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

Should you visit Tangier or Cape Town?

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 Cape Town 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 Cape Town?

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.

Cape Town

Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.

Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.

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 Camping Tours in South Africa, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa.


Which place is cheaper, Cape Town 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 Cape Town is $96. 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 Cape Town in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tangier $23
    Cape Town $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tangier $46
    Cape Town $76
Compare Hotels in Tangier and Cape Town

Looking for a hotel in Tangier or Cape Town? 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 Cape Town


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 Cape Town Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tangier $23
    Cape Town $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tangier

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

  • transfers from Tangier Airport, port or city to Fez (Door to Door): $146
  • Vip Private Transfer From Airport/Port to Tangier Vice Versa: $36
  • Vip Private Transfer From Airport / Port to Tangier or Vice Versa: $34
  • VIP transfer from Tangier to Chefchaouen or vice versa: $198
  • VIP Private Transfer from Tanger Airport / Port to Hotel Vice Versa: $38
  • Transfers from Tangier to chefchaouen "blue city": $71
  • Transfers from - to Tangier airport: $27
  • Transfers From Tangier to Casablanca: $140
  • Transfers From Tangier To Marrakech: $245
  • Transfers From Tangier To Chefchaouen-Asilah-Fes-Casablanca .: $131
  • Transfers From Tangier Airport to Asilah: $51
  • Transfer to Tangier from fes via Chefchaeun: $159

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town

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

  • From 3-Day Safari and Coastal Tour with Transfer: $486
  • From Group Transfer Only to Aquilla Game Reserve: $440
  • Big 5 Aquila Safari Private Transfer with Park Fee From Cape Town: $300
  • Jeep Dune Adventure Tour, Sandboarding & Transfer: $267
  • Aquila Safari Game Drive, Lunch & Shared Transfers from Cape Town: $243
  • Whale Watching In Hermanus with Private Transfer: $242
  • Cape Town International Airport and Hotel Private Group Transfers: $241
  • Pvt Airport to Hout Bay Transfer: $233
  • Full Day Private Chauffeur and Transfer Services in Cape Town: $230
  • Historical Tour in Capes Town with Private Transfer: $187
  • Cape Town:- Airport to Table View One way Transfer: $181
  • Hermanus: Airport Transfer: $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Tangier or Cape Town?

Prices for flights to both Cape Town 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
    Cape Town $41
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town

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

  • Dinner At Mandela's - Cultural Township Dinner Experience: $27
  • African Cooking with a Chef Founder: $27
  • Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $39
  • 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $41
  • Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $54
  • Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $57
  • African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $58
  • Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $60
  • Cape Town Food tour (Includes all food) 4hrs: $73
  • South African Cooking Class in Cape Town with a Local Family: $82
  • Cape Town Food tour with locals: $100
  • The Cape Town Essentials Food Tour: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tangier $20
    Cape Town $23

Tours and Activities in Tangier

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

  • 3-Hour Private Enchanting Tangier Coastal Adventure: $87
  • Highlights of Tangier Half Day Tour: $87
  • Luxury Tangier private Day Tour from Tarifa Spain All inclusive : $251
  • Private Guided Food Experience Tour in Medina of Tangier: $76
  • Private LuxuryTour of Tangier for 4hours: $76
  • Tangier Private Tour from Tarifa Ferry & Lunch Included : $209
  • Tangier private customized tour & camel ride experience : $102
  • Tangier walking tour with lunch Moroccan food : $60
  • The Best of Tangier Walking Tour : $208
  • 2 Days Chefchaouen and Tangier Tour from Casablanca: $538
  • 2 Days Chefchaouen and Tangier Tour from Casablanca: $510
  • 2 Days Luxury Tour to Merzouga Desert from Fez with Small Group: $251

Tours and Activities in Cape Town

For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cape Agulhas Full Day Private Tour: $187
  • Cape Point Full Day Tour: $187
  • Cape Point Private Tour withTable Mountain and Penguin Colony : $249
  • Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope day tour Up to 10 persons: $64
  • CapeWinelands Private Tour to Stellenbosch,Franschhoek and Paarl: $94
  • Day Tour in Robben Island, Bo-Kaap and Table Mountain : $160
  • Private Tour Cape of Good Hope with Penguins : $109
  • South African Traditional Braai (BBQ) Experience & Winetasting : $134
  • ( Cape Town Private Tour Full-Day ) Robben Island and Cape Peninsula Penguins : $256
  • ( Cape town ) Private Winelands Tasting Full Day Tour: $167
  • ( Cape town Private Tour ) Hermanus Shark Cage Diving : $244
  • (Cape Town Private Tour ) Whale Watching Combo on Boat : $213

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tangier $11
    Cape Town $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town

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

  • Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.36
  • African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $19
  • Wine Tasting & Storytelling with SA Tapas add-on: $27
  • From 3 Regions Wine Tour with 3 Estates, 15 Wines: $37
  • Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $37
  • half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $47
  • Fullday Wine Tour: $49
  • Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $50
  • Stellenbosch Wine Tour half day from Cape Town: $52
  • Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour with Wine Tram: $61
  • Wine Tasting Private Tour through Durbanville Winelands: $64
  • Cape Town Tour with wine tasting.Full day peninsula tour.: $65


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


Which is Bigger, Tangier or Cape Town?

Cape Town has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Tangier. When comparing the sizes of Tangier and Cape Town, 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 Cape Town?

Cape Town 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 Cape Town in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tangier and Cape Town. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tangier year-round.

In the summer, Tangier is a little warmer than Cape Town. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tangier in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Cape Town averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Town this time of the year. In Tangier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tangier usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Town during summer. Tangier gets 346 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tangier usually receives less rain than Cape Townin January. Tangier gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Tangier 24°C (74°F) 
    Cape Town 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Tangier or Cape Town in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tangier as well as Cape Town. Tangier attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Tangier is generally a little warmer than Cape Townin April. Daily temperatures in Tangier average around 20°C (68°F), and Cape Town fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Town. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tangier this time of the year. In the autumn, Tangier often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Townin April. Tangier gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 233 hours of full sun.

Tangier usually gets more rain in October than Cape Townin April. Tangier gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Tangier 20°C (68°F) 
    Cape Town 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Tangier or Cape Town in the Winter?

Both Cape Town and Tangier are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year.

Tangier is around the same temperature as Cape Town in the winter. The daily temperature in Tangier averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Cape Town fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in July.

Tangier usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during winter. Tangier gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 193 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Tangier. In January, Tangier usually receives more rain than Cape Townin July. Tangier gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Tangier 13°C (55°F) 
    Cape Town 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Tangier or Cape Town in the Spring?

Both Cape Town and Tangier during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Tangier is around the same temperature as Cape Town. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tangier in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Cape Town averages at about 16°C (61°F)in October.

In Cape Town, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tangier. In the spring, Tangier often gets less sunshine than Cape Townin October. Tangier gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 278 hours of full sun.

Tangier usually gets more rain in April than Cape Townin October. Tangier gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Tangier 15°C (60°F) 
    Cape Town 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Cape Town and Tangier

Tangier Cape Town
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 19°C (65°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Dec 13°C (56°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)