Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Rabat?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rabat or San Juan?
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 Juan 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 Juan?
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 Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRabat $43San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Rabat is $43, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $192. 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 Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRabat $27San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRabat $54San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Rabat and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Rabat or San Juan? 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 San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rabat $2.10San Juan $14
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$3.48
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 Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $272
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $272
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $105
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
- Oneway Transfer San Juan to Ceiba: Ferry, Vieques/Culebra Airport: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan 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 $12San Juan $36
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
- City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rabat $2.83San Juan $49
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 Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Arenales Caves, Waterfall & River Swimming Adventure: $140
- Arte Boriken-Urban Art & Beach Sip & Paint Tour: $145
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Black Sand Beach- See The Southeast of Puerto Rico Private Tour: $150
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Craft Beer Private Tour in San Juan: $168
- Cruise Ship Travelers: Hike to a Hidden Puerto Rican Waterfall: $85
- Culebra Beach Day Tour with Snorkeling from San Juan by Ferry: $200
- Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRabat -San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rabat and San Juan, we can see that San Juan 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 Juan is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan 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 Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rabat or San Juan?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Rabat and San Juan, 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 Juan?
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 San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan 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 San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Rabat usually receives less rain than San Juan. Rabat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than San Juan during summer. Rabat gets 315 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Rabat is generally cooler than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Rabat average around 23°C (73°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRabat 23°C (73°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Rabat or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan 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 San Juan year-round.
San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rabat usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Rabat gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In San Juan, 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 Juan. Rabat gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
Rabat is cooler than San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRabat 20°C (67°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Rabat or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rabat and San Juan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Rabat usually receives more rain than San Juan. Rabat gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Rabat usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Rabat gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Rabat is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rabat in January average around 13°C (56°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRabat 13°C (56°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Rabat or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Rabat as well as San Juan. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Rabat usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. Rabat gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. 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 San Juan. Rabat gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
In April, Rabat is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Rabat average around 16°C (60°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRabat 16°C (60°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Rabat
| Rabat | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.