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

Should you visit Rabat or Coimbra?

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 Coimbra 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 Coimbra?

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.

Coimbra

Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Coimbra 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 Coimbra is $110. 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 Coimbra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rabat $27
    Coimbra $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rabat $54
    Coimbra $94
Compare Hotels in Rabat and Coimbra

Looking for a hotel in Rabat or Coimbra? 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 Coimbra


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 Coimbra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rabat $2.10
    Coimbra $11
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:

  • Transfer Rabat to Tetouan: $145
  • Transfer Rabat to Salé: $22
  • Transfer Rabat to Meknes: $102
  • Transfer Rabat to Fes: $115
  • Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $262
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $230
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Tangier: $268
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Fes: $185
  • Private Transfer from Rabat To Fez: $206
  • Private Transfer From Fez To Rabat: $206
  • Private Airport Transfer to or from Casablanca: $175
  • Private Airport Transfer to or from Casablanca: $138

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

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

  • Transfer Viseu - Porto: $157
  • Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $147

Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or Coimbra?

Prices for flights to both Coimbra 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
    Coimbra $51

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 Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Chanfana: Cooking Traditional Portuguese Cuisine Experience: $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rabat $2.84
    Coimbra $19

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
  • Fes Full-Day Private Tour from Rabat with hotel pickup : $131
  • From Casablanca:9Days Unforgettable Desert Tour To Marrakesh: $1,916
  • From Fez : Rabat : Day Trip (Shared Group Tour): $103
  • From 4 Days 3 Nights Sahara Desert Tour: $717
  • From Tangier Guided Day Tour by High-Speed Train: $105
  • Gems of Rabat Walking Tour: $115
  • Luxury Morocco: 5-Day Private Guided Tour from Casablanca: $1,391
  • Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $82

Tours and Activities in Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Coimbra : $199
  • A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão: $120
  • An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coim: $70
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $76
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk): $131
  • Arista Tour - Penacova Windmills and Landscapes (noon): $76
  • Bairrada Winery Route Experience, full-day from Coimbra: $134
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour: $254
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour with U.C. Tickets Early Access: $44
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.45
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rabat -
    Coimbra $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra

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

  • Wine Tasting Experience in Portugal: $27


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


Which is Bigger, Rabat or Coimbra?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Rabat and Coimbra, 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 Coimbra?

Coimbra 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 Coimbra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rabat and Coimbra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coimbra 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 Coimbra during summer. Rabat gets 315 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rabat usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Rabat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rabat 23°C (73°F) 
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Coimbra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rabat as well as Coimbra. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Rabat is generally around the same temperature as Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Rabat average around 20°C (67°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In the autumn, Rabat often gets more sunshine than Coimbra. Rabat gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Coimbra. Rabat usually gets less rain in October than Coimbra. Rabat gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rabat 20°C (67°F) 
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Coimbra in the Winter?

Both Coimbra and Rabat are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.

Rabat is a little warmer than Coimbra in the winter. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 13°C (56°F) in January, and Coimbra fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Rabat usually receives more sunshine than Coimbra during winter. Rabat gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. In January, Rabat usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Rabat gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rabat 13°C (56°F) 
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Coimbra in the Spring?

Both Coimbra 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.

In the spring, Rabat is around the same temperature as Coimbra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rabat in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Coimbra averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Rabat. In the spring, Rabat often gets more sunshine than Coimbra. Rabat gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun.

Rabat usually gets less rain in April than Coimbra. Rabat gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rabat 16°C (60°F) 
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Coimbra and Rabat

Rabat Coimbra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in) 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)