Should I Visit Rabat or Ouarzazate for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Rabat or Ouarzazate?

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 Ouarzazate 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 Ouarzazate?

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.

Ouarzazate

Morocco can be quite an energetic country, but if you're looking for more of a quiet getaway, consider Ouarzazate. Small by Moroccan standards, this town is built up mostly around a main street – the Avenue Mohammad V. Ouarzazate. The name "Ouarzazate" comes from the Berber language meaning "without noise" or "without confusion." It was once a crossroad for a African traders traveling to northern cities in Morocco and Europe. Today, Ouarzazate is the largest town in the Moroccan Sahara, and its central location serves as a good home base touring the rest of Morocco.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Ouarzazate or Rabat?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Rabat Prices
Morocco Prices

Ouarzazate Prices
Morocco Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Rabat $52

Ouarzazate $54

The average daily cost (per person) in Rabat is $52, while the average daily cost in Ouarzazate is $54. 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 Ouarzazate in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Rabat $27

Ouarzazate $21
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Rabat $54

Ouarzazate $42

Compare Hotels in Rabat and Ouarzazate

Looking for a hotel in Rabat or Ouarzazate? 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 Ouarzazate Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Rabat $2.09

Ouarzazate $3.37

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:

Taxi to Sale

$3.47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

"Rabat to Marrakech Private Transfer: Smooth and Comfortable": $140
One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $189
Private Departure Transfer from Rabat to Casablanca Airport: $47
Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $15
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Asilah: $261
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Bouznika: $84
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Casablanca: $157
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $251
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Kenitra: $105
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $244
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Meknes: $188
Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Skhirat: $73

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ouarzazate

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ouarzazate are as follows:

Taxi Ride

$1.98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ouarzazate

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ouarzazate:

Private Transfer between Ouarzazate & Marrakech: $310
Private Transfert Between Marrakech & Ouarzazate: $170
"Ouarzazate to Marrakech: Your Comfortable Private Transfer": $115
Ouarzazate Airport: Private Transfer: $41
Private Ouarzazate Airport Transfer: $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or Ouarzazate?

Prices for flights to both Ouarzazate 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 $21

Ouarzazate $28

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 ): $47
Small Group Cooking Classes with Tour of Rabat old medina : $50
Rabat Restaurant Cooking Class: $62
cooking classe near the medina of rabat with local chefs : $63
Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $65
Rabat Family Cooking Class: $68
Walking Food Tour: $73
Cooking Class in a Family Home: $75
Night Tour River Sunset Boat Ride & Moroccan Dinner: $102
Rabat Night Tour with River Sunset Boat Ride & Moroccan Dinner : $103
Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Rabat with a Local Family: $110
Gourmet Cooking Class in Rabat: $189

Typical Food Prices in Ouarzazate

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Ouarzazate:

Dinner for Two

$11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ouarzazate

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

Private Berber Cooking Class at Fint Oasis with Lunch: $42
Oases Fint Tour With Dinner: $63
Zagora 2 Days Sahara Desert Tour with Dinner and Desert Camp: $78

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Rabat $2.82

Ouarzazate $10

Tours and Activities in Rabat

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

Savory Home-Cooked Meal and Experience Moroccan Hospitality: $29
Walking Tour Rabat, City of lights by night : $30
Private Half-Day Exploration Tour of Rabat in a Green Taxi: $31
Private Traditional Hammam Experience in Rabat Medina: $31
private Tour between the monuments of Rabat City : $42
Rabat tour ;Small Group Guided Walking tour in the City of Light: $42
Car tour in Rabat: $44
Private Boat Tour of the Bouregreg River, a Traditional Boat: $45
Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $51
Rabat Shopping Tour: $52
Private Walking Guided Cultural Stroll with Licensed Tour Expert: $53
Rabat old Medina ,Hassan Tower and Kasbah Oudaya Walking tour : $53

Tours and Activities in Ouarzazate

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

1 Hour Horse Riding Adventure in Ait Ben Haddou: $26
3 Days - 2 Nights Desert Tour From Marrakech with Camel Ride: $80
3 Days Group Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert: $104
3-Day Desert Adventure: Ouarzazate to Merzouga: $100
4 day Fantastic Desert Tour From Fes To Marrakech via desert: $466
4 days desert tour from marrakech to merzouga dunes: $228
5-Day Morocco Desert Tour From Marrakech: $765
7 night 8 day Casablanca morocco tour via merzouga: $1,515
Ait-Ben-Haddou - City Tour: $21
Casablanca: 6 Days Tour Blue City, Fes, Desert & Marrakech: $1,087
Fes: 3-Day Desert Tour to Merzouga,Ouarzazate and Marrakech: $205
From Agadir : 4-Day Private Desert Tour To Zagora & Merzouga: $574

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Rabat -

Ouarzazate -

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Rabat and Ouarzazate, we can see that Ouarzazate 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 Ouarzazate Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rabat or Ouarzazate?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ouarzazate. When comparing the sizes of Rabat and Ouarzazate, 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.

A Travel Price Comparison for Morocco Rabat vs. Ouarzazate for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Rabat or Ouarzazate?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Rabat or Ouarzazate?

Rabat

Ouarzazate

Which place is cheaper, Ouarzazate or Rabat?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Rabat and Ouarzazate

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ouarzazate

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ouarzazate

Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or Ouarzazate?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat

Typical Food Prices in Ouarzazate

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ouarzazate

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Rabat

Tours and Activities in Ouarzazate

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Rabat or Ouarzazate?

Related Articles for Rabat

Related Articles for Ouarzazate

A Travel Price Comparison for Morocco Rabat vs. Ouarzazate for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Rabat or Ouarzazate?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Rabat or Ouarzazate?

Rabat

Ouarzazate

Which place is cheaper, Ouarzazate or Rabat?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Rabat and Ouarzazate

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ouarzazate

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ouarzazate

Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or Ouarzazate?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat

Typical Food Prices in Ouarzazate

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ouarzazate

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Rabat

Tours and Activities in Ouarzazate

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Rabat or Ouarzazate?

Related Articles for Rabat

Related Articles for Ouarzazate

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