Morocco Travel Cost – Is Morocco Cheap?
Morocco is a country where you can travel on a budget or spend a lot on luxury experiences. Having lived here all my life, I’ve seen all types of travelers—backpackers, families, digital nomads, and luxury seekers. Some manage to spend as little as $20 per day, while others enjoy private tours, high-end hotels, and fine dining for thousands of dollars.
I’ll break down Morocco travel costs, including accommodation, food, transportation, activities, and other travel expenses, so you can plan your trip properly and know how much spending money for Morocco you’ll need.
Accommodation Costs in Morocco
Where you stay will depend on your budget. Morocco offers cheap hostels, mid-range riads, and luxury hotels. Prices also change depending on the city, the season, and the level of comfort you want. (Photo credit: Riad Fes El Kaid)
Budget Accommodations
If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll find hostels and cheap guesthouses in most major cities. Expect to pay around $10 to $20 per night for a dorm bed in places like Marrakech, Fez, or Essaouira. In smaller towns, you might find basic rooms for even less.
Mid-Range Hotels and Riads
Most visitors prefer staying in traditional riads, which are Moroccan-style homes with a courtyard. Depending on the city, a good riad costs $40 to $100 per night. Riads in Fez and Chefchaouen tend to be cheaper than those in Marrakech.
Mid-range hotels cost $50 to $80 per night, usually offering air conditioning, breakfast, and private bathrooms.
Luxury Accommodations
Morocco has luxury hotels and expensive riads for travelers looking for high-end stays; here is an overview of the prices of the stay in hotspot tourist cities
- In Marrakech, Casablanca, and Agadir, expect to pay $150 to $400 per night.
- Some riads in Marrakech and Fez go over $600 per night, offering private pools, spa treatments, and high-end service.
Regardless of your budget, Morocco has a variety of accommodations, whether you’re looking for cheap travel costs in Morocco or high-end experiences.
Food Costs In Morocco
Moroccan food is affordable and available everywhere. You don’t have to spend a lot in tourist areas to enjoy traditional Moroccan dishes.
Street Food
If you stick to Moroccan street food, you can eat for $2 to $5 per meal. Some common foods include:
- Tagine (slow-cooked meat and vegetables) – $2 to $4
- Couscous (traditional Friday meal) – $3 to $5
- Harira or Bisara soup with bread – $1 to $2
- Snacks like msemen (Moroccan pancakes) or sardine sandwiches – $0.50 to $2
Mid-Range Restaurants
Eating at a local restaurant costs $8 to $15 per person, including a main dish, a side, and Moroccan mint tea. Some popular Moroccan dishes include:
- Pastilla (savory-sweet chicken or seafood pie with almonds and cinnamon)
- Rfissa (slow-cooked chicken with lentils and spices)
- Grilled fish, especially in Essaouira and Agadir
High-End Dining
Fancy restaurants in Marrakech, Casablanca, and Rabat cost $20 to $50 per person. They serve Moroccan and international food, and many offer wine and cocktails, which are not always easy to find in Morocco.
Is Morocco an expensive place to visit? well, when it comes to food, it doesn’t have to be. You can eat cheaply or spend more on a fine dining experience.
Transportation Costs In Morocco
Getting around Morocco is affordable, with options like taxis, buses, and trains. Here
Taxis
- Petit taxis (small city taxis) charge around $1 to $3 for short rides (always ask for the meter to be turned on).
- Grand taxis (shared taxis for intercity travel) cost around $5 to $20 per seat, depending on distance.
Trains
The ONCF train network connects major cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, Fez, and Tangier. A first-class ticket between these cities costs between $15 to $30, while second-class tickets are cheaper but more crowded. The new high-speed train (Al Boraq) from Tangier to Casablanca costs around $30 one way.
Buses
Buses are the cheapest way to travel long distances. Depending on the distance, companies like CTM and Supratours offer comfortable rides at $5 to $20 per ticket.
Car Rentals
Renting a car costs $30 to $60 per day, depending on the model and rental company. Gasoline prices are around $1 per liter, and driving is straightforward, though city traffic can be chaotic.
Activity Costs In Morocco
Morocco has plenty of affordable attractions, from historic sites to desert tours.
Guided Medina Tours
Hiring a guide for a Medina tour in Fez or Marrakech costs $20 to $50. While exploring alone is possible, a guide helps you navigate and avoid scams.
Sahara Desert Tours
A 3-day desert tour from Marrakech or Fez costs $100 to $250, including:
- Camel trekking
- Overnight stay in a Berber camp
- Meals and transport
Luxury desert tours can cost $400+, offering private tents, gourmet meals, and 4×4 transport.
Hiking in the Atlas Mountains
- A guided day hike costs $40 to $80, including transport and meals.
- Multi-day treks, like climbing Mount Toubkal, cost $150 to $300, depending on group size and duration.
Entrance Fees
Some attractions charge small entrance fees:
- Majorelle Garden, Marrakech – $15
- Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca – $12
- Volubilis Roman Ruins – $5
Miscellaneous Costs
A Moroccan SIM card with data costs $5 to $10. Companies like Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi offer prepaid plans with good coverage.
Tipping
Tipping is common in Morocco:
- Restaurants: 10% of the bill
- Guides: $5 to $10
- Taxi drivers: Round up the fare
Shopping and Souvenirs
Local markets sell items at negotiable prices. Some common souvenirs include:
- Leather bags and shoes ($20 to $100)
- Handmade rugs ($100 to $500)
- Ceramics and pottery ($5 to $50)
Total Daily Budget Estimates
Budget Type Daily Cost
Budget (hostels, street food, public transport) $20 – $40
Mid-Range (riads, restaurants, taxis) $50 – $100
Luxury (hotels, private transport, fine dining) $150 – $400
Traveling in Morocco can be affordable or expensive, depending on your preferences. Budget travelers can spend around $30 per day, while mid-range travelers usually spend $50 to $100 per day. Those looking for luxury experiences can spend $200 or more daily on high-end accommodations and private tours.
Planing to explore Morocco? Check out our 3 days tours from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert, 5 days tour from Fez to the desert, and more on our selection of Morocco private tours. We also offer detailed guides on the best time to visit Morocco, 10 best est places to visit In Morocco, and safety tips in Morocco.
You can also contact us directly if you have any question regarding Morocco.