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

Should you visit Tangier 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 Tangier 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: Tangier or San Sebastian?

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.

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 10-Day Tours in Morocco, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Tangier?

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

  • Tangier Prices
    Morocco Prices
    San Sebastian Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tangier $84
    San Sebastian $133

The average daily cost (per person) in Tangier is $84, 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 Tangier and San Sebastian in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tangier $26
    San Sebastian $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tangier $52
    San Sebastian $94
Compare Hotels in Tangier and San Sebastian

Looking for a hotel in Tangier 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 Tangier


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: Tangier Hotel Prices and San Sebastian Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tangier $26
    San Sebastian $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tangier

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

  • Private Transfers; Tanger Port - Tanger: $11
  • Tangier Airport or Port Transfer – Private, Reliable, Fast: $15
  • Private Transfer From Ferry Port to Tangier or Vice Versa: $20
  • One-Way Airport Transfer Tangier Ibn Battuta to City Center: $22
  • Transfer from Tangier airport to Tangier: $24
  • Tangier Private Transfers: $25
  • Private Transfer: Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport to Tangier: $28
  • Tangier Private Transfer from Airport , Port and Train Station: $28
  • Transfers from - to Tangier airport: $30
  • One way Tangier Airport Private Transfer (TNG): $30
  • Airport Transfer to Tanger City : $30
  • Private Transfer from Tangier Cruise Port to Tangier City Hotels: $31

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 Tangier or San Sebastian?

Prices for flights to both San Sebastian 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
    San Sebastian $64
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

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.
    Tangier $22
    San Sebastian $37

Tours and Activities in Tangier

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

  • Alchemist Quest Experience in Tarifa: $5.96
  • Tangier City Tour Bus Hop On - Hop Off: $16
  • Authentic Tangier on Foot: Unforgettable Walking Tour: $20
  • Cap Spartel and Hercules Cave 3H Tour with Camel ride: $27
  • 3 Hours Private Tour Of Tangier Visit traditional shops.: $33
  • 3 Hours Small Group Guided Tour of Tangier: $35
  • Tangier Coastal Hiking Adventure: $35
  • Full Thousand and One Nights Experience Tour: $36
  • Tangier on Foot: A Guided Walking Tour: $40
  • Hercules Caves, Cap Spartel & Camel Ride Experience: $42
  • Tangier Old Town Walking Tour: $42
  • Enjoy a Free Self-Guided Tour Of Blue City Chefchaouen: $48

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
    Tangier $12
    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 Tangier and San Sebastian, we can see that San Sebastian 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 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 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 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 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 San Sebastian Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tangier or San Sebastian?

Tangier has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Tangier 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 Tangier or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Tangier during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tangier is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tangier in July average around 24°C (74°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In San Sebastian, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tangier. In the summer, Tangier often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Tangier gets 346 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Tangier usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Tangier gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tangier 24°C (74°F) 
    San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Tangier or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

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

In October, Tangier is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Tangier average around 20°C (68°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Tangier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tangier usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Tangier gets 235 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, Tangier usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Tangier gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tangier 20°C (68°F) 
    San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Tangier or San Sebastian in the Winter?

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

Tangier is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the winter. The daily temperature in Tangier averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Tangier often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Tangier gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Tangier receives a lot of rain in the winter. Tangier usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Tangier gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tangier 13°C (55°F) 
    San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Tangier or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Tangier are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Tangier is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tangier in April average around 15°C (60°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tangier. Tangier usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Tangier gets 251 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, Tangier usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Tangier 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
    Tangier 15°C (60°F) 
    San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Tangier

Tangier San Sebastian
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 13°C (56°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)