Which place is cheaper, Marrakech or Rabat?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rabat or Marrakech?
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 Marrakech 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 Marrakech?
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.
Marrakech
Marrakech is on of the most popular travel destinations in Morocco. It is the third largest city in Morocco after Casablanca and Rabat and is located near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains only a few hours from the Sahara Desert. It's a beautiful city that is often referred to as the "Pink City" because of the pale pink color of many of the city's buildings. These striking colors make the city particularly beautiful during the evening hours when the low sun creates a very dramatic lighting.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRabat $45Marrakech $71
The average daily cost (per person) in Rabat is $45, while the average daily cost in Marrakech is $71. 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 Marrakech in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRabat $28Marrakech $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRabat $56Marrakech $96
Compare Hotels in Rabat and Marrakech
Looking for a hotel in Rabat or Marrakech? 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 Marrakech Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rabat $2.18Marrakech $6.52
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$3.61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Rabat to Tangier: $150
- Transfer Rabat to Mohammedia: $62
- Transfer Rabat to Kenitra: $53
- Transfer Rabat to El Jadida: $120
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Tangier: $280
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Fes: $193
- Private Transfer from Rabat To Fez: $107
- Private Transfer From Fez To Rabat: $215
- Private Airport Transfer to or from Casablanca: $144
- Guided City Tour with Hotel Transfers: $99
- 1-Way Private Transfer to or from Rabat Airport: $32
- Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport Private Transfer: $57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marrakech
Also for Marrakech, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer between Marrakech and Casablanca: $323
- One way transfer from Fes to Marrakech: $322
- City to City Transfer - Marrakesh > Merzouga: $300
- Transfer Marrakech to Tangier: $297
- Transfer Marrakech to Fes: $267
- Private Premium Transfert From / To Marrakech To / From Tangier: $266
- Private Transfer from Safi to Casablanca (CMN) Airport: $265
- Private Transfer from Marrakech Menara (RAK) Airport to Taroudant: $265
- Essaouira Day Trip From Marrakech With Private Transfers: $262
- Private Premium Transfert From / To Marrakech To / From Meknes: $260
- City to City Transfer - Marrakesh > MHamid: $260
- "Marrakech to Chefchaouen: Your Exclusive Private Transfer": $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or Marrakech?
Prices for flights to both Marrakech 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 $13Marrakech $13
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 ): $51
- Walking Food Tour: $76
- Cooking Class in a Family Home: $77
- Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $78
- Rabat Family Cooking Class: $82
- Night Tour River Sunset Boat Ride & Moroccan Dinner: $99
- Rabat Night Tour with River Sunset Boat Ride & Moroccan Dinner : $101
- Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Rabat with a Local Family: $110
- Gourmet Cooking Class in Rabat: $189
Typical Food Prices in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Orange Juice on the Square$0.31
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Breakfast$1.24
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Dates$0.62
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Olives$0.93
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Sandwich$1.34
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Souvenir Spices$6.40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Agafay Desert Sunset, Camel Ride and Dinner from Marrakech: $15
- From Dinner in Agafay Desert with Sunset: $19
- Dinner in Agafay desert from Marrakech & camel riding: $19
- Cooking Lesson at the Ouirgane Ecolodge with Lunch: $19
- Sunset Dinner in the Agafay Desert: $20
- Agafay Desert Camel Ride and Dinner Show: $20
- From Sunset Dinner in the Agafay Desert: $20
- From Agafay Desert Sunset at Dinner And Fireshow: $21
- Agafay Desert Sunset, Camel Ride and Dinner Show: $21
- Agafay Camel ride with Dinner from Marrakesh : $21
- Marrakech : Moroccan Cooking Class with our Executive Chef: $21
- Agafay Camel Ride Sunset and Dinner with Show: $21
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rabat $2.94Marrakech $7.25
Tours and Activities in Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- private Tour between the monuments of Rabat City : $45
- 9-Day Moroccan Adventure: Imperial Cities to Atlas Mountains: $1,995
- Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
- Exclusive Luxe Private Boat Guided Tour in Rabat: $73
- Fes Full Day Private Tour from Rabat: $250
- From Casablanca: 15-Day Guided Tour of Morocco: $2,080
- From Casablanca:9Days Unforgettable Desert Tour To Marrakesh: $1,996
- From Fez : Rabat : Day Trip (Shared Group Tour): $107
- From 4 Days 3 Nights Sahara Desert Tour: $747
- From Tangier Guided Day Tour by High-Speed Train: $109
- Gems of Rabat Walking Tour: $115
- Luxury Morocco: 5-Day Private Guided Tour from Casablanca: $1,448
Typical Entertainment Prices in Marrakech
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Marrakech's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Palace Tickets$2.06
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Golf at Atlas Golf$58
Tours and Activities in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Experience and Camel Trekking: $136
- Agafay Desert Sunset Tour: $80
- Atlas Mountains and Berber villages & Waterfalls Day Tour from Marrakech : $20
- Best Private Shopping Tour In the Souks of Marrakech: $45
- Desert Thrills: Quad Biking Adventures in Palmeraie Marrakech: $45
- Experience Spa Hammam Massage and Camel tour: $108
- From Ouzoud Waterfalls Guided Tour & Boat Ride: $30
- Hot Air Balloon Adventure over Marrakesh and Atlas Mountains: $205
- Majorelle Garden, St Laurent and Berber Museum Round Trip Ticket: $63
- Marrakech By Bike 2 Hour Cycling Tour: $68
- Marrakech Medina Walking Tour With official Local Guide: $28
- Marrakech Old Medina Markets with a Local Guide-private tour: $23
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRabat -Marrakech $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rabat and Marrakech, we can see that Marrakech 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 Marrakech would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marrakech 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 Marrakech Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rabat or Marrakech?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Marrakech. When comparing the sizes of Rabat and Marrakech, 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.