Which place is cheaper, Cape Town or Rabat?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rabat vs. Cape Town for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
Jump to 
Should you visit Rabat or Cape Town?
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 Cape Town 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 Cape Town?
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.
Cape Town
Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.
Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRabat $43Cape Town $99
The average daily cost (per person) in Rabat is $43, while the average daily cost in Cape Town is $99. 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 Cape Town in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRabat $27Cape Town $39
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRabat $54Cape Town $78
Compare Hotels in Rabat and Cape Town
Looking for a hotel in Rabat or Cape Town? 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 Cape Town Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rabat $2.09Cape Town $17
Typical Local Transportation prices in Rabat
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:
-
Taxi to Sale$3.47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Rabat to Tetouan: $148
- Transfer Rabat to Tangier: $147
- Transfer Rabat to Salé: $22
- Transfer Rabat to Safi: $169
- Transfer Rabat to Rabat Airport: $22
- Transfer Rabat to Mohammedia: $60
- Transfer Rabat to Meknes: $104
- Transfer Rabat to Marrakech: $197
- Transfer Rabat to Kenitra: $52
- Transfer Rabat to Fes: $117
- Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $267
- Transfer Rabat to El Jadida: $117
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town
Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4 Day Garden Route Meander Safari Tour with Private Transfers: $1,692
- 3 Day Garden Route Highlights and Safari with Private Transfers: $1,036
- 2 Day Whale Coast and Wildlife Safari Tour with Private Transfers: $976
- 2 Day Wild Heart Western Cape Safari Tour with Private Transfers : $627
- Private Return Transfer Cape Town To Shark Diving Gansbaai Price/Group 12 Pax: $545
- Visit Big 5 Aquila Game Reserve Group Transfer UP To 13 Pax From Cape Town F/D : $545
- Safari Aquila Game Reserve Transfer Per/Group -13 From Cape Town : $545
- Private return transfers from Cape Town to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve: $523
- 2-Nights 5-star Sanbona Game Reserve with private transfers to and from Sanbona: $511
- 2Day Best Safari - Cape Town 1 night accomodation. incl Transfers: $472
- Big 5 Aquila Safari Private Transfer with Park Fee From Cape Town: $330
- Full Day Big 5 Aquila Safari Private Transfers Including Park Fee From Cape Town: $327
Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or Cape Town?
Prices for flights to both Cape Town 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 dayRabat $12Cape Town $42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat
For Rabat, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $42
- Cooking Class in a Family Home: $66
- Rabat Family Cooking Class: $66
- Walking Food Tour: $75
- Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $76
- Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $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
- Gourmet Cooking Class in Rabat: $189
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner At Mandela's - Cultural Township Dinner Experience: $28
- African Cooking with a Chef Founder: $28
- Cape Malay Cooking with a Chef Founder: $28
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $49
- Cape Town Storytelling Dinner Experience: $51
- African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $61
- African Dinner and Drumming Experience: $61
- Cruise and Dine Dinner / Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $63
- Private Cooking Class and Meal in Local Wynberg Cape Town Home: $80
- Cape Town African Taste-Safari & Live Entertainment Dinner Experience: $81
- South African Cooking Class in Cape Town with a Local Family: $82
- Cape Town Food tour with locals: $90
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rabat $2.82Cape Town $23
Tours and Activities in Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- Rabat food lovers paradise walking tour: $200
- 10 Days Private Tour From Rabat To Merzouga Desert Via Marrakech : $2,326
- 2 Days Guided Tour from Rabat to Chefchaouen: $637
- 3 day nomadic hiking adventure Todra Gorge to Dades - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $443
- 4 Day Tour from Marrakech to Chefchaouen, Sahara desert and fes: $887
- 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $64
- 7 Nights 8 Days Casablanca Tour: $826
- Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
- Enchanting Rabat Walking Tour for Couples: $115
- Experience the true essence of Rabat in a private local tour: $356
- Fes Full Day Private Tour from Rabat: $250
- Fes Full-Day Private Tour from Rabat with hotel pickup : $133
Tours and Activities in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 6 Days-The best of Cape Town Experience Tour & Accommadation : $1,744
- Aquila Game Reserve Big Five Safari Private Tour: $382
- Cape Point Private Tour withTable Mountain and Penguin Colony : $253
- Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope day tour Up to 10 persons: $36
- Cape Town Private, Aquila Safari Full Day Tour : $333
- Cape Town Woodstock Street Art Walking Tour: $30
- Cape Town, Shark Cage Diving Full Day Tour Combo On The Boat: $384
- Golf & Wildlife Tour 7 Days - Garden Route: $3,147
- Mandela's Robben Island Museum Bo-Kaap Cape Town City Tour + Ferry ticket f/d: $164
- Penguins Private Tour- Cape of Good Hope & Cape Point Tour from Cape Town: $113
- Private Cape Peninsula Tour : $113
- Private Hot Air Balloon Tour in Stellenbosch: $463
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRabat -Cape Town $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town
Also in Cape Town, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Distillery Tour, rum and gin tasting: $7.09
- Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.54
- Drumstruck at Silvermist. Live African Drum Show & Wine tasting: $25
- Wine Tasting & Storytelling with SA Tapas add-on: $28
- Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $35
- Wine tasting tour : $37
- Half Day Constantia Wine Tour: $38
- Cape Winelands and Wine Tasting Full Day Tour: $46
- Wine tasting experience : $46
- Short Private Wine Tour: $49
- Stellenbosch Half Day Wine Tour: $51
- Stellenbosch Wine Tour half day from Cape Town: $53
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rabat and Cape Town, we can see that Cape Town is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Cape Town would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Town than you might in Rabat.
Which is Bigger, Rabat or Cape Town?
Cape Town is bigger, and its population is about 2.1 times larger than the population of Rabat. When comparing the population of Rabat vs. Cape Town, 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 and the activities that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Rabat or Cape Town?
Cape Town 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 Cape Town in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rabat and Cape Town. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.
Rabat is around the same temperature as Cape Town in the summer. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Cape Town fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Town this time of the year. In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rabat usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Town during summer. Rabat gets 315 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Rabat usually receives less rain than Cape Townin January. Rabat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryRabat 23°C (73°F)Cape Town 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Rabat or Cape Town in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Rabat as well as Cape Town. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Rabat is around the same temperature as Cape Town. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rabat in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Cape Town averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Town. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In the autumn, Rabat often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Townin April. Rabat gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 233 hours of full sun.
Rabat usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cape Townin April. Rabat gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilRabat 20°C (67°F)Cape Town 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Rabat or Cape Town in the Winter?
Both Cape Town and Rabat are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.
In January, Rabat is generally around the same temperature as Cape Townin July. Daily temperatures in Rabat average around 13°C (56°F), and Cape Town fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Rabat usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Town during winter. Rabat gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 193 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Rabat usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cape Townin July. Rabat gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyRabat 13°C (56°F)Cape Town 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Rabat or Cape Town in the Spring?
Both Cape Town and Rabat during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Rabat is around the same temperature as Cape Town in the spring. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Cape Town fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in October.
In Cape Town, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Rabat. In the spring, Rabat often gets less sunshine than Cape Townin October. Rabat gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 278 hours of full sun.
Rabat usually gets more rain in April than Cape Townin October. Rabat gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberRabat 16°C (60°F)Cape Town 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Cape Town and Rabat
| Rabat | Cape Town | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
Related Articles for Rabat
Related Articles for Cape Town
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.
More City Comparisons
Zanzibar vs. RabatZanzibar vs. Cape Town
Serengeti National Park vs. Rabat
Serengeti National Park vs. Cape Town
Moshi vs. Rabat
Moshi vs. Cape Town
Dar es Salaam vs. Rabat
Dar es Salaam vs. Cape Town
Arusha vs. Rabat
Arusha vs. Cape Town
Tsavo National Park vs. Rabat
Tsavo National Park vs. Cape Town
Lake Nakuru vs. Rabat
Lake Nakuru vs. Cape Town
Nairobi vs. Rabat
Nairobi vs. Cape Town
Mombasa vs. Rabat
Mombasa vs. Cape Town
Masai Mara vs. Rabat
Masai Mara vs. Cape Town
Kampala vs. Rabat
Kampala vs. Cape Town
Jinja vs. Rabat
Jinja vs. Cape Town
Entebbe vs. Rabat
Entebbe vs. Cape Town
Addis Ababa vs. Rabat
Addis Ababa vs. Cape Town
Pin This Page
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.