A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tangier vs. Marseille for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tangier or Marseille?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tangier and Marseille 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: Tangier or Marseille?

Tangier

Welcome to the gateway to Africa. Sitting on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier, Morocco has historically served as the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Africa.

After World War II, this city became a destination for eccentric foreigners, artists, spies and hippies. After that, the city was neglected and gained a horrible reputation for the hustlers cheating visitors left and right.

In 1999 Morocco saw the beginning of a new monarch who was more progressive with his vision for tourism. This message lit a fire under Tangier, helping the people see the amazing potential in their great city. They built a new port, a new business district and revamped the airport. The beaches and streets have been cleaned up of trash and hustlers and there's a sudden surge in cultural activities.

Marseille

Marseille is the second largest city in France and is the largest Mediterranean port in the region. For visitors, Marseille offers an authentic glimpse at France. It has many colorful markets, natural beauty such as the Calanques with its large, beautiful cliffs, and the old harbor area, which offers a glimpse at the areas working class history.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille or Tangier?

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 Tangier is $84, while the average daily cost in Marseille is $210. 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 Tangier and Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tangier $26
    Marseille $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tangier $52
    Marseille $166
Compare Hotels in Tangier and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Tangier or Marseille? 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 Tangier


Hotels in Marseille


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: Tangier Hotel Prices and Marseille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tangier $26
    Marseille $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tangier

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

  • VIP Private Transfer from Tanger Airport / Port to Hotel Vice Versa: $42
  • Transfers from - to Tangier airport: $30
  • Transfers From Tangier To Chefchaouen-Asilah-Fes-Casablanca .: $143
  • Transfer Private From Tangier To Rabat : $167
  • Transfer Private From Tangier To Marrakech: $239
  • Transfer Private From Tanger To Casablanca: $200
  • Transfer Private Form Tetouan To Airport Casablanca: $205
  • Transfer Port Tangier med >> Tangier: $66
  • Transfer From Tangier to Fes with stop at Chefchaouen: $191
  • Transfer Airport or Port Tangier city ( One way ): $56
  • Tangier to Fez: Bespoke Private Transfer with a Chefchaouen Tour: $180
  • Tangier to Chefchaouen: Round-Trip Transfer to the Blue City: $44

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:


  • Metro Pass
    $3.52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

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

  • Private Transfer Between Marseille Airport and Nice Airport: $1,292
  • TRANSFER ROUNDTRIP PORT TO CASSIS: $349
  • Marseille Provence Airport transfer ↔ Avignon: $293
  • Private Transfer from Marseille city hotels to Toulon Cruise Port: $293
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport (MRS) to Toulon Port: $293
  • Marseille Airport: VIP transfer to Baumaniere: $276
  • Transfer (MRS) Marseille ⟺ Arles Cruise Port: $275
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport to the Village of Gordes: $275
  • Transfer Marseille Airport to Gordes or L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: $274
  • Private Transfer from Marseille to Provence Designer Outlet: $272
  • Marseille Private Transfer ⟺ Arles (Port Quai Lamartine): $266
  • Marseille Provence Airport transfer ↔ Arles: $263

Is it cheaper to fly into Tangier or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille and Tangier 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
    Tangier $39
    Marseille $86
Typical Food Prices in Tangier

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tangier:


  • Fruit & Yogurt
    $1.88

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tangier

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

  • Tanger Local Street food tours: $66
  • Tangier food tour : $78
  • Inclusive Beach Camel Ride, Cap Spartel, Hercules & Full Dinner: $79
  • Tangier Food Tour: $82
  • The Food tour of Tangier: $84
  • Taste of Morocco Guided Food Tour in Tangier: $84
  • Sunset Camel Ride on Achakkar Beach including Traditional Dinner: $96
  • Tangier Private Cooking Class With a Local Family: $96
  • Tangier : Sunset Camel Ride With Barbecue dinner in Tangier : $99
  • Tangier Food Tour : A Delicious Walking Adventure: $99
  • Tangier Tasting Food Tour: $102
  • Memorable private cooking class in Tangier with a local family: $119

Typical Food Prices in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orangina
    $2.93

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille

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

  • Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $38
  • Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $114
  • Marseille Food Tour – Full Meal of Local Tastes by Do Eat Better: $118
  • Aix-en-Provence 3-Hour Walking Food Tour: $129
  • Great Marseille Ebike and Food Tour: $131
  • Private Food Tour in Marseille 3 Hours with a local expert.: $154

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tangier $22
    Marseille $44

Tours and Activities in Tangier

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

  • Full Day Private Chefchaouen Guided Tour: $143
  • Highlights of Tangier Half Day Tour Include ride the camel: $125
  • Private LuxuryTour of Tangier for 4hours: $84
  • Private Tour in Tangier : $80
  • Tanger tour cruise ship -up Luxury City Tour: $91
  • Tangier Private Tour with Ferry & Lunch from Tarifa : $275
  • The Best of Tangier Walking Tour : $208
  • 2 Days Luxury Tour to Merzouga Desert from Fez with Small Group: $275
  • 2 Days Tour of Tangier & Chefchaouen JC Private Tours: $197
  • 2 hours Tangier Sightseeing tour : $61
  • 3 Hours Private Tour Of Tangier Visit traditional shops.: $33
  • 3 Hours Small Group Guided Tour of Tangier: $35

Tours and Activities in Marseille

For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Full Day Marseille Tour Especially Designed for Cruise Travelers: $82
  • Guided Sea Kayaking Tour in the Calanques: $90
  • A Day in Provence Small Group Tour from Marseille: $197
  • A Perfect Day of Discovery from the Cruise Port of Marseille: $80
  • Adventure route in Cassis - Via Corda Philémon: $90
  • Aix-en-Provence: Half-Day Shore Excursion Tour: $646
  • Bookbinding experience in the Vieux Port: $102
  • Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour: $130
  • Calanques Trilogy Electric Bike Tour from Marseille: $72
  • Canyoning Half Day Tour from La Ciotat : $81
  • Cassis : Two Calanques Tour by Electric Mountain Bike: $48
  • Cassis National Park E-Mountain Bike Experience with Virtual Guide: $54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tangier $12
    Marseille $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marseille:

  • Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $24
  • Short Day Tour around Aix en Provence and Wine Tasting : $130
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $179
  • From Marseille Cruise Port : Avignon & Wine Tasting: $187
  • Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $190
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $197
  • Avignon and Côtes du Rhône Wine Tasting Tour: $211
  • From Marseille : Sidecar Wine Tour to Cassis and Bandol: $287
  • Cassis, Bandol, Le Castellet wine tour: Cliffs and Vineyards: $411
  • Marseille Vieux Port & Wine Tasting - Private Tour: $1,116


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tangier and Marseille, we can see that Marseille is more expensive. And not only is Tangier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tangier is in Africa and Marseille 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 Tangier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tangier 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 Marseille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marseille than you might in Tangier.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tangier Expensive? and Is Marseille Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tangier or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Tangier. When comparing the sizes of Tangier and Marseille, 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 Tangier or Marseille?

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

Should I visit Tangier or Marseille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tangier and Marseille. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tangier year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tangier is generally around the same temperature as Marseille. Daily temperatures in Tangier average around 24°C (74°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In Tangier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tangier usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille during summer. Tangier gets 346 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tangier usually receives less rain than Marseille. Tangier gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tangier 24°C (74°F) 
    Marseille 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Tangier or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tangier as well as Marseille. Tangier attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

Tangier is a little warmer than Marseille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tangier averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tangier this time of the year. In the autumn, Tangier often gets more sunshine than Marseille. Tangier gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

Tangier usually gets less rain in October than Marseille. Tangier gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tangier 20°C (68°F) 
    Marseille 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Tangier or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Tangier are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Tangier is much warmer than Marseille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tangier in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Marseille averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Tangier usually receives more sunshine than Marseille during winter. Tangier gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Tangier. In January, Tangier usually receives more rain than Marseille. Tangier gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tangier 13°C (55°F) 
    Marseille 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Tangier or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Tangier during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Tangier is generally a little warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Tangier average around 15°C (60°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tangier. In the spring, Tangier often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille. Tangier gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Tangier usually gets more rain in April than Marseille. Tangier gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tangier 15°C (60°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Tangier

Tangier Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 13°C (56°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)