Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Tangier?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTangier $61Rabat $44
The average daily cost (per person) in Tangier is $61, while the average daily cost in Rabat is $44. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTangier $23Rabat $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTangier $46Rabat $54
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tangier $23Rabat $2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tangier
Also for Tangier, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Tangier to Marrakesh: $807
- Transfer from Tangier to Nador: $623
- Transfer from Tangier to Casablanca: $400
- Vip Transfer . Tanger - Casablanca: $300
- Door to door transfer from Tangier to Fes: $289
- Tangier to Chefchaouen: Private Transfer (English Speaking Driver): $276
- Private Transfer from Asilah to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $273
- From Private Transfer to Fes: $272
- Private Transfer from Tarifa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $261
- From Transfer to Fez via Chefchaouen and Volubilis: $247
- Transfers From Tangier To Marrakech: $243
- Transfer from Tangier to Kenitra: $239
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$3.49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Tetouan: $290
- Private transfer from Rabat To Chefchaouen: $282
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Fes: $271
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Tangier: $267
- Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $261
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $253
- Private Transfer from Rabat-Sale Airport (RBA) to Casablanca: $220
- Private Transfer From Fez To Rabat: $208
- Private Transfer from Rabat To Fez: $208
- One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $196
- Private Airport Transfer to or from Casablanca: $176
- Privatr Transfer Casablanca - Rabat: $163
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
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Food Meals for one dayTangier $20Rabat $12
Typical Food Prices in Tangier
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tangier:
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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:
- Tangier Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $30
- Tanger Local Street food tours: $60
- Tangier Private Cooking Class With a Local Family: $65
- 3 Hour Private Moroccan Food Tour in Tanger : $66
- Inclusive Beach Camel Ride, Cap Spartel, Hercules & Full Dinner: $66
- Tangier Food Tour with a certified guide!: $71
- Morocco Food Cooking Class and Tangier City Tour: $71
- Tangier food tour : $71
- Moroccan 3-in-1 Cooking Experience: $74
- Tangier Food Tour with a certified local guide!: $74
- The Food tour of Tangier: $76
- Moroccan 3 in 1 Cooking Experience: $76
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: $76
- Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tangier $20Rabat $2.84
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 : $249
- 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 : $208
- Tangier private customized tour & camel ride experience : $102
- The Best of Tangier Walking Tour : $208
- 2 Days Chefchaouen and Tangier Tour from Casablanca: $510
- 2 Days Chefchaouen and Tangier Tour from Casablanca: $545
- 2 Days Luxury Tour to Merzouga Desert from Fez with Small Group: $249
- 2 Days Tour of Tangier & Chefchaouen JC Private Tours: $141
Tours and Activities in Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
- 9-Day Tour to Imperial Cities and Desert: $1,400
- Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
- Fes Full Day Private Tour from Rabat: $250
- Fes Full-Day Private Tour from Rabat with hotel pickup : $130
- From Casablanca:9Days Unforgettable Desert Tour To Marrakesh: $1,930
- From Fez : Rabat : Day Trip (Shared Group Tour): $104
- From 4 Days 3 Nights Sahara Desert Tour: $722
- From Tangier Guided Day Tour by High-Speed Train: $104
- Gems of Rabat Walking Tour: $115
- Luxury Morocco: 5-Day Private Guided Tour from Casablanca: $1,401
- Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $83
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTangier $11Rabat -
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).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTangier 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).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTangier 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).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTangier 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).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTangier 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) |
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.