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

Should you visit Rabat or San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian?

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.

San Sebastian

San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Rabat?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Rabat Prices
    Morocco Prices
    San Sebastian Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Rabat $58
    San Sebastian $133

The average daily cost (per person) in Rabat is $58, while the average daily cost in San Sebastian is $133. 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 San Sebastian in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Rabat or San Sebastian? 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 San Sebastian


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 San Sebastian Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rabat $2.34
    San Sebastian $15
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:

  • San Sebastián: Transfer to Biarritz: $287
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $281
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $281
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Biarritz city: $192
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Biarritz: $192
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Biarritz Airport : $192
  • Transfer San Sebastian to Bilbao or San Sebastian Airports by Van: $116
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to San Sebastian Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer in San Sebastian: $87
  • Transfer S. Sebastian to Bilbao or S. Sebastian Airports by Sedan: $65
  • San Sebastian Private Arrival Transfer: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or San Sebastian?

Prices for flights to both San Sebastian 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
    San Sebastian $64

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 San Sebastian

Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    $65
  • Lunch for 2
    $12
  • Lunch for 2
    $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian

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

  • San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $118
  • San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxo Tasting Paired with Spanish Wines: $131
  • Best Street Food Tour of San Sebastian with a Local Guide: $133
  • Basque cuisine cooking class: $155
  • Basque Cooking Experience: Market Tour & Hands-On Class English: $155
  • Authentic Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastian Old Town: $166
  • Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $173
  • Dinner in a Gastronomic Club in San Sebastian: $191
  • Eat Like a True Basque San Sebastian Authentic Culinary Food Tour: $197
  • Local Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $233
  • San Sebastián Food & History Tour: Dinner with a Local Twist: $256
  • Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $275

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rabat $3.15
    San Sebastian $37

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 San Sebastian

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


  • Valle de los Caídos Monument
    $7.04

Tours and Activities in San Sebastian

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

  • Pamplona City Tour from San Sebastian: $106
  • " Basque Farm House & Cider house" tour + meal from San Sebastian: $111
  • "A la Vasca" - Top Notch Gastro Cultural Experience: $208
  • 2 h Privated Sail Sebastian Tour or Sunset: $281
  • A Perfect Start to your SS visit! City/cultural Tour: $66
  • BASQUE CRAFT BEER and FOOD - Private Gastronomic Adventure: $214
  • Best Private Pintxos tour in San Sebastian : $173
  • Biarritz and French Coast Small Grop Tour from San Sebastian: $94
  • Bike Tour La Belle ëpoque. Romantic Area and beaches.: $48
  • Bilbao City Tour from San Sebastian: $113
  • Camino de Santiago trail. Private trekking tour along the coast: $298
  • City tour, bike ride: $54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rabat -
    San Sebastian $23

Sample the Local Flavors in San Sebastian

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

  • San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour Small Group Tour: $123
  • San Sebastian Centro Neighborhood Pintxos & Wine Tour: $130
  • San Sebastian Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour: $173
  • Small Group Basque Food, Pintxos and Wine Tour in San Sebastian : $178
  • Private Half Day Txakoli Wine Tour & Getaria Fishing Village: $209
  • Open Food & Wine tours in San Sebastian: $214
  • Marques de Riscal and Ysios Architecture Wine Tour w/Lunch, SS: $284
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $287
  • Private Txakoli Wine Tour through the Coast from San Sebastian: $287
  • Private Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour from San Sebastian: $299
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $299


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rabat and San Sebastian, we can see that San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Rabat or San Sebastian?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Rabat and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian 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. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Rabat is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In San Sebastian, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Rabat. In the summer, Rabat often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Rabat gets 315 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Rabat usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Rabat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rabat 23°C (73°F) 
    San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Rabat or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rabat and San Sebastian. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

In the autumn, Rabat is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rabat in October average around 20°C (67°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Rabat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Rabat usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Rabat gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rabat 20°C (67°F) 
    San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Rabat or San Sebastian in the Winter?

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

In January, Rabat is generally much warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Rabat average around 13°C (56°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Rabat often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Rabat gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Rabat usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Rabat gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rabat 13°C (56°F) 
    San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Rabat or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian in the spring for the beaches.

Rabat is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Rabat gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In April, Rabat usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Rabat gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rabat 16°C (60°F) 
    San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Rabat

Rabat San Sebastian
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)