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

Should you visit Riga or Rabat?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Riga or Rabat? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Riga or Rabat?

Riga

Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.

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.

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


Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Riga?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €104, while the average daily cost in Rabat is €40. 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 Riga and Rabat in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Riga 53
    Rabat 25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Riga 106
    Rabat 50
Compare Hotels in Riga and Rabat

Looking for a hotel in Riga or Rabat? 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 Riga


Hotels in Rabat


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: Riga Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Riga 15
    Rabat 1.95

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:

  • Riga - Tallin: Transfer and Tour through beautiful landmarks: $490
  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $462
  • From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $429
  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn: $344
  • Transfer from Riga International Airport to Downtown: $269
  • From Transfer to Tallinn with Turaida Museum Reserve: $231
  • From Vilnius: One-Way Private Transfer to Riga: $183
  • From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $151
  • Riga Private Mercedes Benz Airport Transfer: $139
  • Riga Gun Experience: Roundtrip Transfer and 4 Firearms: $132
  • Riga Private Mercedes Benz Airport Transfer: $108
  • Private transfer Riga - Hill of Crosses - Riga: $104

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

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


  • Taxi to Sale
    3.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

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

  • Transfer Rabat to Salé: $22
  • Private Transfer from or to Salé and Rabat: $24
  • Private Transfer from Rabat Sale Airport to Rabat Medina : $25
  • 1-Way Private Transfer to or from Rabat Airport: $31
  • Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $32
  • Private Transfer from Rabat Sale Airport to Rabat City: $42
  • Private Transfer from Rabat City to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $44
  • Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport Private Transfer: $55
  • Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport : Private Transfer: $59
  • Rabat to Casablanca Private Transfer: $65
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Temara: $66
  • Rabat To Casablanca Luxury transfer: $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Rabat?

Prices for flights to both Rabat and Riga 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
    Riga 33
    Rabat 11
Typical Food Prices in Riga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:


  • Fast Food Lunch
    5.77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.

  • Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $42
  • Unique Food Tour: $52
  • Medieval Guided Tour & Three-Course Dinner Experience: $97
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $114
  • Private Cooking Master Class In The Latvian Family : $131
  • Taste Market Tour & Cooking Masterclass: $139
  • Cooking Experience with Chef: Learn & Dine: $140
  • Latvian Food: Cooking Masterclass with a Chef: $153

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Riga 21
    Rabat 2.63

Tours and Activities in Riga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:

  • The best of Bauska walking tour: $75
  • 1 Day Riga Sightseeing Red Bus Grand Tour: $27
  • 2 Day Gastronomy Tour In Latgale : $241
  • 2.5-Hour Riga Cruiser Bike Tour: $41
  • 5 Hour Shared Tour to Hill of Crosses from Riga: $82
  • ATV Quad Off Road or City Tour in Riga: $142
  • Art Nouveau Walking Tour in Riga: $65
  • Baltic Treasures Tour: Hill of Crosses, Rundale & Bauska: $153
  • Beer Bike Experience : $36
  • Best of Riga Walking Tour: $182
  • Best of Riga Walking Tour - Highlights and Hidden Gems: $66
  • City:canal:tour: $22

Tours and Activities in Rabat

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

  • SUP Adventure Rabat (kayaking, stand up paddle , boating) VIP: $15
  • Rabat old Medina ,Hassan Tower and Kasbah Oudaya Walking tour : $40
  • Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $43
  • 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 Boat Guided Tour in Rabat: $60
  • Private Guided City Walking Tour: $62
  • 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
  • Private Guided Boat Tour in Rabat: $70
  • Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
  • Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Riga 20
    Rabat -

Sample the Local Flavors in Riga

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

  • Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $25
  • Pub Crawl in Riga: $33
  • Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $37
  • Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $38
  • Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $54
  • Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl: $55
  • Latvian Wine Tasting & Monk Show: $75
  • Old Town Sightseeing & Latvian Wine Tasting with Show: $97
  • Riga Wine Tasting Session: $103
  • Riga Pub Crawl & Party Bus Tour: $526
  • Yacht Tour with Medieval Banquet and Wine Tasting: $3,341


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Rabat, we can see that Riga is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Riga is in Europe and Rabat is in Africa, 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 Riga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Riga 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 Riga Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Riga or Rabat?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Rabat, 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 Riga or Rabat?

Riga 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 Riga or Rabat in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Rabat. Many visitors come to Riga in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.

Riga is cooler than Rabat in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Rabat fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Rabat. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Riga 17°C (63°F) 
    Rabat 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Riga or Rabat in the Autumn?

Both Rabat and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Riga is much colder than Rabat. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Rabat averages at about 20°C (67°F).

In October, Riga usually receives more rain than Rabat. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Riga 7°C (45°F) 
    Rabat 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Riga or Rabat in the Winter?

Both Rabat and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Riga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.

The weather in Riga can be very cold. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Rabat. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Riga -5°C (23°F) 
    Rabat 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Riga or Rabat in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Rabat. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Riga is much colder than Rabat in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Rabat fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Rabat. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Riga 5°C (42°F) 
    Rabat 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Rabat and Riga

Riga Rabat
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in)