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

Should you visit Rabat or Montpellier?

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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier?

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.

Montpellier

Montpellier is the 8th largest city of France, and also has been the fastest growing city in the country over the past 25 years. Graceful and easy-going, Montpellier is a stylish metropolis with elegant buildings, grand hotels, private mansions, stately boulevards and shady backstreets, and gorgeous white-sand beaches on its doorstep. Unlike many southern towns, Montpellier has no Roman heritage. Instead it was founded in the 10th century by the counts of Toulouse and later became a prosperous trading port as well as a scholarly center - Europe's first medical school was established here in the 12th century. The population swelled in the 1960s when many French settlers left independent Algeria and relocated here, and it's now France's fastest-growing city and one of its most multicultural areas. Students make up over a third of the population, giving it a spirited vibe.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier 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 Montpellier is $126. 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 Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rabat $27
    Montpellier $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rabat $54
    Montpellier $148
Compare Hotels in Rabat and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Rabat or Montpellier? 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 Montpellier


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 Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rabat $2.10
    Montpellier $28
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 To Fez: $109
  • One-Way Transfer from Fez to Rabat via volubilis & meknes : $196
  • One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez : $154
  • One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $196
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Asilah: $272
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Bouznika: $87
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Kenitra: $109
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $254
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Skhirat: $76
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Temara: $65
  • Private Transfer from Rabat City to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $44
  • Private Transfer from Rabat Sale Airport to Rabat City: $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier 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
    Montpellier $33

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 Montpellier

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montpellier.

  • Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $93
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
  • Cooking workshop: $106
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rabat $2.84
    Montpellier $13

Tours and Activities in Rabat

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.

  • Guided Bike Tour: $1.55
  • SUP Adventure Rabat (kayaking, stand up paddle , boating) VIP: $15
  • Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $43
  • Private Surf Experience in Rabat: $44
  • Rabat tour ;Small Group Guided Walking tour in the City of Light: $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 Guided Tour in Rabat: $65
  • Private Guided Tour in Rabat City: $76
  • Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

Here are a few actual costs in Montpellier for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Highlights of Sète : history, food and wine experience: $174
  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • Montpellier - Private Historic Walking tour: $428
  • Montpellier Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Montpellier Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $270
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • Personalized Day-Tour of the South of France: $1,059
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rabat -
    Montpellier $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier

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

  • The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
  • Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353


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


Which is Bigger, Rabat or Montpellier?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Rabat and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?

Montpellier 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 Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rabat as well as Montpellier. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In the summer, Rabat often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Rabat gets 315 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Rabat usually gets less rain in July than Montpellier. Rabat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Rabat or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Rabat are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Montpellier in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Rabat is generally a little warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Rabat average around 20°C (67°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Rabat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In October, Rabat usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Rabat gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rabat 20°C (67°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Rabat during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Rabat is much warmer than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 13°C (56°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Rabat often gets more sunshine than Montpellier. Rabat gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Rabat usually gets more rain in January than Montpellier. Rabat gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rabat 13°C (56°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rabat and Montpellier. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Rabat is a little warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rabat in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Rabat gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rabat usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Rabat gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rabat 16°C (60°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Rabat

Rabat Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)