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

Should you visit Rabat or San Diego?

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 San Diego 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 San Diego?

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.

San Diego

For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, San Diego or Rabat?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Rabat is $43, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $202. 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 San Diego in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rabat $27
    San Diego $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rabat $54
    San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Rabat and San Diego

Looking for a hotel in Rabat or San Diego? 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 San Diego


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 San Diego Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rabat $2.10
    San Diego $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

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


  • Taxi to Sale
    $3.48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

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

  • Private transfer from Rabat To Chefchaouen: $285
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Fes: $274
  • Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $264
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $263
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $256
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $231
  • Private Transfer from Rabat-Sale Airport (RBA) to Casablanca: $222
  • Private Transfer From Fez To Rabat: $207
  • Private Transfer from Rabat To Fez: $207
  • One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $198
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Meknes: $197
  • Private transfer from Rabat to Casablanca: $191

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego

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

  • Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $241
  • San Diego Airport (SAN): Private Transfer to San Diego: $190
  • Private Transfer Airport Tijuana/Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada) or back.: $178
  • Private Transfer from Tijuana to Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe: $151
  • San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego hotel/address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
  • San Diego Airport (SAN) to Carlsbad - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
  • Arrival Private Transfer San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego by Executive SUV: $134
  • RoundTrip transfer in private car from-to San DiegoAirport in San Diego Downtown: $127
  • Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $121
  • Private Transfer from San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Executive SUV: $115
  • Departure Private Transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Luxury SUV: $115
  • Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Luxury SUV: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or San Diego?

Prices for flights to both San Diego 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
    San Diego $45

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: $76
  • Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $76
  • Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $76
  • Rabat Family Cooking Class: $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

Typical Food Prices in San Diego

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:


  • Mexican Lunch for Two
    $27
  • Breakfast at Starbucks
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego

For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
  • San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
  • Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
  • Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
  • San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
  • San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
  • Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
  • Guided Secret Food Tour: $103
  • Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
  • San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
  • Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rabat $2.83
    San Diego $48

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
  • Fes Full-Day Private Tour from Rabat with hotel pickup : $132
  • From Casablanca:9Days Unforgettable Desert Tour To Marrakesh: $1,924
  • From Fez : Rabat : Day Trip (Shared Group Tour): $103
  • From 4 Days 3 Nights Sahara Desert Tour: $720
  • From Tangier Guided Day Tour by High-Speed Train: $105
  • Gems of Rabat Walking Tour: $115
  • Luxury Morocco: 5-Day Private Guided Tour from Casablanca: $1,397
  • Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $83

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego

For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • San Diego Zoo
    $15
  • Sea World Parking
    $12

Tours and Activities in San Diego

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

  • Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $24
  • "Drink, Ride, Sing, & Dance!" Bar Tour (4 bars included): $33
  • 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
  • 1-Hour Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour in San Diego: $99
  • 1-Hour Voodoo Escape Room Experience in San Diego: $35
  • 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
  • 1Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $63
  • 4 Hour Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour or Rental: $87
  • A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • All Day San Diego Scenic Tour: $125
  • Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Balboa Park Puzzling Adventure: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rabat -
    San Diego $21

Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego

Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
  • History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
  • Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
  • Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
  • Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $133
  • Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
  • Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
  • Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
  • Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
  • California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
  • Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215


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


Which is Bigger, Rabat or San Diego?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of San Diego. When comparing the sizes of Rabat and San Diego, 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 San Diego?

San Diego 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 San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego and Rabat are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Rabat is around the same temperature as San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. Rabat usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during summer. Rabat gets 315 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rabat usually receives less rain than San Diego. Rabat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rabat 23°C (73°F) 
    San Diego 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Rabat or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego 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. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Rabat is around the same temperature as San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rabat in October average around 20°C (67°F), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In San Diego, 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 San Diego. Rabat gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

Rabat usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Rabat gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rabat 20°C (67°F) 
    San Diego 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Rabat or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rabat and San Diego. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Rabat is generally around the same temperature as San Diego. Daily temperatures in Rabat average around 13°C (56°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. Rabat usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Rabat gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rabat usually receives more rain than San Diego. Rabat gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rabat 13°C (56°F) 
    San Diego 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Rabat or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rabat as well as San Diego. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Rabat is around the same temperature as San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In the spring, Rabat often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Rabat gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Rabat usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Rabat gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rabat 16°C (60°F) 
    San Diego 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for San Diego and Rabat

Rabat San Diego
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (46 mm)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
May 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 67°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 71°F (22°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 68°F (20°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Nov 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)