Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar 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: Zanzibar or Rabat?
Zanzibar
Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.
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 Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, 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 dayZanzibar $49Rabat $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $49, while the average daily cost in Rabat is $45. 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 Zanzibar and Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $23Rabat $28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $46Rabat $56
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar 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: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Rabat $2.18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Zanzibar:Prison Island,Nakupenda Sandbank Tour with transfer: $165
- Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise with Transfers.: $149
- Zanzibar : Off-Road Quad Bike Adventure with hotel transfer: $138
- Departure Private Transfer from Island to Zanzibar Airport ZNZ by Luxury Sedan: $125
- Jozani Forest and Spice Farm Tour With Transfer: $110
- Zanzibar COVID-19 Testing Center Private Round Trip Transfer: $99
- Fishing Boat Tour with Transfer: $95
- Private Transfer from Makunduchi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Makunduchi: $93
- Private Transfer from Kizimkazi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $93
- Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Transfer: $89
- Zanzibar Padel court lesson Kiwengwa with transfer: $86
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$3.61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- "Rabat to Marrakech Private Transfer: Smooth and Comfortable": $130
- Best Private Transfer services: Rabat to Fez : $96
- One-Way Transfer from Fez to Rabat via volubilis & meknes : $202
- One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $202
- Private Departure Transfer from Rabat to Casablanca Airport: $50
- Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Casablanca : $57
- Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $15
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $268
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $261
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Skhirat: $78
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Temara: $67
- Private Transfer from Rabat Airport to Fes: $101
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat and Zanzibar 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 dayZanzibar $16Rabat $13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Spice Farm Tour with Cooking Lesson | Half day: $45
- Experience Night Local Food Tour at Stone Town: $60
- Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $60
- Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $65
- Traditional Zanzibar Cooking Class including Spice Tour: $68
- Spice farm tour with local foods cooking class: $69
- Local Swahili cooking Classes with Spice Tours: $70
- Spice Farm Tour with Cooking Class and Lunch: $70
- Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $73
- Zanzibar Cultural Cuisines Cooking Class & Spice Farm Tour: $75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat
For Rabat, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $50
- Walking Food Tour: $76
- Cooking Class in a Family Home: $77
- Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $77
- Rabat Family Cooking Class: $81
- Night Tour River Sunset Boat Ride & Moroccan Dinner: $98
- Rabat Night Tour with River Sunset Boat Ride & Moroccan Dinner : $100
- Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Rabat with a Local Family: $110
- 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.Zanzibar $12Rabat $2.94
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4 hours Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
- City Tour in Zanzibar : $33
- Fair Tourism In Paje: $27
- Full Day Spice Tour, Prison Island and City Tours: $140
- Spice Tour & Mangapwani Cave Tour: $80
- Stone City, Spice Farm and Prison Island Full Day Tour: $120
- Zanzibar : 5-Hour Mangapwani Historical Cave Tour : $69
- Zanzibar : Spice Farm & Prison Island Tour: $87
- ½-Day Zanzibar Spices Tour: $150
- 1 DAY TRIP ADVENTURE TO MIKUMI PARK FROM ZANZIBAR BY FLIGHT: $450
- 1 DAY TRIP EXPERIENCE FROM ZANZIBAR TO MIKUMI PARK BY FLIGHT: $450
- 10 DAYS MOSHI TO ZANZIBAR BIKE TOUR: $4,286
Tours and Activities in Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- SUP Adventure Rabat (kayaking, stand up paddle , boating) VIP: $15
- Private Half-Day Exploration Tour of Rabat in a Green Taxi: $28
- Private Traditional Hammam Experience in Rabat Medina: $28
- Rabat tour ;Small Group Guided Walking tour in the City of Light: $45
- private Tour between the monuments of Rabat City : $45
- Rabat old Medina ,Hassan Tower and Kasbah Oudaya Walking tour : $45
- Private Boat Tour of the Bouregreg River, a Traditional Boat: $45
- Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $55
- Rabat Guided Biking Tour: $60
- Private Boat Guided Tour in Rabat: $60
- Private Guided City Walking Tour: $64
- Rabat Walking Tour with a Licensed Tour Guide: $67
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.50Rabat -
Sample the Local Flavors in Zanzibar
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zanzibar:
- Pub Crawl & Club Experience: $30
When comparing the travel costs between Zanzibar and Rabat, we can see that Zanzibar is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Africa, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Rabat?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar or Rabat?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Zanzibar or Rabat in the Summer?
Both Rabat and Zanzibar during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in July than Rabat. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun.
In July, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Rabat. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Rabat 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Rabat in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Rabat. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Rabat. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Zanzibar is a little warmer than Rabat in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Rabat 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Rabat in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Rabat. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.
Zanzibar usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Rabat. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Rabat. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Rabat. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Rabat averages at about 13°C (56°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Rabat 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Rabat in the Spring?
Both Rabat and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Rabat. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Rabat. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Rabat 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Rabat and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Rabat | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.