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

Should you visit Lagos 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 Lagos 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: Lagos or Rabat?

Lagos

A coastal town in the south of Portugal, Lagos is known for its old world charm, plummeting cliffs, and Atlantic beaches. Many come to enjoy a full range of activities from beach-going and watersports to exploring cobbled streets lined with options for shopping and dining. Historic churches and castles add to the charm, as well as a clifftop lighthouse showing the way to Lagos for ships at sea.

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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Lagos?

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 Lagos is €143, while the average daily cost in Rabat is €50. 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 Lagos and Rabat in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lagos 61
    Rabat 25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lagos 122
    Rabat 50
Compare Hotels in Lagos and Rabat

Looking for a hotel in Lagos 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 Lagos


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: Lagos Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lagos 31
    Rabat 1.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lagos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:

  • Private Transfer from Lisbon to the Algarve or vice versa: $528
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Algarve (Faro district): $470
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Lagos: $470
  • Private Door to Door Transfers from/to (Lisbon - Algarve): $429
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Seville: $399
  • Private Transfer From Lagos to Portimao, English Speaking Driver: $293
  • Private Transfer From Lagos to Lisbon, Local English Speaking Driver: $292
  • Private Transfer from Praia da Luz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $226
  • Private Transfer from Sagres to Faro (FAO) Airport: $216
  • Private Transfer from Vila do Bispo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $216
  • Private Transfer from Quinta Falzina to Faro (FAO) Airport: $216
  • Private Transfer from Sao Sebastiao to Faro (FAO) Airport: $215

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

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


  • Taxi to Sale
    3.30

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 Lagos or Rabat?

Prices for flights to both Rabat and Lagos 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
    Lagos 59
    Rabat 20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lagos

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

  • Classic Food Tour - Lagos: $106
  • Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class: $117
  • Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class: Grandma’s Secrets & Recipes: $119
  • Portuguese Cooking Class: Algarve’s Pork & Seafood Cataplana: $147
  • Portuguese Cooking Class: Algarve’s Pork & Seafood Cataplana: $149
  • Home-Style Portuguese Cooking Class in Portimao with Pedro: $154
  • Market Tour and Cataplana Cooking Class: $176
  • Market Tour & Cooking Class: Algarve’s Seafood Cataplana : $179
  • Local Market Tour and Portuguese Seafood Cooking Class: $179

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.
    Lagos 26
    Rabat 2.68

Tours and Activities in Lagos

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

  • 1 Day Algarve Surf Experience: $94
  • 2-hour Kayak Tour of Ponta da Piedade Caves and Beaches: $43
  • Algarve Seven Hanging Valleys Benagil Triptour: $70
  • Algarve: Catamaran Cruise with Paddleboarding & Snacks: $1,267
  • Algarve: Lagos Sightseeing guided Tour with e-bikes: $76
  • Algarve: Lagos sightseeing guided tour with E-bikes: $78
  • Benagil Tour: $88
  • Boat Cruise to Algar de Benagil from Lagos: $40
  • Boat tour through the wonderful caves of Ponta da Piedade : $20
  • Boomshaka Kayak Tour: $28
  • Booze Cruise: $72
  • Brodie's Historical and Fun Lagos Walking Tour: $18

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
    Lagos 6.79
    Rabat -

Sample the Local Flavors in Lagos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:

  • Guided Gin Distillery Tour With Tasting at Alma Luz: $23
  • Small group Wine Tasting Tour from Lagos: $78
  • Wine Tasting Off-Road Tour: $93
  • Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting: $106


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


Which is Bigger, Lagos or Rabat?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos or Rabat?

Lagos 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 Lagos or Rabat in the Summer?

Both Rabat and Lagos during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.

In the summer, Lagos is around the same temperature as Rabat. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lagos in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Rabat averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Rabat. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lagos 25°C (77°F) 
    Rabat 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Rabat in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Rabat. The autumn months attract visitors to Lagos because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Lagos is generally a little warmer than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 26°C (79°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Rabat. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lagos 26°C (79°F) 
    Rabat 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Rabat in the Winter?

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

Lagos is much warmer than Rabat in the winter. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Rabat. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lagos 27°C (81°F) 
    Rabat 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Rabat in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Lagos is much warmer than Rabat. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lagos in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Rabat averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Rabat. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lagos 28°C (82°F) 
    Rabat 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Rabat and Lagos

Lagos Rabat
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 29°C (84°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 202 mm (8 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 316 mm (12.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 243 mm (9.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in)