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

Should you visit Rabat or Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of northwest Spain's Galicia region. Its famous cathedral marks the culmination of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route, and is the alleged burial site of the apostle himself. The pilgrimage route begins in the Pyrenees, 500 miles away, though travelers can decide to join the journey at certain points in between, depending on how far they want to walk and how much they want to see.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela is $97. 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 Santiago de Compostela in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rabat $27
    Santiago de Compostela $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rabat $54
    Santiago de Compostela $80
Compare Hotels in Rabat and Santiago de Compostela

Looking for a hotel in Rabat or Santiago de Compostela? 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 Santiago de Compostela


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 Santiago de Compostela Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rabat $2.10
    Santiago de Compostela $41
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 Santiago de Compostela

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago de Compostela:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela Airport to City Center by Minivan: $91
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer to SCQ Airport by Van: $91
  • Airport transfer Santiago de Compostela: $71
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from SCQ Airport to City centre: $51
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
  • Airport Transfer Santiago de Compostela: $45
  • Departure Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela to SCQ Airport by Business Car: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or Santiago de Compostela?

Prices for flights to both Santiago de Compostela 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
    Santiago de Compostela $21

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 Santiago de Compostela

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santiago de Compostela:


  • Raspberries
    $3.75
  • Ice Cream
    $2.14
  • Cookie
    $1.07
  • Kebab
    $7.77
  • Dinner & Tapas (for 2)
    $29
  • Tuna Empanada
    $3.75
  • Fruit Shake
    $3.75
  • Crepe
    $4.29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rabat $2.84
    Santiago de Compostela $41

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 Santiago de Compostela

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

  • 5-day Private Tour Northern Spain (from Bilbao or Santiago): $5,294
  • Christmas Enchantment: Walking Tour in Compostela: $459
  • Complete Santiago Tour with tickets- Full experience in 4H: $48
  • Excursion to Finisterre, Muxia and Cabo Vilan With Boat Cruise : $59
  • Exploration of Compostela Walking Tour for Families: $352
  • Exploring Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour for Couples: $352
  • Finisterre y Costa da Morte el tour más completo desde Santiago: $53
  • From Santiago: Finisterre Lighthouse Sunset Tour: $36
  • From Santiago: Fuciño do Porco Hiking Tour: $80
  • From Santiago: Rías Baixas Galicia Seafood & Wine Day Tour: $59
  • From Santiago: Ribeira Sacra Tour & Boat Trip: $61
  • Full-Day Excursion to Santiago from A Coruña- Cruisers Only: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rabat -
    Santiago de Compostela $24

Typical Alcohol Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santiago de Compostela from other travelers:


  • 1 Pint Beer
    $2.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago de Compostela

Also in Santiago de Compostela, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $31
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $32
  • Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $33
  • Premium Porto Santiago Compostela tour lunch & wine tasting: $214


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


Which is Bigger, Rabat or Santiago de Compostela?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Rabat and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rabat as well as Santiago de Compostela. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Rabat is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In the summer, Rabat often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Rabat gets 315 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Rabat usually gets less rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Rabat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rabat 23°C (73°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

Both Santiago de Compostela 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, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Rabat is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rabat in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Rabat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. In October, Rabat usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Rabat gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rabat 20°C (67°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

Both Santiago de Compostela 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Rabat is generally a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Rabat average around 13°C (56°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Rabat often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Rabat gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rabat usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Rabat gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rabat 13°C (56°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rabat and Santiago de Compostela. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

Rabat is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Rabat gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rabat usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Rabat gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rabat 16°C (60°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Rabat

Rabat Santiago de Compostela
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 15°C (58°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (67°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in) 11°C (52°F) 128 mm (5 in)