A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tangier vs. Barcelona for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tangier or Barcelona?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tangier and Barcelona 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: Tangier or Barcelona?

Tangier

Welcome to the gateway to Africa. Sitting on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier, Morocco has historically served as the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Africa.

After World War II, this city became a destination for eccentric foreigners, artists, spies and hippies. After that, the city was neglected and gained a horrible reputation for the hustlers cheating visitors left and right.

In 1999 Morocco saw the beginning of a new monarch who was more progressive with his vision for tourism. This message lit a fire under Tangier, helping the people see the amazing potential in their great city. They built a new port, a new business district and revamped the airport. The beaches and streets have been cleaned up of trash and hustlers and there's a sudden surge in cultural activities.

Barcelona

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Barcelona or Tangier?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tangier is $61, while the average daily cost in Barcelona is $167. 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 Tangier and Barcelona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tangier $23
    Barcelona $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tangier $46
    Barcelona $206
Compare Hotels in Tangier and Barcelona

Looking for a hotel in Tangier or Barcelona? 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 Tangier


Hotels in Barcelona


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: Tangier Hotel Prices and Barcelona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tangier $23
    Barcelona $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tangier

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

  • Private Transfer From Ferry Port to Tangier or Vice Versa: $19
  • Tangier Airport Transfers: $23
  • Tangier Private Transfers: $23
  • One-way Luxury Tangier Airport or Port Transfer: $24
  • Private Transfer to Tangier from Tangier City Port : $25
  • Private Transfer to Tangier City from Airport or Vice Versa: $25
  • Private Airport Transfers: $25
  • Airport Transfer to Tanger City : $26
  • Transfers from - to Tangier airport: $27
  • Private Transfer : Tangier Airport (TNG) ⇆ Tangier City: $28
  • Transfer Tangier Airport to Tangier City: $33
  • Vip Private Transfer From Airport / Port to Tangier or Vice Versa: $34

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:


  • 10 Trip Metro Ticket
    $8.36
  • Airport Bus
    $5.36
  • Metro
    $2.25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:

  • Private Transfer Barcelona - Benidorm: $524
  • Private Transfer from Barcelona city to Harbor up to 15 people: $300
  • Private Transfer from Barcelona to Figueres: $293
  • Barcelona Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport to PortAventura hotels: $290
  • transfer with wheelchair Accessible from Bcn airport/ port/city: $285
  • Private Transfer from Barcelona to Girona City (or vice versa): $284
  • Private Transfer Tarragona Port to Barcelona/Hotels: $283
  • Montserrat RoundTrip Transfer with lunch: $282
  • Private Transfer from Barcelona to Tarragona Cruise Terminal: $281
  • Barcelona to Andorra Private Transfer: $272
  • Private Transfer from Barcelona to Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar: $262
  • Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport to Port Aventura: $262

Is it cheaper to fly into Tangier or Barcelona?

Prices for flights to both Barcelona and Tangier 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
    Tangier $20
    Barcelona $35
Typical Food Prices in Tangier

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tangier:


  • Fruit & Yogurt
    $1.69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tangier

For Tangier, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3 Hour Private Moroccan Food Tour in Tanger : $49
  • Tanger Local Street food tours: $60
  • Tangier Private Cooking Class With a Local Family: $66
  • Tangier Food Tour with a certified local guide!: $67
  • Tangier food tour with Rababe: $71
  • Tangier food tour : $71
  • Tangier Food Tour with a certified guide!: $71
  • Morocco Food Cooking Class and Tangier City Tour: $71
  • Moroccan 3-in-1 Cooking Experience: $75
  • Moroccan 3 in 1 Cooking Experience: $76
  • The Food tour of Tangier: $76
  • Inclusive Beach Camel Ride, Cap Spartel, Hercules & Full Dinner: $80

Typical Food Prices in Barcelona

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


  • Hot Cocoa & Churro
    $4.45
  • Sandwich
    $1.82
  • Baguette & Horchata
    $4.07
  • Tapas on the beach
    $8.88
  • Gelatto
    $2.68

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona

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

  • Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $21
  • Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $21
  • Flamenco at El Patio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $27
  • Walking Tour + Flamenco + Tapas Dinner (choose options): $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • La Barceloneta: Tapas Food Tour: $37
  • Barcelona La Barceloneta Tapas Food Tour: $38
  • Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $43
  • Boqueria Market & Barrio Gotico Street Food Tour: $56
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas 5-Course Pairing Dinner: $59
  • Paella Cooking Experience & Wine: $59
  • Paella Cooking Experience and Wine in Barcelona: $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tangier $20
    Barcelona $36

Tours and Activities in Tangier

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

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus: $14
  • Tangier City Tour Bus Hop On - Hop Off: $14
  • From Marrakesh: Discover Essaouira Full-Day Tour: $17
  • Tangier Stroll: Public Guided Tour: $17
  • Tangier walking tour: $17
  • Tangier Private Walking Tour with a Guide: $25
  • Tangier Private Walking Tour: $26
  • Tangier Guided Walking Experience: $26
  • Touristic guide: $28
  • Walking Tour Tangier Medina: $31
  • 3 Hours Tangier walking Tour in Old Medina,Kasbah & berber market: $31
  • Tangier Highlights Tour: Exploring the Cultural Gems: $31

Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass
    $45
  • Souvenir Gaudi Book
    $9.16
  • Admission to Museo Picasso
    $6.43

Tours and Activities in Barcelona

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

  • Barcelona Christmas Walking Tour: $29
  • Cruise into Barcelona? Get the Most out of Your Visit!: $117
  • Dali Museum, Besalu & Girona Tour from Barcelona by Fast Train : $120
  • Girona and Costa Brava with Lunch: VIP Small Group Tour: $16
  • Montserrat Mountains Half - Day Private Tour - From Barcelona : $261
  • Private Guides Barcelona Tour with Skip The Line in Cathedral: $217
  • Private Mountain Bike Tour in Barcelona: $33
  • Sagrada Familia "Fast Track" Guided Tour in Barcelona: $106
  • Sagrada Familia Bike Tour in Small Group: $86
  • Sagrada Familia Comedy Tour: $3.26
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Legends of the Gothic Quarter: $10
  • Skip The Line - Early Picasso Museum and Born Neighborhood: $56

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tangier $11
    Barcelona $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:

  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by King - Bar & Nightclub Hopping Tour: $14
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Nightlife Party Experience: $16
  • Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $16
  • Night Pub Crawl Tour in Barcelona: $16
  • Barcelona Bar Crawl: 4+ Venues, Free shots, Free Club Entry: $19
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Tour with Tasting: $21
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $22
  • Nightlife Tour - Barcelona Bar Crawl with Flamingos: $23
  • Barcelona Bar Crawl: $26
  • Barcelona Weekend Pub Crawl with 1.5 hour open bar@Hostel: $27
  • Catalan Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour & VIP Club Entry: $29
  • Barcelona Art & Wine Tour: $31


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tangier and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. And not only is Tangier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tangier is in Africa and Barcelona 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 Tangier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tangier 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona than you might in Tangier.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tangier Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tangier or Barcelona?

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

Barcelona has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tangier experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Tangier or Barcelona in the Summer?

Both Barcelona and Tangier during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

Tangier is around the same temperature as Barcelona in the summer. The daily temperature in Tangier averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tangier. In the summer, Tangier often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Tangier gets 346 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

Tangier usually gets less rain in July than Barcelona. Tangier gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tangier 24°C (74°F) 
    Barcelona 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Tangier or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tangier and Barcelona. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tangier year-round. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tangier is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tangier in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Barcelona averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Tangier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tangier usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Tangier gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tangier usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Tangier gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tangier 20°C (68°F) 
    Barcelona 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Tangier or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tangier as well as Barcelona. Tangier attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Tangier is generally a little warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Tangier average around 13°C (55°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Tangier often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Tangier gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.

Tangier receives a lot of rain in the winter. Tangier usually gets more rain in January than Barcelona. Tangier gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tangier 13°C (55°F) 
    Barcelona 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Tangier or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Tangier are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Tangier is a little warmer than Barcelona in the spring. The daily temperature in Tangier averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tangier. Tangier usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Tangier gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tangier usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Tangier gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tangier 15°C (60°F) 
    Barcelona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Tangier

Tangier Barcelona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 13°C (56°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)