Which place is cheaper, Meknes or Rabat?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rabat or Meknes?
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 Meknes 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 Meknes?
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.
Meknes
So you love a bustling nightlife with fine restaurants and meaningful historical buildings, but you hate all the tourists. Well, it maybe time to visit Meknes, Morocco. Since most travelers head straight to Fez, that leaves Meknes relatively untouched and remains free of the usual hassles that plague other major destinations.
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 $44Meknes $46
The average daily cost (per person) in Rabat is $44, while the average daily cost in Meknes 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 Meknes in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRabat $27Meknes $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRabat $54Meknes $52
Compare Hotels in Rabat and Meknes
Looking for a hotel in Rabat or Meknes? 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 Meknes Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rabat $2.10Meknes $1.46
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:
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or Meknes?
Prices for flights to both Meknes 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 $12Meknes $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 Meknes
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Meknes:
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Popcorn$0.20
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Spices$2.49
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Meknes
For Meknes, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Fes Medina :Grocery shopping & cooking Class with Fatima: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rabat $2.84Meknes $3.55
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 Meknes
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Meknes.
- Fes Volubilis Tour: $45
- From Fez: Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes Full Day Tour: $17
- From Rabat: Volubilis and Meknes Full-day Tour: $256
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRabat -Meknes $2.62
Typical Alcohol Prices in Meknes
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Meknes:
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Bottle of Wine$4.58
When comparing the travel costs between Rabat and Meknes, we can see that Meknes 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 Meknes Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rabat or Meknes?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Meknes. When comparing the sizes of Rabat and Meknes, 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 Meknes?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Rabat or Meknes in the Summer?
Both Meknes and Rabat are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Meknes because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Rabat usually receives more rain than Meknes. Rabat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Meknes receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Meknes. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. Rabat usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Meknes during summer. Rabat gets 315 hours of sunny skies, while Meknes receives 330 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Rabat is around the same temperature as Meknes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rabat in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Meknes averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRabat 23°C (73°F)Meknes 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Rabat or Meknes in the Autumn?
Both Meknes and Rabat during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Meknes year-round.
Rabat usually gets less rain in October than Meknes. Rabat gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Meknes receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Meknes, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Rabat. In the autumn, Rabat often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Meknes. Rabat gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Meknes receives 227 hours of full sun.
In October, Rabat is generally around the same temperature as Meknes. Daily temperatures in Rabat average around 20°C (67°F), and Meknes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRabat 20°C (67°F)Meknes 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Rabat or Meknes in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rabat and Meknes. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round. Meknes attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Rabat usually receives around the same amount of rain as Meknes. Rabat gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Meknes receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Rabat usually receives more sunshine than Meknes during winter. Rabat gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Meknes receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.
Rabat is around the same temperature as Meknes in the winter. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 13°C (56°F) in January, and Meknes fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRabat 13°C (56°F)Meknes 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Rabat or Meknes in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Rabat as well as Meknes. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Meknes throughout the year.
Rabat usually gets more rain in April than Meknes. Rabat gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Meknes receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Meknes. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In the spring, Rabat often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Meknes. Rabat gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Meknes receives 256 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Rabat is around the same temperature as Meknes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rabat in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Meknes averages at about 16°C (60°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRabat 16°C (60°F)Meknes 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Meknes and Rabat
| Rabat | Meknes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 109 mm (4.3 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.