Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Rabat?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra 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: Sintra or Rabat?
Sintra
Located just 28 kilometers from Lisbon, Sintra is a town that was, for a long time, home to Portuguese royalty leading up to the 1910 revolution. In town you will find a Royal Palace and in the surrounding area there is a Moorish Castle, and the Pena Palace, which dates back to the 19th century. The town is on the Estoril Coast near the Sintra Mountains, making its setting very dramatic, beautiful and picturesque. The surrounding hills are actually designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because they offer a great combination of both cultural importance and natural beauty.
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 Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, 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 daySintra €115Rabat €41
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Rabat is €41. 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 Sintra and Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Rabat €25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Rabat €50
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Sintra 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.
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: Sintra Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Rabat €1.97
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $513
- Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
- Tours and Transfers: $89
- Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
- Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
- Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
- Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
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€3.27
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat and Sintra 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 daySintra €42Rabat €12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.
- Private Portuguese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Lisbon Local: $220
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Rabat €2.66
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
- E-Bike Rental Self Guide Tour in Sintra and Cabo da Roca : $64
- Half Day Private Wine and Traditional Tile Making Tour: $157
- 1h sight seeing - Sintra Mountain Tour (price per car) - max 4persons: $119
- 2 Hour Private Picnic and Photoshoot Experience in Lisbon area: $149
- 2 Hours Romantic experience for two by sailboat in Cascais: $297
- 2 hours Private Sailing Experience in Cascais: $297
- 3 Hour Sintra Village and Beaches Tuktuk Tour: $125
- 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $171
- 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $153
- 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $153
- Amazing Sintra tour: $91
- Cascais Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $260
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Rabat -
Sample the Local Flavors in Sintra
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sintra:
- Half-Day Tour in Cascais / Sintra with Brunch and Wine Tasting: $60
- Hiking and Wine Tasting Experience: $71
- Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $82
- Wine Tasting Tour: $82
- Private tour wine tasting in Setubal: $96
- Excursion from Lisbon to Setúbal: Nature, Beach and Wine Tasting: $125
- Private Tour Sétubal, Palmela, Arrábida with wine tasting: $175
- Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
- From Lisbon Private Tour to Porto with Port Wine Tasting: $235
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Rabat, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sintra 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 Sintra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sintra 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 Sintra Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Rabat?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra 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 Sintra or Rabat?
Sintra 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 Sintra or Rabat in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Rabat. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.
In the summer, Sintra is around the same temperature as Rabat. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Rabat averages at about 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Rabat. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in July than Rabat. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Rabat 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Rabat in the Autumn?
Both Rabat and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Rabat. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Rabat. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Rabat 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Rabat in the Winter?
Both Rabat and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.
Sintra is cooler than Rabat in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Rabat. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Rabat 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Rabat in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Rabat. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Sintra is around the same temperature as Rabat. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Rabat averages at about 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rabat. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Rabat 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Rabat and Sintra
| Sintra | Rabat | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 102 mm (4 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.