Is Morocco Expensive? Travel Budget, Costs & Guide

Welcome, Dear Travellers, to the Gate of Africa.
My dearest fellow travellers, stop right there. The magic begins the moment you arrive. Can you feel that fragrant fusion of orange blossom and spice smoke? Listen to the whisper of ages, a breeze rattling the gates of the ancient Medina. This, dear traveller, is the unforgettable scent of Morocco. It is calling your name.

I’ve walked these labyrinthine alleys, sipped the potent mint tea, and stood beneath the impossibly bright stars of the Sahara. And I know the question that whispers at the back of your mind as you plan your own odyssey: “Is Morocco expensive?”
Forget the dry, impersonal spreadsheets. This is not a formal report; this is a love letter to a country written by someone who has lived the journey. It’s a personal account, a guiding hand from one wanderer to another. And here at World Flight Vibes, we believe in sharing travel as it’s truly meant to be felt.

So let me tell you, in simple, beautiful words, that the unparalleled magic of Morocco is genuinely accessible. It’s more than a holiday , it’s a remarkable experience that can be customised for virtually any budget. That’s the heart of what we embrace at World Holiday Vibes.

Let’s discuss the most pressing question first: how expensive is Morocco, really?
Rich with culture and experiences, from the luxurious, mosaic-tiled courtyards of Marrakech to the rugged Atlantic coastline, Morocco offers a diverse range of possibilities. Together with World Flight Vibes, let’s dive into the core of the cost because your visit should focus on the experience itself. That’s what truly matters.

The Sanctuary of Sleep – Accommodation Costs

When you trip to Morocco, where you lay your head at night is more than just a room; it’s an integral part of the experience. Forget generic hotels. Here, we speak of Riads. A Riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior courtyard, often featuring a fountain or garden. Staying in one is like stepping into a private, peaceful world, a cool, quiet contrast to the vibrant chaos just outside the door.

1.The Riad Experience (Mid-Range & Luxury)

This is where you might choose to splurge just a little, and honestly, I wholeheartedly recommend it. For the mid-range traveller, a beautiful, well-located Riad in a city like Fes or Marrakech will cost you roughly £40 to £80 per night for a double room. These places often include a spectacular breakfast on a roof terrace, views of the Atlas Mountains, and service that makes you feel like royalty. Move into the luxury bracket, and you could easily spend £160 or more for an exclusive suite with a private plunge pool.

2.Budget Bliss (Hostels & Guesthouses)

But fear not, budget travellers! Morocco is incredibly kind to your wallet. I found countless small, charming guesthouses and clean hostels, particularly in the medinas, where a bed in a shared dorm or a simple private room can be secured for an astonishing £8 to £16 per night. Opting for a guesthouse over a tourist-centric hotel in a local neighbourhood will significantly cut your costs and enrich your experience tenfold.

My Personal Tip: Always book accommodation with breakfast included. It is not only a yummy way to start your day (think fresh juice, Moroccan tea and Moroccan pancakes), but also one less meal you will have to stress about purchasing. Is Morocco expensive to visit for backpackers? Absolutely not!

A Feast for the Senses – Food & Drink Costs

Moroccan cuisine is a masterpiece of slow-cooked flavour, and eating here is one of the greatest pleasures and perhaps the greatest saving of your entire trip.

1.Street Food & Local Eateries: The Daily Delight (Budget)

Your budget-friendly daily meals will be an exciting adventure into the heart of Moroccan life. Head to the bustling squares and local markets (the ‘souks’) and embrace the street food culture. Let’s look at how much is a meal in morocco at a local level:

• A piping hot bowl of Harira (traditional soup): Less than £1.
• Freshly squeezed orange juice: £0.50.
• A classic, satisfying Tagine or Couscous at a modest, unpretentious local cafe: You’re looking at a mere £2.50 to £5.50 per person

It’s completely feasible to eat two substantial meals a day for less than £10. This is a clear indicator that moroccan food is a great way to save money. is Morocco expensive for tourists concerned about food costs? No, not at all!

2.Mid-Range Dining: A Touch of Elegance

Should you wish to retreat from the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed, styled meal in a beautiful Riad restaurant, the prices morocco rise accordingly. A three-course meal in a mid-range, quality restaurant will typically set you back around £15 to £25 per person. This often includes live music or a more refined atmosphere, perfect for a special evening.

3.The Cost of Tea:

The cost of mint tea is negligible, but its value is priceless. It’s the ultimate symbol of Moroccan hospitality. You will be offered it free of charge in shops, Riads, and by new friends. Embrace it! Purchasing a pot at a cafe usually costs less than £1.50.You may also be wondering is alcohol expensive in morocco? Generally, yes. Due to strict regulations and taxation, alcohol is sold in specific venues and is notably pricier than in many European countries.

Navigating the Kingdom – Transport Costs

Getting around Morocco is efficient, enjoyable, and surprisingly cheap. Whether you’re hopping between cities or darting across the medina, you have excellent, cost-effective choices.

 1.The Inter-City Journey: Trains & Buses

For long-distance travel, the national rail service (ONCF) is superb clean, comfortable, and reliable. A long-haul trip, say from Casablanca to Marrakech, is a steal at approximately £8 to £16 for a second-class ticket.

Buses are even cheaper. Companies like CTM and Supratours offer modern, air-conditioned coaches connecting almost every major city and town. Depending on the distance, a ticket will rarely cost you more than £15.

 2.The Intra-City Dash: Taxis

In the cities, you have two types of taxi:

• Petit Taxi (Small Taxi): For journeys within the city limits. This is your friend. A short ride to the main square should cost you between £1 and £3. Crucially, always insist the driver uses the meter (the compteur). If they refuse, find another taxi.
• Grand Taxi (Shared Taxi): For travelling between nearby towns or across city boundaries. These are shared, older vehicles that wait until they have six passengers before setting off. This is a very authentic and cheap way to travel. Buying an empty seat allows you to leave sooner or have more comfort.

3.Car Rental:

If you plan an epic road trip through the Atlas Mountains or along the coast, a rental car can offer freedom. Local agencies offer competitive daily rates, sometimes as low as £16 per day. Just remember that parking and driving in the medinas are a nightmare. This section answers the question of how expensive is morocco for internal cost travel: it’s very affordable.

My Personal Tip: When moving between cities, use the trains for comfort and the buses for reaching destinations the rail network doesn’t serve. For short distances, embrace the Grand Taxi – it’s a brilliant way to see local life unfold.

Unlocking the Magic – Activity Costs

Morocco is rich in activities, and thankfully, many of the best ones are either free or very low-cost.

1.Free & Low-Cost Activities:

The greatest spectacle is entirely free: simply walking through the medinas, haggling in the souks, and watching the acrobats and storytellers in the Djemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech.

Museums & Historical Sites: Entrance fees are generally nominal. Most major attractions, like the Bahia Palace or the Saadian Tombs, will cost you between £1 and £8 to enter.

2.The Essential Splurge: The Desert Tour

If there is one experience I implore you to budget for, it is a journey to the Sahara Desert. This is an all-inclusive adventure, often including transport, camel treks, food, and morocco budget accommodation in a Berber camp.

• A basic, one-night, two-day desert tour often starts around £42 per person.
• A premium, three-day desert adventure from Marrakech to Merzouga, which includes quality accommodation and private transport, can range from £150 to £250 per person.

3.Guided Tours

While wandering independently is possible, hiring a local guide for a few hours in a massive medina (like Fes) is worth every penny to avoid getting lost and to truly understand the history. A quality guided city tour can cost between £16 and £40.If you are comparing it to other holiday spots, you’ll find that is Morocco expensive to visit for activities is an easy “no.”

My Personal Tip: Haggling is an activity in itself! Don’t be afraid to offer half the asking price in the souks. The shopkeeper expects it, and it’s part of the fun. Just remember to always be respectful and smile.Knowing how much is a meal in morocco also helps you budget for those essential souvenirs.

The Ultimate Budget Breakdown (What I Actually Spent)

The Comprehensive Budget Summary (My Actual Expenditures)

So, is Morocco expensive? The answer is no, not if you don’t want it to be. Morocco will easily work with your budget and you can spend as extravagantly as you want.

Here is a budget breakdown, from my experience, of what you might expect day to day in British sterling (£):

(Note: These budgets are per person and do not include major one-off splurges like a multi-day desert tour, which should be budgeted separately.)

The sweet spot for most independent travellers seeking comfort without breaking the bank lies right in the Mid-Range bracket. For around £70 a day, you can enjoy a gorgeous Riad, eat incredible food, and move easily between cities. In fact, compared to many Western destinations, is Morocco expensive for tourists looking for great value? No, it offers exceptional value.

Final Thoughts: Morocco’s True Currency

I realise now that the true beauty of Morocco isn’t just in the colours of the tiles or the height of the dunes, but in how it allows you to connect with it without requiring a king’s ransom.

The only real currency you need here is openness. Be open to new flavours, open to conversation, and open to the gentle chaos of the medina.This trip will prove to you just how much is a meal in morocco when compared to the value of the experience.

So, go ahead. Book the flight. Know that your funds will stretch further here than in almost any comparable destination in Europe. The question is not, “Is Morocco expensive?” The question is, “Are you ready for the adventure?”

I can’t wait for you to experience this land. Morocco is waiting. Go and write your own beautiful chapter.

For official travel guidance, safety updates, and entry requirements, you can also check the Moroccan Government’s official tourism portal

Frequently Asked Questions