Budget Guide · MMXXVI
Morocco Budget
Travel Guide
Complete daily budget breakdowns, accommodation and food prices, tipping, bargaining strategies, and insider money-saving tips.
Budget: $30-50/day
Mid-Range: $80-150/day
Luxury: $300-600+/day
1 USD = ~10 MAD
Overview
Daily Budget Breakdown
What you will spend per day in Morocco depends on your travel style. Here are realistic daily budgets for three tiers.
Budget
300-500 MAD ($30-50)
per person per day
Hostels, street food, public transport, and free attractions. Perfect for backpackers and those who enjoy immersive local experiences.
Accommodation
100-200 MADHostel dorm or basic guesthouse
Food
80-150 MADStreet food, local cafes, self-catering
Transport
30-60 MADLocal buses, shared grand taxis, walking
Activities
50-100 MADFree sites, walking tours, markets
Extras
40-90 MADWater, snacks, tips, SIM data
Mid-Range
800-1,500 MAD ($80-150)
per person per day
Comfortable riads, restaurant meals, guided tours, and a mix of taxis and private transport. The sweet spot for most travelers.
Accommodation
400-700 MADMid-range riad or boutique hotel
Food
150-300 MADRestaurant meals, some fine dining
Transport
100-200 MADTaxis, some private transfers
Activities
100-250 MADGuided tours, paid sites, cooking class
Extras
50-150 MADShopping, tips, hammam
Luxury
3,000-6,000+ MAD ($300-600+)
per person per day
Five-star riads, private guides, fine dining, and premium experiences. For travelers who want the best Morocco has to offer.
Accommodation
1,500-4,000 MADLuxury riad, 5-star hotel, desert camp
Food
500-1,000 MADFine dining, wine, rooftop restaurants
Transport
500-1,000 MADPrivate car with driver, domestic flights
Activities
300-800 MADPrivate guides, spa, golf, balloon rides
Extras
200-500 MADShopping, premium hammam, cocktails
Where to Stay
Accommodation Costs
Hostel Dorm
Shared rooms, basic amenities, social atmosphere. Available in all tourist cities.
80-150 MAD
$8-15 per night
Budget Guesthouse
Private room, shared bathroom, often family-run. Breakfast sometimes included.
150-300 MAD
$15-30 per night
Mid-Range Riad
Traditional courtyard house. Breakfast included. Beautiful décor. The quintessential Morocco experience.
400-800 MAD
$40-80 per night
Boutique Hotel
Stylish, curated experience. Pool, rooftop, restaurant. Excellent service.
600-1,200 MAD
$60-120 per night
Luxury Riad
Exclusive, stunning design, private plunge pools, spa, personal butler service.
1,500-4,000 MAD
$150-400 per night
5-Star Hotel
International chains and Moroccan palace hotels. Full resort amenities.
2,000-6,000+ MAD
$200-600+ per night
Desert Luxury Camp
Private tent with en-suite. Camel trek, stargazing, traditional dinner included.
1,500-5,000 MAD
$150-500 per night
Apartment Rental
Self-catering option. Good for families and longer stays. Kitchen facilities.
300-800 MAD
$30-80 per night
Eating & Drinking
Food & Drink Costs
Street Food
Msemen (flatbread)2-5 MAD
Sandwich (kefta, merguez)15-25 MAD
Harira soup5-10 MAD
Snail soup (babbouche)5-10 MAD
Fresh orange juice5-10 MAD
Shawarma20-35 MAD
Local Restaurants
Tagine35-70 MAD
Couscous (Friday special)40-80 MAD
Grilled meat plate50-100 MAD
Pastilla40-80 MAD
Mint tea10-15 MAD
Set menu (3 courses)70-120 MAD
Tourist Restaurants
Tagine80-150 MAD
Main course100-200 MAD
Appetizer40-80 MAD
Dessert30-60 MAD
Water (1.5L)15-25 MAD
Soft drink20-35 MAD
Fine Dining
Multi-course dinner400-800 MAD
Wine (bottle)150-400 MAD
Cocktail80-150 MAD
Rooftop dinner experience500-1,200 MAD
Cooking class with meal400-800 MAD
Beer (import)30-60 MAD
Getting Around
Transport Costs
Mode of TransportCostNotes
Petit Taxi (city)10-50 MADMetered, within city limits. Red in Marrakech, blue in Rabat.
Grand Taxi (shared seat)20-80 MADPer seat, between cities. Departs when full (6 passengers).
Grand Taxi (private hire)150-500 MADHire entire car for your group. Negotiate price before departure.
CTM Bus50-200 MADAir-conditioned intercity buses. Book ahead for popular routes.
Supratours Bus60-220 MADConnects to train network. Reliable, comfortable.
ONCF Train (2nd class)80-180 MADComfortable, reliable. Major city routes.
ONCF Train (1st class)130-300 MADMore space, air-conditioning guaranteed, quieter.
Al Boraq (high-speed)150-330 MADTangier-Casablanca in 2 hours. Book online for best prices.
Domestic Flight400-1,500 MADRoyal Air Maroc, Air Arabia. Book early for best fares.
Car Rental250-600 MAD/dayPlus fuel (~12 MAD/liter). Full insurance recommended.
Airport Transfer (private)150-400 MADPre-arranged through hotel or tour company.
City Bus4-6 MADVery cheap but crowded and confusing for tourists.
Things to Do
Activity & Tour Costs
Museum Entry
20-70 MADBahia Palace, Majorelle Garden, museums
Guided Medina Tour (half day)
200-500 MADOfficial guide, 3-4 hours
Traditional Hammam
50-150 MADLocal hammam experience
Luxury Hammam & Spa
300-800 MADTourist hammam with massage
Cooking Class
400-800 MADIncludes market visit and meal
Camel Trek (1 hour)
150-300 MADNear Sahara or coastal areas
Desert Overnight (shared)
500-1,000 MADIncludes dinner, breakfast, camel
Desert Overnight (luxury)
1,500-5,000 MADPrivate luxury tent, full board
Hot Air Balloon
1,500-2,500 MADOver Marrakech at sunrise
Quad Biking (2 hours)
400-700 MADPalm grove or desert
Surfing Lesson
300-500 MAD2-hour lesson with equipment
Day Trip (group)
300-600 MADTransport, guide, often lunch
Gratuities
Tipping Culture & Expectations
Tipping is appreciated in Morocco but not as aggressive as in North America. Here is what is customary.
Restaurant
10% of billNot always expected but appreciated. Round up for casual meals.
Cafe/Coffee Shop
2-5 MADLeave small change on the table.
Hotel/Riad Porter
10-20 MADPer bag carried to your room.
Hotel Housekeeping
10-20 MAD/dayLeft daily or at end of stay.
Tour Guide (full day)
100-200 MADPer person. More for exceptional service.
Tour Driver
50-100 MADPer person per day. Separate from guide tip.
Taxi Driver
Round up fareNot expected but rounding up is courteous.
Hammam Attendant
20-50 MADAfter traditional hammam service.
Camel Handler
20-50 MADAfter camel trek experience.
Parking Attendant
5-10 MADUnofficial attendants who "watch" your car.
Mosque Guide (Hassan II)
20-50 MADIf the guide was informative.
Gas Station Attendant
5 MADIf they clean your windshield.
Save Money
Money-Saving Tips
1
Eat where locals eat
Restaurants one block from the main square serve the same food at half the price. Follow the locals and look for busy places.
2
Drink fresh orange juice from stands
At 4-10 MAD per glass, it is among the cheapest and freshest treats in the world. Available on virtually every corner.
3
Take CTM or Supratours buses
Much cheaper than private transfers and nearly as comfortable. Book online to guarantee seats.
4
Share a grand taxi
At 20-80 MAD per seat, shared grand taxis are the cheapest intercity option after buses.
5
Stay in traditional riads
Mid-range riads (400-600 MAD) include breakfast and offer a far more authentic experience than comparable hotels.
6
Visit free attractions
Walking the medinas, exploring souks, watching sunset from ramparts, and strolling the beach cost nothing.
7
Buy water in bulk
A 5-liter jug from a supermarket costs 10 MAD. Tourist shops charge 10-15 MAD for a small bottle.
8
Cook occasionally
Renting an apartment with a kitchen saves significantly on food. Markets sell fresh produce cheaply.
9
Bargain confidently in souks
Start at 40% of the asking price. Walk away if needed. Fair prices are typically 50-70% of the initial ask.
10
Travel in shoulder season
March-May and September-November offer the best weather with lower prices than June-August.
11
Use the ONCF train pass
If taking multiple trains, the ONCF rail pass offers savings on frequent travel between cities.
12
Book direct with riads
Many riads offer 10-20% discounts for direct bookings versus third-party platforms like Booking.com.
Zero Cost
Free Things to Do
Walk the medinas -- Marrakech, Fes, and Essaouira are living museums you can explore for free.
Watch the sunset from Essaouira ramparts, Marrakech rooftop cafes (buy a mint tea), or the Oudaia Kasbah in Rabat.
Explore the colorful streets of Chefchaouen -- the entire blue city is a free open-air gallery.
Visit the exterior of Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca -- the plaza and oceanfront setting are spectacular.
Browse the souks -- window shopping the labyrinthine markets is an experience in itself.
Stroll the gardens in Marrakech (some are free), Rabat, or Meknes.
Watch the nightly spectacle at Jemaa el-Fna square -- musicians, storytellers, acrobats, and food stalls.
Swim in the Atlantic at Essaouira, Taghazout, Agadir, or Legzira beaches.
Hike in the Atlas Mountains -- many trails near Imlil are accessible without a paid guide.
Visit the Ain Asserdoun springs near Beni Mellal -- a natural oasis with waterfalls.
Attend a moussem (local festival) -- celebrations happen throughout the year in various regions.
Walk the ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis (entry fee is minimal at 20 MAD).
The Art of the Deal
Bargaining Strategies
Bargaining is expected in souks, markets, and with some taxi drivers. It is a cultural tradition and should be an enjoyable social interaction.
1
Start at 30-40% of the asking price
The vendor expects negotiation. Your opening offer sets the floor. Aim to settle at 50-70% of the original ask.
2
Be friendly and patient
Bargaining in Morocco is a social ritual. Smile, chat, accept tea if offered. Hostility kills good deals.
3
Walk away to test the real price
If the vendor lets you leave, the price was close to fair. If they call you back, there is still significant margin.
4
Buy multiple items for leverage
Vendors will offer better per-item prices when you buy several things. Bundle scarves, spices, or souvenirs.
5
Research prices before shopping
Know approximate fair prices for common items: leather bags, ceramics, argan oil. Check cooperative shops first for fixed-price benchmarks.
6
Never show excitement
If a vendor sees you love something, the price stays high. Keep a neutral expression and browse casually.
7
Use cash as leverage
Having exact cash ready makes closing easier. Saying "I only have X amount" is a legitimate and effective tactic.
8
Shop later in the day
Vendors who have not had many sales may be more flexible in the afternoon. First sale of the day ("ftour") is considered lucky and may also get better prices.
Timing
When to Visit for Best Prices
January-February
Low SeasonColdest months but sunny. Excellent deals on accommodation and tours.
March-May
Shoulder SeasonBest weather. Prices rising but still reasonable. Book ahead for Easter.
June-August
Peak SeasonHighest prices, especially July-August. Very hot inland. Book 2-3 months ahead.
September-October
Shoulder SeasonExcellent value. Great weather. Fewer crowds than summer.
November-December
Low SeasonGood deals except Christmas/New Year week, which is peak pricing.
Ramadan
VariableSignificant discounts. Some restaurants closed during day. Evenings are festive.
Money Matters
Currency & Exchange Rates
Moroccan Dirham (MAD / DH)
1 USD = ~10 MAD | 1 EUR = ~11 MAD | 1 GBP = ~13 MAD
The dirham is a closed currency -- you cannot buy it outside Morocco. Exchange upon arrival.
ATMs offer the best exchange rates. Use machines inside banks for safety.
Always withdraw in MAD, not your home currency, to avoid dynamic currency conversion markup.
Carry small bills (20 and 50 MAD) for taxis, tips, and small purchases.
Credit cards work at hotels and upscale restaurants but NOT at souks, street food, or small shops.
Keep exchange receipts to convert leftover dirhams back when departing.
Get the Most From Your Budget
Our expertly planned tours maximize value at every price point. From budget-friendly group adventures to bespoke luxury experiences, we ensure every dirham is well spent.