A Travel Price Comparison for Morocco Tangier vs. Rabat for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tangier or Rabat?

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 Rabat 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 Rabat?

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.

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 10-Day Tours in Morocco, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Tangier?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tangier is $83, while the average daily cost in Rabat is $57. 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 Rabat in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tangier $25
    Rabat $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tangier $50
    Rabat $58
Compare Hotels in Tangier and Rabat

Looking for a hotel in Tangier 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 Tangier


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: Tangier Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tangier $26
    Rabat $2.30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tangier

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

  • Private Transfer from Asilah to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $296
  • "Fez to Marrakech: Enjoy a Private Transfer for a Smooth Journey": $241
  • Transfer Private From Tangier To Marrakech: $237
  • Private Transfer Tangier Airport to Fes or Fez to Tangier Airport: $237
  • Transfer From Fez To Tangier by Chefchaouen: $236
  • Private Transfer from Tanger-Ibn Batouta (TNG) Airport to Chefchaouen: $234
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Chaouen from Tangier: $232
  • First-Class Private Transfer from Tangier to Chefchaouen: $224
  • Private Transfer from Tangier Airport (TNG) to Ceuta Cruise Port: $215
  • Private Airport Transfer From Tangier to Chefchaouen: $208
  • Transfer Private Form Tetouan To Airport Casablanca: $203
  • Private Transfer from Tangier city hotels to Ceuta Cruise Port: $199

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

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


  • Taxi to Sale
    $3.81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

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

  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Tangier: $289
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $274
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $248
  • Private Transfer from Rabat–Salé Airport (RBA) to Rabat City: $235
  • Private transfer from Rabat to Casablanca: $204
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Fes: $200
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Casablanca: $176
  • Private Airport Transfer to or from Casablanca: $151
  • Private Transfer from Rabat to Casablanca (CMN) Airport: $147
  • Rabat to Marrakech Private Transfer – Fast, Safe & Comfy Ride Now: $145
  • Private Transfer Rabat to Marrakech – Luxury Chauffeur: $141
  • Transfer Rabat to Fes: $133

Is it cheaper to fly into Tangier or Rabat?

Prices for flights to both Rabat 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 $38
    Rabat $23
Typical Food Prices in Tangier

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


  • Fruit & Yogurt
    $1.85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tangier

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

  • Souk Secrets Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
  • Tangier Tastes Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
  • Tanger Local Street food tours: $65
  • Tangier Food Tour: Markets, Street Food & Seafood Lunch: $68
  • Tasting Tangier Food Tour: $75
  • Cooking and eating with a local family: $77
  • Tangier food tour: $77
  • Inclusive Beach Camel Ride, Cap Spartel, Hercules & Full Dinner: $78
  • Moroccan 3 in 1 Cooking Experience: $83
  • The Food tour of Tangier: $83
  • Tangier Food Tour: $84
  • Tangier Food Tour with Souq Visit and Moroccan Cooking Workshop: $92

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat

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

  • Express Moroccan Cooking Workshop in Rabat: $40
  • Cooking Class: $47
  • Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $53
  • Rabat Eats Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
  • Rabat Nights Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
  • Moroccan Cooking Class with Local Amazigh Family in Medina Rabat: $63
  • Rabat Family Dinner Experience: $65
  • Rabat Authentic Moroccan Cooking Class with Expert Chefs: $65
  • Rabat Restaurant Cooking Class: $69
  • cooking classe near the medina of rabat with local chefs: $70
  • Rabat Food Tour: $79
  • Rabat Night Tour with balade Sunset views & Moroccan Dinner: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tangier $22
    Rabat $3.10

Tours and Activities in Tangier

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

  • 2 Days Tour of Tangier & Chefchaouen JC Private Tours: $195
  • 3 Day Tangier to Marrakech Desert Tour via Chefchaouen: $270
  • 3 Hours Small Group Guided Tour of Tangier: $34
  • 3 Hours Tangier Walking Tour: $45
  • 3-Hour Driving Tour in Tangier: $71
  • 3-Hour Private Enchanting Tangier Coastal Adventure: $39
  • 3-Hour Private Tour in Tangier With Lunch: $142
  • 3H -4H Private Walking Tour in Tangier Medina & Colorful Souks: $118
  • 3h Private Walking Tour in Tangier Kasbah Medina & Colorful Souks: $59
  • 3h Private Walking Tour of Kasbah, Medina & Souks: $63
  • 4 Hour Deluxe Private Guided Tour of Tangier: $78
  • 4 Hour Deluxe Private Guided Tour of Tangier: $78

Tours and Activities in Rabat

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

  • Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
  • Car tour in Rabat: $43
  • Customized Cultural Tours of Rabat with Professional Guides: $206
  • Day Trip from Rabat to Casablanca with Hassan II Mosque Ticket: $141
  • Exclusive Rabat City Tour with Authorized Guide and VIP Vehicle: $76
  • Experience Todra Gorge Hiking Adventure: $36
  • Explore Rabat Highlights by Premium Car – Private City Tour: $29
  • Explore Rabat by Electric Tuk Tuk – Private City Highlights Tour: $34
  • Fes Full Day Private Tour from Rabat: $70
  • Fes Full-Day Private Tour from Rabat with hotel pickup: $235
  • From Casablanca 6Day Private Morocco Tour By Imperial Cities: $1,550
  • From Casablanca: 5-Day Private Desert Adventure to Marrakech: $1,540

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tangier $12
    Rabat -


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


Which is Bigger, Tangier or Rabat?

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Tangier or Rabat in the Summer?

Both Rabat and Tangier are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Tangier usually receives more rain than Rabat. Tangier gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tangier. Tangier usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during summer. Tangier gets 346 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Tangier is around the same temperature as Rabat. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tangier in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Rabat averages at about 23°C (73°F).


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

Should I visit Tangier or Rabat in the Autumn?

Both Rabat and Tangier during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.

Tangier usually gets more rain in October than Rabat. Tangier gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tangier. In the autumn, Tangier often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat. Tangier gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun.

In October, Tangier is generally around the same temperature as Rabat. Daily temperatures in Tangier average around 20°C (68°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tangier 20°C (68°F) 
    Rabat 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Tangier or Rabat in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tangier and Rabat. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tangier year-round. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Tangier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Tangier usually receives more rain than Rabat. Tangier gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Tangier usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat during winter. Tangier gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun in the winter.

Tangier is around the same temperature as Rabat in the winter. The daily temperature in Tangier averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tangier 13°C (55°F) 
    Rabat 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Tangier or Rabat in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tangier as well as Rabat. Tangier attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.

Tangier usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Rabat. Tangier gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tangier this time of the year. In the spring, Tangier often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat. Tangier gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tangier 15°C (60°F) 
    Rabat 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Rabat and Tangier

Tangier Rabat
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 13°C (56°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in)