Which place is cheaper, Merzouga or Rabat?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rabat or Merzouga?
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 Merzouga 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 Merzouga?
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.
Merzouga
Let's say you want to truly get away. I don't mean putting your ear buds in on some beach with a stronger on the next chair over. I mean really get away, and find yourself deserted. Merzouga, Morocco lets you do just that. This land of sand dune after sand dune is ideal for anyone yearning to ride a camel to the ends of civilization. And you'll find plenty of options to get here with a tour, or even on your own.
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 $44Merzouga $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Rabat is $44, while the average daily cost in Merzouga is $17. 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 Merzouga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRabat $27Merzouga $10
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRabat $54Merzouga $20
Compare Hotels in Rabat and Merzouga
Looking for a hotel in Rabat or Merzouga? 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 Merzouga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rabat $2.10Merzouga -
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:
- Transfer Rabat to Salé: $22
- Transfer Rabat to Rabat Airport: $22
- Private Transfer from Rabat Sale Airport to Rabat Medina : $25
- Private Transfer from or to Salé and Rabat: $26
- 1-Way Private Transfer to or from Rabat Airport: $31
- Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $31
- Private Transfer from Rabat Sale Airport to Rabat City: $41
- Private Transfer from Rabat City to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $43
- Rabat Private Airport Transfer: $53
- Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport Private Transfer: $54
- Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport : Private Transfer: $59
- Private transfer: from Casablanca to Rabat: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or Merzouga?
Prices for flights to both Merzouga 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 $12Merzouga $5.92
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: $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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merzouga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Merzouga.
- One Night in Private Camp in the Sahara Desert in Merzouga with Dinner: $65
- Camel trek with 1 Night in Luxury camp with Dinner+ Sundbording: $87
- Visit The Nomads, Gnawa Music, Rally In Dunes, Berber Pizza : $103
- Overnight in Luxury Camp With camel Trek & Dinner: $108
- From Fes: 2-Day Merzouga Desert Trip w/Luxury Tent & Dinner: $119
- From Fes: 2-Day Merzouga Desert Trip(Luxury Tent & Dinner): $125
- 2 Nights Private Camp in Merzouga with Dinner and Camel Ride: $200
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rabat $2.84Merzouga -
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: $42
- Rabat tour ;Small Group Guided Walking tour in the City of Light: $43
- Private Surf Experience in Rabat: $44
- Private Boat Tour of the Bouregreg River, a Traditional Boat: $45
- Private Walking Guided Cultural Stroll with Licensed Tour Expert: $53
- Private Guided City Walking Tour: $62
- 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
- Private Boat Exploration Tour in Rabat: $65
- Private Guided Tour in Rabat City: $76
- Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
Tours and Activities in Merzouga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Merzouga are as follows:
- Berber Experience Private Sahara Desert Day Trip: $80
- Private Adventure to Merzouga Risani from Erfoud : $141
- Private Desert Tour and Visit to Nomadic Families: $98
- 1 Hour Merzouga Desert Buggy Experience: $139
- 1 Hour Merzouga Desert Quad Biking Tour: $64
- 1 Night Camel Trekking Tour in Merzouga Desert Camp : $60
- 2 Hours Merzouga Desert Quad Bike Adventure: $114
- 2 hours Merzouga ATV Rental - Desert Quad Biking Tour: $125
- 2-Day Desert Tour with Return to Marrakech: $181
- 3 Days Private Desert Tour in Merzouga with ATV and Sandboarding : $261
- 3 Days Tour From Marrakech To Sahara Desert Of Merzouga: $107
- 3 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga with Luxury Camp: $217
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRabat -Merzouga -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rabat and Merzouga, we can see that Rabat is more expensive. And not only is Merzouga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Merzouga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Merzouga 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 Rabat would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rabat than you might in Merzouga.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rabat Expensive? and Is Merzouga Expensive?.
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.