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 $52Rabat $44
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $52, 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 Zanzibar and Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $25Rabat $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $50Rabat $54
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 $2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- From Mystery Day Safari with Transfer: $500
- Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Daressalam with two way transfers : $260
- Safari blue tour with Lunch and Transfers: $180
- Prison Island: Private Half Day Trip With Hotel Transfer: $160
- Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise with Transfers.: $149
- Zanzibar:Prison Island,Nakupenda Sandbank Tour with transfer: $141
- Private Return Transfer From Zanzibar Airport To Paje: $140
- Off-Road Quad Bike Adventure with hotel transfer: $138
- Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Luxury Car: $125
- Departure Private Transfer from Island to Zanzibar Airport ZNZ by Luxury Sedan: $125
- Zanzibar Airport Pick-up, Drop off & Transfer Services : $120
- Ferry Zanzibar :Transfer services: $120
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 To Fez: $109
- "Rabat to Marrakech Private Transfer: Smooth and Comfortable": $120
- One-Way Transfer from Fez to Rabat via volubilis & meknes : $197
- One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $196
- Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $32
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Asilah: $273
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Bouznika: $87
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Casablanca: $164
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $261
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Fes: $273
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Kenitra: $109
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $254
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 $17Rabat $12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
- An romantic cooking Lesson + Spice Farm Tour: $44
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
- Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $60
- Spice Farm tour & Local cooking lesson with Lunch: $64
- Stone Town Private Food Tour with a Guide: $65
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $65
- Traditional Zanzibar Cooking Class including Spice Tour: $68
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class : $75
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 Like a Local: $75
- Walking Food Tour: $75
- Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $75
- Rabat Family Cooking Class: $75
- 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 $13Rabat $2.84
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Full Day Spice Tour, Prison Island and City Tours: $140
- Half-Day Walking Tour in Zanzibar City's Spice Island: $63
- Spice Farm & Prison Island Tour in Zanzibar: $87
- Stone City, Spice Farm and Prison Island Full Day Tour: $130
- Stonetown Private Half-day Walking Tour: $35
- Zanzibar Spice Tour : $47
- 10 DAYS MOSHI TO ZANZIBAR BIKE TOUR: $4,286
- 2 days tour from Jozani forest to Stone town zanzibar: $270
- 2day Zanzibar adventure: Prison Island & Sandbank (all-incl): $535
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $30
- 3-Day Selous Game Reserve Safari & Cultural tour with Flight: $1,345
- 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island : $33
Tours and Activities in Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- Guided Bike Tour: $1.55
- SUP Adventure Rabat (kayaking, stand up paddle , boating) VIP: $15
- Rabat old Medina ,Hassan Tower and Kasbah Oudaya Walking tour : $40
- Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $42
- Private Surf Experience in Rabat: $44
- Rabat tour ;Small Group Guided Walking tour in the City of Light: $44
- Private Boat Tour of the Bouregreg River, a Traditional Boat: $45
- Private Walking Guided Cultural Stroll with Licensed Tour Expert: $53
- Rabat Shopping Tour: $55
- Private Guided City Walking Tour: $62
- 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
- Private Boat Exploration Tour in Rabat: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.91Rabat -
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Rabat, we can see that Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zanzibar 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 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.