A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Izmir vs. Rabat for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Izmir or Rabat?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Izmir and Rabat. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Izmir or Rabat?

Izmir

Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.

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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Izmir?

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 Izmir is $96, while the average daily cost in Rabat is $58. 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 Izmir and Rabat in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $47
    Rabat $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $94
    Rabat $60
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Rabat

Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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 Izmir


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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $23
    Rabat $2.34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Transfer from Izmir to Didim: $287
  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $251
  • Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $251
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Ayvalik Resort: $242
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Yalikoy (Didim) Hotels: $209
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $161
  • Izmir Airport to Cesme/Alacati, Kusadasi, and Foca Transfers: $144
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Kusadasi International Golf Hotels: $143
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Cesme Hotels: $131
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Selcuk: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
  • Ephesus Guided Tour From Izmir With Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $130

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

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


  • Taxi to Sale
    $3.88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

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

  • Private Transfer From Rabat To Fez: $119
  • "Rabat to Marrakech Private Transfer: Smooth and Comfortable": $140
  • Best Private Transfer services between Rabat & Fez : $120
  • From Rabat : Private Transfer to Fes via Meknes & volubilis : $167
  • Private Airport Transfer – Rabat–Salé Airport to Rabat City: $30
  • Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $17
  • Private Transfer Rabat to Chefchaouen in an Air-Conditioned Taxi: $94
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Asilah: $299
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Casablanca: $179
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $287
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Kenitra: $119
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $278

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Rabat?

Prices for flights to both Rabat and Izmir 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
    Izmir $33
    Rabat $24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Izmir.

  • Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
  • Izmir to Aphrodisias: Cooking & Ceramics Class: $251

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat

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

  • Private Food Tour of Rabat’s Old Medina by Green Taxi: $35
  • Express Moroccan Cooking Workshop in Rabat: $40
  • Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $54
  • Small Group Cooking Classes with Tour of Rabat old medina : $54
  • Food Tour in Rabat with an Expert Guide Lunch or Dinner Include: $59
  • Rabat Authentic Moroccan Cooking Class with Expert Chefs: $65
  • Rabat Restaurant Cooking Class: $71
  • cooking classe near the medina of rabat with local chefs : $72
  • Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $74
  • Rabat Family Cooking Class: $78
  • Rabat Night Tour with balade Sunset views & Moroccan Dinner : $106
  • Rabat Night Tour with traditional Moroccan Dinner : $118

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $16
    Rabat $3.15

Tours and Activities in Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $171
  • 2-Hour Private Guided The best of Izmir Walking Tour: $185
  • Alaçatı & Çeşme Chill Tour: Vibes, Streets & Snapshots: $120
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $42
  • Daily Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour from Izmir: $161
  • Day Tour to Pamukkale from-to Izmir: $240
  • Ephesus & Sirince Village Tour from İzmir: $145
  • Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
  • Ephesus Day Tour from Izmir with Lunch: $131
  • Ephesus Excursion For Cruisers: $586
  • Ephesus Full Day Tour From Izmir: $149

Tours and Activities in Rabat

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

  • Merzouga Sightseeing Tour by Jeep: $3.58
  • Savory Home-Cooked Meal and Experience Moroccan Hospitality: $33
  • Local Traditional Hammam Experience in Rabat Medina: $36
  • Walking Tour Rabat, City of lights by night : $36
  • Experience Todra Gorge Hiking Adventure: $36
  • Private Tuk-Tuk Tour in Rabat – Eco-Friendly & Authentic: $38
  • Private Half-Day Exploration Tour of Rabat in a Green Taxi: $38
  • Rock Climbing in Todgha Gorge, Morocco – Guided Tours: $47
  • private Tour between the monuments of Rabat City : $48
  • Car tour in Rabat: $51
  • Private Walking Guided Cultural Stroll with Licensed Tour Expert: $53
  • Rabat old Medina ,Hassan Tower and Kasbah Oudaya Walking tour : $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $6.94
    Rabat -

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $131


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Rabat, we can see that Izmir is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Izmir is in Europe and Rabat is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Izmir would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Izmir 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 Izmir Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Rabat?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Rabat. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir or Rabat?

Izmir has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Rabat experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Izmir or Rabat in the Summer?

Both Rabat and Izmir during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Izmir for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.

In the summer, Izmir is a little warmer than Rabat. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Rabat averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Rabat. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets more rain in July than Rabat. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Rabat 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Rabat in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Rabat. The autumn months attract visitors to Izmir because of the city's sights and attractions. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Rabat. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Rabat. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Rabat 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Rabat in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Rabat. The cuisine are the main draw to Izmir this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.

Izmir is cooler than Rabat in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the winter, Izmir often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun.

Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Rabat. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Rabat 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Rabat in the Spring?

Both Rabat and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Izmir for the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Izmir is around the same temperature as Rabat. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Rabat averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Izmir usually receives less rain than Rabat. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Rabat 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Rabat and Izmir

Izmir Rabat
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in)