Which place is cheaper, Essaouira or Rabat?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Rabat or Essaouira?
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 Essaouira 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 Essaouira?
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.
Essaouira
Essaouira is a beautiful beach town on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. The city has a pleasant medina that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site and is interesting to explore. It's an 18th century fortified town with a lot of character and charm. The city is rich and culture and you'll find a handful of art galleries throughout the town. The city is also a gathering place for artists and musicians, particularly during the Gnaoua Festival of World Music, which takes place the last week of June. This event attracts about 450,000 visitors yearly.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco, The Best Adventure Tours to Morocco, and The Best Cultural Tours in Morocco.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRabat $44Essaouira $46
The average daily cost (per person) in Rabat is $44, while the average daily cost in Essaouira is $46. 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 Essaouira in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRabat $27Essaouira $26
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRabat $54Essaouira $52
Compare Hotels in Rabat and Essaouira
Looking for a hotel in Rabat or Essaouira? 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 Essaouira Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rabat $2.10Essaouira $1.99
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:
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Tetouan: $290
- Private transfer from Rabat To Chefchaouen: $282
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Tangier: $267
- Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $261
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $261
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $253
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $229
- Private Transfer from Rabat-Sale Airport (RBA) to Casablanca: $220
- Private Transfer From Fez To Rabat: $205
- Private Transfer from Rabat To Fez: $205
- One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $196
- One-Way Transfer from Fez to Rabat via volubilis & meknes : $196
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Essaouira
Also for Essaouira, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Private Transfer to Casablanca: $320
- Private Transfer Essaouira - Rabat: $261
- Essaouira : Private Transfer from or to Agafay Desert: $160
- From Private Transfer to Taghazout or Agadir: $149
- Essaouira private transfer from Essaouira city to Agadir airport (AGA): $138
- Private Transfer from Essaouira to Marrakesh Menara (RAK) Airport: $127
- From Private Transfer to Marrakech: $123
- Airport transfer, Departure : Essaouira, Arrival : Agadir: $118
- Private transfer Marrakech to Essaouira or Essaouira toMarrakech : $102
- Transfert Marrakech to Essaouira Or Essaouira to Marrakech : $95
- Transfer from Essaouira to Marrakech city or Marrakech airport: $93
- Private transfer Marrakech airpot - Essaouira : $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or Essaouira?
Prices for flights to both Essaouira 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 $12Essaouira $14
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
Typical Food Prices in Essaouira
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Essaouira:
-
Baklava$1.40
-
Breakfast Crepes$0.50
-
Fish for Lunch$15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Essaouira
For Essaouira, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class: $39
- L'Atelier Madada Moroccan Cooking Workshop in Essaouira: $54
- Traditional Family Style Moroccan Cooking Class: $67
- 3 hours Camel Ride in Essaouira with Dinner and Overnight in Berber Camp: $169
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rabat $2.84Essaouira $12
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 Essaouira
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Essaouira.
- Big Cap Sim dunes and forest 3 hours tour.: $70
- 2 Hour Quad & ATV Experience: $58
- Big dunes and atlantic coast tour 2 HOURS: $56
- Discover Essaouira Full-Day Tour: $43
- Essaouira : 1H quad bike tour and 1H camel ride: $56
- Essaouira : Half-day E-Experience from Mountains to Sea: $128
- Essaouira Adventure Full-Day Excursion from Marakech: $47
- Essaouira Exclusive Dune Buggy Adventure: $163
- Essaouira Guided Tour: 3 on 1 - Nightlife tour, Live like a local & Street food: $65
- Essaouira Sand Dunes: Half Day Quad Bike Tour: $65
- Essaouira Tour - Half day visit to berber market : $56
- 3-Hour Camel Tour: $40
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRabat -Essaouira $9.16
When comparing the travel costs between Rabat and Essaouira, we can see that Essaouira is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Africa, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rabat Expensive? and Is Essaouira Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rabat or Essaouira?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Essaouira. When comparing the sizes of Rabat and Essaouira, 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.
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.