $152
Compare Hotels in Rabat and Arles

Looking for a hotel in Rabat or Arles? 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 Rabat


Hotels in Arles


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: Rabat Hotel Prices and Arles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rabat $2.10
    Arles $24
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 Fez: $109
  • One-Way Transfer from Fez to Rabat via volubilis & meknes : $196
  • One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez : $154
  • One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $196
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Asilah: $272
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Bouznika: $87
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Kenitra: $109
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $254
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Skhirat: $76
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Temara: $65
  • Private Transfer from Rabat City to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $44
  • Private Transfer from Rabat Sale Airport to Rabat City: $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arles

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arles:

  • Arles to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or Arles?

Prices for flights to both Arles and Rabat 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
    Rabat $12
    Arles $55

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

Typical Food Prices in Arles

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


  • Cooked Clams
    $4.82
  • Ice Cream
    $1.07

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rabat $2.84
    Arles $33

Tours and Activities in Rabat

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

  • Guided Bike Tour: $1.55
  • SUP Adventure Rabat (kayaking, stand up paddle , boating) VIP: $15
  • Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $43
  • 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
  • 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 Tour in Rabat City: $76
  • Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78

Typical Entertainment Prices in Arles

Here are a few typical costs in Arles for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Castle Entrance Fee
    $5.89

Tours and Activities in Arles

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

  • Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $187
  • Arles Private guided walking tour from Marseille: $342
  • Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux De Provence: Guided Tour: $1,176
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $201
  • Art and History Walking Tour: $299
  • City tour 1 hour of the city, its history, its monuments,: $84
  • City tour 45mn of the city, its history, its monuments,: $70
  • From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour: $106
  • Half Day Private Guided Tour of Arles: $202
  • Private Guided Tour of Arles: $218
  • Provence Region Roman Abbey of Montmajour Entrance Ticket: $7.64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rabat -
    Arles $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Arles

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Arles:

  • Lavender Field & Distillery Tour between Nimes & Arles: $6.20


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rabat and Arles, we can see that Arles is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rabat is in Africa and Arles is in Europe, 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 Arles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arles 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 Rabat Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Rabat or Arles?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Rabat and Arles, 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 Rabat or Arles?

Arles 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 Rabat or Arles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rabat as well as Arles. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Rabat is around the same temperature as Arles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rabat in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Arles averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In the summer, Rabat often gets less sunshine than Arles. Rabat gets 315 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Rabat usually gets less rain in July than Arles. Rabat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rabat 23°C (73°F) 
    Arles 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Rabat are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Arles because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Rabat is generally a little warmer than Arles. Daily temperatures in Rabat average around 20°C (67°F), and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than Arles during autumn. Rabat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. In October, Rabat usually receives less rain than Arles. Rabat gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rabat 20°C (67°F) 
    Arles 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Rabat during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

Rabat is much warmer than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 13°C (56°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Rabat often gets more sunshine than Arles. Rabat gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

Rabat usually gets more rain in January than Arles. Rabat gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rabat 13°C (56°F) 
    Arles 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Arles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rabat and Arles. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Rabat is a little warmer than Arles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rabat in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Arles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than Arles during spring. Rabat gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rabat usually receives more rain than Arles. Rabat gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rabat 16°C (60°F) 
    Arles 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Arles and Rabat

Rabat Arles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)