Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Rabat?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rabat or Bilbao?
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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao?
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.
Bilbao
The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRabat $44Bilbao $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Rabat is $44, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is $147. 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 Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRabat $27Bilbao $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRabat $54Bilbao $156
Compare Hotels in Rabat and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Rabat or Bilbao? 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: Rabat Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rabat $2.10Bilbao $28
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$3.49
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 Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $417
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $315
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $315
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to San Sebastian city: $291
- Private Transfer from Vitoria city to San Sebastian Airport: $291
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to San Sebastian: $291
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to San Sebastian Airport: $268
- Private Transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian: $268
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $252
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Santander: $252
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $245
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Pamplona city: $229
Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao 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
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Food Meals for one dayRabat $12Bilbao $48
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Basque Food Tour with Guide: $86
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $112
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
- Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $134
- Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $134
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $155
- Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $197
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rabat $2.84Bilbao $31
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
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- PRIVATE San Sebastian and Basque Coast Tour from Bilbao: $290
- Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $81
- 2 Hours Private Family Guided Walking Tour in Bilbao: $197
- 3-day Bilbao Bike Tour and Guggenheim Museum Ticket: $257
- Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $384
- BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $36
- Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,144
- Bike tour with Pintxos & Drinks in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao Seaside): $60
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum Private Walking Tour with guide: $286
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour from Hotel/Center: $279
- Bilbao - Private Historic walking tour: $374
- Bilbao 3-Day Package: Guggenheim, Hotel Stay and Bike Tour: $251
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRabat -Bilbao $23
Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
- Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
- Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $79
- Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $80
- Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $176
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $187
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $240
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $241
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $246
- Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao : $246
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rabat and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao 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 Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rabat or Bilbao?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Rabat and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?
Bilbao 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 Bilbao in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Rabat as well as Bilbao. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Rabat is a little warmer than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In the summer, Rabat often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Rabat gets 315 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.
Rabat usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Rabat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRabat 23°C (73°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Rabat or Bilbao in the Autumn?
Both Bilbao 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, many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Rabat is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rabat in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Rabat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In October, Rabat usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Rabat gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRabat 20°C (67°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Rabat or Bilbao in the Winter?
Both Bilbao 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, most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months.
In January, Rabat is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Rabat average around 13°C (56°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Rabat often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Rabat gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.
Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rabat usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Rabat gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRabat 13°C (56°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Rabat or Bilbao in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rabat and Bilbao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.
Rabat is a little warmer than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Rabat gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.
Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Rabat usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Rabat gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRabat 16°C (60°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Rabat
| Rabat | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 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.