Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Rabat?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rabat or San Sebastian?
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 Sebastian 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 Sebastian?
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 Sebastian
San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRabat $44San Sebastian $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Rabat is $44, while the average daily cost in San Sebastian is $96. 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 Sebastian in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRabat $27San Sebastian $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRabat $54San Sebastian $86
Compare Hotels in Rabat and San Sebastian
Looking for a hotel in Rabat or San Sebastian? 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 Sebastian Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rabat $2.10San Sebastian $15
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:
- Private Transfer from Rabat to Rabat Salé Airport: $22
- Transfer Rabat to Salé: $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 Sale Airport to Rabat City: $41
- Private Transfer from Rabat City to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $44
- Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport Private Transfer: $55
- Private transfer: from Casablanca to Rabat: $59
- Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport : Private Transfer: $59
- Rabat to Casablanca Private Transfer: $64
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Temara: $65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Vitoria: $291
- San Sebastián-Bilbao city or airport private transfer: $273
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Bilbao Airport: $268
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Bilbao: $268
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $247
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $245
- Private Transfer from the Airport to San Sebastian City: $84
Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or San Sebastian?
Prices for flights to both San Sebastian 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 Sebastian $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
Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:
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Dinner for 2$59
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Lunch for 2$11
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Lunch for 2$34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Sebastian.
- San Sebastian Walking and Food Tour: $104
- Insider Best Culinary Gems Guided Food Tour in San Sebastian: $109
- Basque Cuisine Cooking Class with Market Visit: $148
- Full Day San Sebastian Food Tour : $150
- I travel for Food Tour in San Sebastian: $152
- Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Old Town: $152
- Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $158
- Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $213
- Food tour in San Sebastian and Visit to a Gastronomical Club: $224
- History and flavors of San Sebastian for Dinner with Eskerne Falcón: $235
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rabat $2.84San Sebastian $36
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:
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Valle de los Caídos Monument$6.43
Tours and Activities in San Sebastian
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Sebastian are as follows:
- Biarritz & La Côte Basque Private tour: $246
- Biarritz and French Coast Small Grop Tour from San Sebastian: $86
- Bilbao city and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $164
- Chef-Led Market Tour & Pintxo Lunch: $163
- Chef-Led Walking Pintxo Tour of San Sebastián : $272
- Cider House Experience From San Sebastian: $120
- City tour, bike ride: $45
- City tour, by electric bicycle: $50
- Coastal "Winery Camino Trail" Walking Tour from San Sebastian: $186
- Electric scooter city tour: $45
- Evening Pintxo-Tapas Tour with Discover San Sebastian: $191
- Exclusive Private Pintxos Adventure with Premium Spanish Wines": $175
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRabat -San Sebastian $21
Sample the Local Flavors in San Sebastian
Also in San Sebastian, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening): $141
- Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian: $148
- Best quality food & wine tasting tour in San Sebastian. : $191
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $240
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $251
- Full Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch from San Sebastian Private Tour: $298
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rabat and San Sebastian, we can see that San Sebastian 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 Sebastian 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 San Sebastian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Sebastian 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 Sebastian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rabat or San Sebastian?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Rabat and San Sebastian, 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 Sebastian?
San Sebastian 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 Sebastian in the Summer?
Both San Sebastian and Rabat during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
Rabat is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In San Sebastian, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Rabat. In the summer, Rabat often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Rabat gets 315 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.
Rabat usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Rabat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRabat 23°C (73°F)San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Rabat or San Sebastian in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rabat and San Sebastian. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.
In the autumn, Rabat is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rabat in October average around 20°C (67°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Rabat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.
San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Rabat usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Rabat gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRabat 20°C (67°F)San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Rabat or San Sebastian in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Rabat as well as San Sebastian. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Rabat is generally much warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Rabat average around 13°C (56°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In the winter, Rabat often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Rabat gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Rabat usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Rabat gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRabat 13°C (56°F)San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Rabat or San Sebastian in the Spring?
Both San Sebastian and Rabat are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the spring for the beaches.
Rabat is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Rabat gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In April, Rabat usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Rabat gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRabat 16°C (60°F)San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Rabat
| Rabat | San Sebastian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 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.