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

Should you visit Rabat or Lyon?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rabat and Lyon 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: Rabat or Lyon?

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.

Lyon

Lyon, located within the region of Southeastern France, is France's third largest city in terms of population, with just over 500,000 inhabitants. This makes the city large, yet still small and personable enough to be explored properly in a short visit. Known as the gastronomic capital of Europe, your culinary needs are exceptionally well catered to here, and for those with historical and cultural interests, you will never be at a loss for new things to do and see.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Lyon or Rabat?

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 Rabat is $58, while the average daily cost in Lyon is $182. 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 Rabat and Lyon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rabat $30
    Lyon $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rabat $60
    Lyon $124
Compare Hotels in Rabat and Lyon

Looking for a hotel in Rabat or Lyon? 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 Rabat


Hotels in Lyon


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: Rabat Hotel Prices and Lyon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rabat $2.34
    Lyon $20
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:

  • Transfer from or to airport rabat: $15
  • Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $17
  • Private Transfer from Rabat to Rabat Salé Airport: $24
  • Transfer Rabat to Rabat Airport: $27
  • Private Airport Transfer – Rabat–Salé Airport to Rabat City: $30
  • Private transfer from Rabat to Rabat Airport : $36
  • airport transfer dirty flap to the city of flap: $36
  • Transfer Rabat to Kenitra: $50
  • Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport : Private Transfer: $64
  • Private Transfer from Rabat to Casablanca Airport: $66
  • Private Transfer from Rabat to Casablanca Airport (CMN) : $69
  • Rabat to Casablanca Private Transfer: $71

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lyon

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


  • Funiculaire
    $6.10
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus
    $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lyon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lyon:

  • Lyon Airport (LYS) to Morzine/Avoriaz - Arrival Private Transfer: $271
  • Private Transfer Grenoble Airport GNB - Grenoble Ski Resort: $251
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Lyon (hotel OR airport pick-up): $194
  • Lyon Saint Exupery Airport(LYS)to Aix-les-Bain-RoundTrip Transfer: $167
  • Lyon Private Transfer from Lyon city centre to Lyon (LYS) Airport: $143
  • Private Transfer: Port of LYON to Lyon Airport LYS in Luxury Van: $118
  • Arrival Transfer: Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City in Luxury Van: $118
  • Private Transfer: Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City in Luxury Van: $118
  • Lyon Airport Private Transfer – Meet & Greet Included: $108
  • Private Transfer: Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS in Business Car: $106
  • Private Transfer: Port of LYON to Lyon Airport LYS in Sedan Car: $106
  • Departure Private Transfer Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS by Luxury Van: $101

Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or Lyon?

Prices for flights to both Lyon and Rabat 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
    Rabat $24
    Lyon $83

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

Typical Food Prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lyon are as follows:


  • Pastry
    $1.99

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lyon

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

  • Afternoon Old Town Food tour: $90
  • Food Tour in Lyon – A Full Taste of France by Do Eat Better: $96
  • Food Tour by night: $102
  • Lyon Old Town Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch: $106
  • Lyon Old Town Food Tour with 6 French Delicacies & Fine Wine: $109
  • Lyon Sunset Food Tour – A Full Taste of France by Do Eat Better: $125
  • Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse Food Tour: $272

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rabat $3.15
    Lyon $24

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lyon are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    $53

Tours and Activities in Lyon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lyon are as follows:

  • Private Gastronomic Tour in Lyon : $299
  • 1 or 2-Hour Pedicab tour of Lyon: $36
  • 2 hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Lyon : $239
  • 2h - Electric Bike Tour of Lyon with a Local Guide: $42
  • 3 Hours Private Bike Tour in Lyon with a Guide: $195
  • 3h - Electric Bike Tour of Lyon with a Local Guide: $60
  • Access to a Self-Guided Tour of the archaeological site of Lyon: $12
  • Beaujolais Crus Wines & Castles (2:00 pm - 6:30 pm) - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $130
  • Beaujolais Day Guided Tour - Winery Tours and Tastings: $178
  • Beaujolais wine and Perouges village full day shared tour: $178
  • Cheese and Wine Accord Tour at Château de Champ-Renard: $60
  • City bike tour by ComhiC - The Highlights - 3h: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rabat -
    Lyon $28

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lyon

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lyon from other travelers:


  • Drinks for 2
    $7.98
  • Bottle of Wine
    $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Lyon

Also in Lyon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $30
  • Guided tour of Beaujolais by electric bike and wine tasting: $108
  • Wine Tasting and Introduction to Tasting Techniques: $114
  • Beaujolais Half Day Wine Tasting Tour: $118
  • The Original Syrah Wine Tour (9:00 am - 1:30 pm) - Small Group Tours from Lyon: $118
  • Beaujolais 100% wine tour Small-Group Tour with Tasting from Lyon: $118
  • Golden stones Beaujolais Wine Tour with Tastings from Lyon: $118
  • The Original Syrah Wine Tour (2:00 pm - 6:30 pm) - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $130
  • Northern Rhône Valley Wine tour from Lyon Half Day: $130
  • Beaujolais wine tour from Lyon half day: $130
  • Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley: $142
  • Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour including a Bouchon Lyonnais : $143


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


Which is Bigger, Rabat or Lyon?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Rabat and Lyon, 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 Rabat or Lyon?

Lyon 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 Rabat or Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Rabat during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Rabat is around the same temperature as Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Rabat. In the summer, Rabat often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Rabat gets 315 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Rabat usually gets less rain in July than Lyon. Rabat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rabat 23°C (73°F) 
    Lyon 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rabat and Lyon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

In the autumn, Rabat is a little warmer than Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rabat in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Rabat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rabat usually receives less rain than Lyon. Rabat gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rabat 20°C (67°F) 
    Lyon 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Rabat as well as Lyon. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lyon. In January, Rabat is generally much warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Rabat average around 13°C (56°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Rabat often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Rabat gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Rabat usually gets more rain in January than Lyon. Rabat gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rabat 13°C (56°F) 
    Lyon 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Rabat are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Rabat is a little warmer than Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during spring. Rabat gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rabat usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lyon. Rabat gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rabat 16°C (60°F) 
    Lyon 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Lyon and Rabat

Rabat Lyon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)