A Travel Price Comparison for Morocco Tangier vs. Rabat for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tangier or Rabat?

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 Rabat 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 Rabat?

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.

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 10-Day Tours in Morocco, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Rabat 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 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 Tangier and Rabat in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tangier $26
    Rabat $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tangier $52
    Rabat $60
Compare Hotels in Tangier and Rabat

Looking for a hotel in Tangier 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 Tangier


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: Tangier Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tangier $26
    Rabat $2.34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tangier

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

  • Transfer Private From Tangier To Marrakech: $240
  • Private Transfer : Tangier ⇆ Fez: $240
  • Private Transfer Tangier Airport to Fes or Fez to Tangier Airport: $240
  • Transfer From Fez To Tangier by Chefchaouen : $238
  • Special - Fes Guided Tours with Lunch and Transfer to Casablanca: $238
  • Private Transfer from Tanger-Ibn Batouta (TNG) Airport to Chefchaouen: $237
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Chaouen from Tangier: $233
  • "Fez to Marrakech: Enjoy a Private Transfer for a Smooth Journey": $230
  • First-Class Private Transfer from Tangier to Chefchaouen: $225
  • Private Airport Transfer From Tangier to Chefchaouen: $209
  • Transfer Private Form Tetouan To Airport Casablanca: $204
  • Transfer Private From Tanger To Casablanca: $201

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 Rabat to Tangier: $159
  • Private transfer from rabat to chefchaouen: $155
  • "Rabat to Marrakech Private Transfer: Smooth and Comfortable": $140
  • Private Transfer From Rabat To Fez: $119
  • Rabat to Casablanca Private Transfer: $70
  • Private Transfer from Rabat to Casablanca Airport: $66
  • Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport : Private Transfer: $64
  • Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $17
  • Transfer from or to airport rabat: $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Tangier or Rabat?

Prices for flights to both Rabat 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
    Rabat $24
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: $65
  • Tangier Food Tour : A Delicious Walking Adventure: $67
  • Taste of Morocco Guided Food Tour in Tangier: $71
  • Cooking and eating with a local family: $77
  • Tangier food tour : $77
  • Tangier Private Cooking Class With a Local Family: $79
  • Inclusive Beach Camel Ride, Cap Spartel, Hercules & Full Dinner: $79
  • Tangier Cooking Class With a Local Family: $81
  • Tangier Food Tour: $83
  • Taste of Morocco Guided Food Tour in Tangier: $83
  • Moroccan 3 in 1 Cooking Experience: $83
  • The Food tour of Tangier: $84

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
  • Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $54
  • Rabat Authentic Moroccan Cooking Class with Expert Chefs: $65
  • 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.
    Tangier $22
    Rabat $3.15

Tours and Activities in Tangier

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

  • 3-Hour Private Enchanting Tangier Coastal Adventure: $48
  • Full Day Private Chefchaouen Guided Tour: $143
  • Highlights of Tangier Half Day Tour Include ride the camel: $125
  • Luxury Tangier private Day Tour from Tarifa Spain All inclusive : $299
  • Private LuxuryTour of Tangier for 4hours: $83
  • Private Tour in Tangier : $80
  • Tanger tour cruise ship -up Luxury City Tour: $90
  • 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: $274
  • 2 Days Tour of Tangier & Chefchaouen JC Private Tours: $196
  • 2 hours Tangier Sightseeing tour : $61

Tours and Activities in Rabat

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

  • Car tour in Rabat: $51
  • Chefchaouen Full-Day Guided Tour Check-out DE Rabat: $191
  • Day Trip from Rabat to Casablanca with Hassan II Mosque Ticket : $143
  • Experience Todra Gorge Hiking Adventure: $36
  • Full Day Guided Tour from Rabat to Fez: $239
  • Full-day guided tour from Rabat to Chefchaouen iconic blue city: $209
  • Half-Day Guided Tour of Rabat Highlights: $89
  • Local Traditional Hammam Experience in Rabat Medina: $36
  • Merzouga Sightseeing Tour by Jeep: $3.58
  • Paragliding Experience at Rabat: $78
  • Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $66
  • Private Guided Boat Tour in Rabat: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tangier $12
    Rabat -


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


Which is Bigger, Tangier or Rabat?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Tangier. When comparing the sizes of Tangier 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 Tangier or Rabat?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Tangier or Rabat in the Summer?

Both Rabat and Tangier are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Tangier usually receives more rain than Rabat. Tangier gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tangier. Tangier usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during summer. Tangier gets 346 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Tangier is around the same temperature as Rabat. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tangier in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Rabat averages at about 23°C (73°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tangier 24°C (74°F) 
    Rabat 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Tangier or Rabat in the Autumn?

Both Rabat and Tangier during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.

Tangier usually gets more rain in October than Rabat. Tangier gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tangier. In the autumn, Tangier often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat. Tangier gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun.

In October, Tangier is generally around the same temperature as Rabat. Daily temperatures in Tangier average around 20°C (68°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tangier 20°C (68°F) 
    Rabat 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Tangier or Rabat in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tangier and Rabat. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tangier year-round. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Tangier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Tangier usually receives more rain than Rabat. Tangier gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Tangier usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat during winter. Tangier gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun in the winter.

Tangier is around the same temperature as Rabat in the winter. The daily temperature in Tangier averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tangier 13°C (55°F) 
    Rabat 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Tangier or Rabat in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tangier as well as Rabat. Tangier attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.

Tangier usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Rabat. Tangier gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tangier this time of the year. In the spring, Tangier often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rabat. Tangier gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Tangier is around the same temperature as Rabat. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tangier in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Rabat averages at about 16°C (60°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tangier 15°C (60°F) 
    Rabat 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Rabat and Tangier

Tangier Rabat
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 13°C (56°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in)