Which place is cheaper, Cape Town or Rabat?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco, The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRabat $44Cape Town $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Rabat is $44, while the average daily cost in Cape Town is $96. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRabat $27Cape Town $38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRabat $54Cape Town $76
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rabat $2.10Cape Town $17
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:
- Transfer Rabat to Tetouan: $145
- Transfer Rabat to Tangier: $144
- Transfer Rabat to Salé: $22
- Transfer Rabat to Mohammedia: $59
- Transfer Rabat to Fes: $115
- Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $261
- Transfer Rabat to El Jadida: $115
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $229
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Tangier: $267
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Fes: $185
- Private Transfer from Rabat To Fez: $205
- Private Transfer From Fez To Rabat: $205
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town
Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From 3-Day Safari and Coastal Tour with Transfer: $486
- From Group Transfer Only to Aquilla Game Reserve: $440
- Big 5 Aquila Safari Private Transfer with Park Fee From Cape Town: $300
- Jeep Dune Adventure Tour, Sandboarding & Transfer: $267
- Shark Cage Diving & Penguins Tour to Gansbaai with private transfers: $267
- Path to Freedom Tour with Private Transfers: $251
- Aquila Safari Game Drive, Lunch & Shared Transfers from Cape Town: $245
- Whale Watching In Hermanus with Private Transfer: $242
- Cape Town International Airport and Hotel Private Group Transfers: $241
- Pvt Airport to Hout Bay Transfer: $233
- 1 Day Helderberg Valley Winelands Tour with Private Transfers: $225
- Hermanus Wine Tour (Full Day Including Cape Town Transfers): $223
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
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Food Meals for one dayRabat $12Cape Town $41
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 in the Old Town: $75
- Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $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
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:
- Cape Malay Cooking with a Chef Founder: $27
- Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $39
- 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $41
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $54
- Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $54
- Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $57
- African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $58
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $60
- African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $60
- From CapeTown: African Dinner and Drumming Experience: $60
- Cruise and Dine Dinner / Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $68
- Cape Town Food tour (Includes all food) 4hrs: $73
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rabat $2.84Cape Town $23
Tours and Activities in Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
- 9-Day Tour to Imperial Cities and Desert: $1,400
- Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
- Fes Full Day Private Tour from Rabat: $250
- From Casablanca:9Days Unforgettable Desert Tour To Marrakesh: $1,906
- From Fez : Rabat : Day Trip (Shared Group Tour): $102
- From 4 Days 3 Nights Sahara Desert Tour: $713
- From Tangier Guided Day Tour by High-Speed Train: $104
- Gems of Rabat Walking Tour: $115
- Luxury Morocco: 5-Day Private Guided Tour from Casablanca: $1,383
- Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $82
- Private Boat Exploration Tour in Rabat: $65
Tours and Activities in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Wineries Private Tour in Stellenbosch, Paarl Tasting Included: $114
- Cape Agulhas Full Day Private Tour: $187
- Cape Point Private Tour withTable Mountain and Penguin Colony : $249
- Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope day tour Up to 10 persons: $65
- Day Tour in Robben Island, Bo-Kaap and Table Mountain : $161
- Long Walk to Freedom in Robben Island including Ticket & Afrogem: $152
- Mandela's Robben Island Museum Bo-Kaap Cape Town City Tour + Ferry ticket f/d: $162
- Penguins Private Tour- Cape of Good Hope & Cape Point Tour from Cape Town: $111
- Private Cape Peninsula Tour : $111
- Private Tour Cape of Good Hope with Penguins : $109
- Private Tour to Robben Island and Cape Point in Cape Town: $119
- South African Traditional Braai (BBQ) Experience & Winetasting : $135
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRabat -Cape Town $20
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: $6.96
- Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.43
- African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $19
- Drumstruck at Silvermist. Live African Drum Show & Wine tasting: $24
- Wine Tasting & Storytelling with SA Tapas add-on: $28
- Wine tasting tour : $36
- From 3 Regions Wine Tour with 3 Estates, 15 Wines: $37
- Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $37
- Cape Winelands and Wine Tasting Full Day Tour: $45
- half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $47
- Fullday Wine Tour: $49
- Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $50
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rabat Expensive? and Is Cape Town Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rabat or Cape Town?
Cape Town has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rabat. When comparing the sizes of Rabat and 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 along with the activities and attractions 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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) |
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.