Which place is cheaper, Santillana or Rabat?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rabat or Santillana?
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 Santillana 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 Santillana?
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.
Santillana
A quaint town outside of Santander in northern Spain, Santillana de Mar is renowned for its medieval architecture. One of Spain's prettiest villages, Santillana del Mar and its cobbled streets are lined with palaces, churches, and balconies full of flowers. There are plenty of traditional shops selling local specialties, and it is nearby the UNESCO world heritage site of the Altamira Caves for something a little different.
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 $44Santillana $112
The average daily cost (per person) in Rabat is $44, while the average daily cost in Santillana is $112. 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 Santillana in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRabat $27Santillana $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRabat $54Santillana $128
Compare Hotels in Rabat and Santillana
Looking for a hotel in Rabat or Santillana? 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 Santillana Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rabat $2.10Santillana $18
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 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or Santillana?
Prices for flights to both Santillana 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 $12Santillana $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 Santillana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santillana:
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Breakfast$7.50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rabat $2.84Santillana $24
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 Santillana
Here are a few actual costs in Santillana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Memorable Family Walking Tour in Ancient Santillana del Mar: $428
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRabat -Santillana $4.59
Sample the Local Flavors in Santillana
Also in Santillana, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Santillana Uncorked: A Wine Tasting Adventure: $1,022
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rabat and Santillana, we can see that Santillana 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 Santillana 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 Santillana would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santillana 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 Santillana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rabat or Santillana?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 410 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Rabat and Santillana, 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 Santillana?
Santillana 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 Santillana in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Rabat as well as Santillana. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Rabat is a little warmer than Santillana in the summer. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Santillana fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santillana. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In the summer, Rabat often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Rabat gets 315 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 213 hours of full sun.
Rabat usually gets less rain in July than Santillana. Rabat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRabat 23°C (73°F)Santillana 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Rabat or Santillana in the Autumn?
Both Santillana and Rabat are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.
In the autumn, Rabat is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rabat in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Santillana averages at about 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during autumn. Rabat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Santillana. In October, Rabat usually receives less rain than Santillana. Rabat gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRabat 20°C (67°F)Santillana 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Rabat or Santillana in the Winter?
Both Santillana 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.
In January, Rabat is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Rabat average around 13°C (56°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
In the winter, Rabat often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Rabat gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 91 hours of full sun.
Santillana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rabat usually gets less rain in January than Santillana. Rabat gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRabat 13°C (56°F)Santillana 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Rabat or Santillana in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rabat and Santillana. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.
Rabat is a little warmer than Santillana in the spring. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Santillana fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during spring. Rabat gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.
Santillana receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Rabat usually receives less rain than Santillana. Rabat gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRabat 16°C (60°F)Santillana 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Santillana and Rabat
| Rabat | Santillana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 157 mm (6.2 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.