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

Should you visit Rabat or Cardiff?

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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff?

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.

Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, and a major port on the country's southern coast. Though Cardiff boomed with the coal industry during the Industrial Revolution, the city began its history as a Roman fort on the River Taff-perhaps taking its name from a combination of the Welsh word for fort (caer) and the name of the river (Taff). The fort still stands today along with many other landmarks that attract tourists each year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Cardiff or Rabat?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Rabat is $43, while the average daily cost in Cardiff is $196. 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 Cardiff in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rabat $27
    Cardiff $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rabat $54
    Cardiff $234
Compare Hotels in Rabat and Cardiff

Looking for a hotel in Rabat or Cardiff? 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 Cardiff


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 Cardiff Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rabat $2.10
    Cardiff $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:


  • Taxi to Sale
    $3.48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer From Rabat To Fez: $110
  • From Rabat : Private Transfer to Fes via Meknes & volubilis : $154
  • One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $198
  • Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $32
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Bouznika: $88
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $263
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Fes: $274
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Kenitra: $110
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $256
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Meknes: $197
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Temara: $66
  • Private Transfer from Rabat City to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cardiff

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:

  • Cardiff Airport (CWL): Transfer to Cardiff Accommodation: $140
  • Private Transfer from Mold to Manchester Airport (MAN): $125
  • Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport CWL to Cardiff by Luxury Vehicle: $96
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $96
  • Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
  • Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
  • Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
  • Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or Cardiff?

Prices for flights to both Cardiff 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
    Cardiff $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
  • Walking Food Tour: $76
  • Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $76
  • Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $76
  • Rabat Family Cooking Class: $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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rabat $2.83
    Cardiff $31

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: $43
  • 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 Boat Guided Tour in Rabat: $60
  • Private Guided City Walking Tour: $62
  • 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
  • Private Guided Boat Tour in Rabat: $70
  • Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
  • Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $83

Tours and Activities in Cardiff

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

  • 30 Minute Archery Experience in Llangollen: $19
  • 30 Minute Axe Throwing Experience in Llangollen: $19
  • A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • A Silent Disco Adventure in Cardiff: $22
  • Canoe Aqueduct tours Llangollen: $76
  • Canyoning with Beezra Experiences in South Wales: $89
  • Cardiff All in One Walking Tour: $62
  • Cardiff Bay Boat Tour: $15
  • Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cardiff Bay: Highlights Private Guided Tour: $188
  • Cardiff Bay: Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $38
  • Cardiff City Private Guided Walking Tour: $178

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rabat -
    Cardiff $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Cardiff

Also in Cardiff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32
  • Cardiff Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rabat and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff 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 Cardiff Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Rabat or Cardiff?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Rabat and Cardiff, 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 Cardiff?

Cardiff 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 Cardiff in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rabat as well as Cardiff. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Cardiff in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Rabat is a little warmer than Cardiff in the summer. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In the summer, Rabat often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Rabat gets 315 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun.

Rabat usually gets less rain in July than Cardiff. Rabat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rabat 23°C (73°F) 
    Cardiff 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Cardiff in the Autumn?

Both Cardiff 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, most visitors come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Rabat is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rabat in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Cardiff averages at about 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during autumn. Rabat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. In October, Rabat usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Rabat gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rabat 20°C (67°F) 
    Cardiff 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Cardiff in the Winter?

Both Cardiff 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Cardiff can be very cold. In January, Rabat is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Rabat average around 13°C (56°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Rabat often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Rabat gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun.

Rabat usually gets less rain in January than Cardiff. Rabat gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rabat 13°C (56°F) 
    Cardiff 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Cardiff in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rabat and Cardiff. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

Rabat is much warmer than Cardiff in the spring. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during spring. Rabat gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rabat usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Rabat gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rabat 16°C (60°F) 
    Cardiff 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Rabat

Rabat Cardiff
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 80 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in) 5°C (40°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)