Is Morocco expensive? Here’s my Morocco travel budget for 30 days driving around the country

Is Morocco expensive? Absolutely NOT! Hereโ€™s my personal Morocco travel budget for driving around the country for 30 days.

Hi Trisha! Iโ€™ve seen that you spent a lot of time in Morocco and I am going there really soon. I know it is cheap but I want to see how much money to prepare. Can you please share your Morocco travel budget? Many thanks and more power!

-Ella Kjรฆr, Denmark
is morocco expensive

Thank you for your e-mail, Ella!

My Morocco travel budget was very minimal. I made sure I donโ€™t go over $30 USD per day which is already a lot in this country. I got tired of Moroccan food easily so I opted to cook in the remaining weeks that I was in Morocco.

In this Morocco travel budget report, I will walk you through what I spent in Morocco โ€“ food, transportation, accommodations, shopping, tours, etc.

Below you will find the โ€œcontentโ€ list โ€“ just click on them to jump to the content you are looking for. I hope you enjoy Morocco. Itโ€™s one of my favorite countries and I always loved going back!

Xx,
Trisha

group trips

Scared to travel alone? Why not join my trips?

Change the way you travel and spend your money on trips that matter โ€“ trips that you will never forget. My group trips are highly focused on responsible travel, supporting local communities, and avoiding the obligatory touristic circuit.

.

๐Ÿ’ธ Is Morocco expensive?

is morocco expensive

Morocco is a very cheap country so many of its European visitors frequent this country. Europeans can fly direct to Morocco for less than $100 USD with budget airlines.

Because of this, Euros are accepted in Morocco but I still exchanged my money for dirhams when I visited.

The currency in Morocco is called the Moroccan dirham (MAD). $1 MAD = $0.097 USD.

With this price, you will be able to buy 1 liter of whole fat milk, 1 kg of tomatoes, 1 kg of potatoes, and a loaf of bread for 2 people.

It is very important to know what you can buy for a dollar in Morocco so you can compare it to your home country. This way, you have a better idea of how much your Morocco travel budget should be.

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Planning your trip to Morocco? I can help you with that! From itinerary planning to safety in traveling to Morocco, I can give you genuine tips on a 1-1 call. Letโ€™s chat! [Book a call with Trisha]

Is Morocco expensive for US citizens?

morocco travel budget

No, Morocco is not expensive for US citizens. For $1 USD, you can already eat Moroccan dishes like Moroccan salad or Bissara (fava bean soup).

This is also the starting range for entrance fees to historical sites and museums. As a US citizen on a budget, you can easily spend $30 USD per day in Morocco by staying in hostels and eating street food.

See also:

๐Ÿ“† Cheapest months to visit Morocco

morocco travel budget

Like many other travel destinations in the world, Morocco has different cities with different price points so we canโ€™t really generalize a general price for the whole country.

However, while reviewing my Morocco travel budget, I realized that they donโ€™t really have an extreme price difference per area.

In general, the cheapest months to visit Morocco are during the off-peak and shoulder seasons.

Low season in Morocco

Mid-June to August is summer in Morocco, and while the coast has a pleasant climate, the inland areas, especially cities like Marrakech and Fez, can become scorching hot.

Because of the intense heat in many popular destinations, fewer tourists tend to visit during this period, leading to lower prices for accommodations and sometimes even tours.

November to February are the Winter months and can be quite cold, especially in the Atlas Mountains and inland cities. If youโ€™re planning to visit the Sahara Desert, nights can be chilly.

While this is technically the low season for many inland areas, coastal cities like Essaouira can still be pleasantly mild, and this might also coincide with the peak season for them.

morocco travel budget

Shoulder Season in Morocco

March to May and September to October: These months often offer a balance between good weather and reasonable prices.

Itโ€™s not as busy as the high season, so you can often get good deals on accommodations and tours, but the weather is generally more pleasant than in the peak summer heat or the chill of winter.

A piece of advice: Morocco is not expensive so even if you visit during the high season, it wonโ€™t really cost a lot. I just prefer to travel to Morocco during the low season because there are fewer tourists.

I even spent a whole month of Ramadan here because I was traveling slowly. But if you are traveling to Morocco on a specific number of days, Ramadan isnโ€™t really a good time to travel to Morocco.

๐Ÿ’ฐ My personal Morocco travel budget

morocco travel budget

My Morocco travel budget is a mix of budget, mid-range and luxury. For accommodations, I opted mostly for riads, which are the popular accommodations in Morocco.

A Moroccan riad is a traditional house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard. The term โ€œriadโ€ originates from the Arabian term for garden, โ€œryadโ€.

These houses are typically found in Moroccoโ€™s medinas (old city centers) and are notable for their unique architectural and design elements.

You probably want to try this at least once and mind you, they are not expensive in Morocco!

How much money do you need to spend per day in Morocco?

morocco travel budget

The daily travel costs in Morocco depend on your travel preferences. As for me, I prioritized riads and food.

Here is my personal Morocco travel budget (one person). Again, you donโ€™t have to spend the same as I did. This is just an overview for you to have an idea of how much to prepare for your trip.

All prices are in US dollars (USD):

ItemPrice
Budget Hostel$5-$15 per night
Mid-range Hotel/Riad$30-$70 per night
Luxury Hotel/Riad$80+ per night
Street Food Meal$2-$5
Restaurant Meal$5-$15
Fine Dining$20+
City buses or shared taxis$0.50-$2 per ride
Intercity buses (e.g., CTM or Supratours)$5-$15 depending on distance
Intercity trains$10-$30 depending on class and distance
Domestic Flights$30-$100
Car RentalFrom $20-$50 per day
Entry to major historical sites or attractions$1-$7
Guided tours$20-$50
Sahara Desert tours$40-$100 per day
Morocco sim card$5-$10 initial cost

โœˆ๏ธ Cost of flights to Morocco

morocco travel budget

There are many airports in Morocco and most Europeans can fly to any destination in the country. The major airports that serve many destinations worldwide are:

  • Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Casablanca
  • Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) in Marrakech
  • Fes-Saรฏss Airport (FEZ) in Fez
  • Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG) in Tangier

If you are flying to Morocco from the USA, Casablanca has cheaper options and frequent flights from $600 USD (2-way).

Royal Air Maroc is a great airline to look at. However, you have to stop in Europe (Barcelona) to get to Morocco from the US. If you already have plans to travel to Europe, it is more realistic to just add Morocco to your Eurotrip.

From Heathrow Airport (London), flights to Morocco start for as low as $300 USD (2-way). The flight duration is 3 hours and 5 minutes and is a direct flight.

If you are flying from Australia to Morocco, the easiest route is via Dubai. Itโ€™s only one-stop though the flight can take up to 25 hours. Prices start at $1,500 USD.

As usual, these are just estimates so if you want to see a more specific price for flights to Morocco, use the widget below by putting your departure city/airport:

๐Ÿจ Morocco hotel prices

morocco travel budget

Accommodations in Morocco are really cheap. In Marrakesh, you can get a decent dorm in a hostel from $5-$7 USD. However,  the most popular accommodation type in Morocco is the riads.

Riads in Morocco are really beautiful (pictured above) and are part of the tourist attraction list in Morocco. Many people opt to stay in riads for the complete Moroccan experience.

They may look expensive but youโ€™d be surprised to find a $35 USD riad in major cities. Luxury accommodations may be all-inclusive (massages, meals, etc) range from $80 โ€“ $100 USD.

Below are my favorite hotels in Morocco with corresponding estimated prices. Note that these hotels are also less than 1 KM from the city center so you can walk!

DestinationPriceRating
Riad Dar Hamid Hotel & Spa (Marrakech)$1179.6/10
ODYSSEE Boutique Hotel (Casablanca)$1138.2/10
Riad Dar-tus (Tangier)$3049.8/10
Dar El Fanne (Chefchaouen)$429.4/10

The hotels in the table above are 4-5 stars so there are still many other accommodations that are cheaper than these!

๐Ÿฒ Food prices in Morocco

morocco travel budget

There is a lot of French influence when it comes to Moroccan food. Couscous and tajine are the most common food sold on the streets.

You can always find $1 USD eats everywhere, especially in the souks. I traveled to Morocco for 30 days and I honestly got tired of Moroccan food.

However, there are also a lot of Western cuisines, mostly French and Italian. I found it hard to find American food options (burgers, pizza) as Moroccan cuisine is very European.

Even if you find a burger joint, I donโ€™t believe it will be as good. Morocco is also a fan of fast food where McDonaldโ€™s and KFC are very popular among the locals.

Alcohol is not sold everywhere in Morocco. You have to go to special places and present a legal ID when buying alcohol.

How much does a meal cost in Morocco?

Below are the rough estimates for food costs in Morocco for a single traveler:

FoodPrice
Sandwich (e.g., Shawarma or Kefta)2-$4
Harira (traditional soup)$0.50-$1.50
Bread (Khobz)$0.10-$0.50
Pastries (like msemen or beghrir)$0.50-$1
Tajine (meat or vegetarian)$3-$6
Couscous (typically available on Fridays)$4-$7
Grilled fish or meats$5-$10
Bissara (fava bean soup)$1-$2
Moroccan salad$1-$3
Mint tea$0.50-$1.50
Full-course meal with starter, main, and dessert$10-$30
Moroccan wine or beer$3-$7
Luxury dining experience or gourmet meals$30-$80
Sweets and desserts (like baklava or chebakia)$0.50-$3
Soft drinks$0.50-$1.50
Freshly squeezed orange juice$0.50-$2
Coffee$0.70-$2

๐ŸšŒ Transportation costs in Morocco

morocco travel budget

Moroccoโ€™s transportation is really efficient and modern. The first time I went to Morocco, it was so easy to hop on a bus or a train โ€“ the trips are very frequent.

On my second visit, I rented a car for one month which cost me $17 USD per day for the car rental. This is not including gasoline (1 liter of gas in Morocco costs $1.05 USD) and tolls but both are quite cheap.

I recommend renting a car if you are a couple or group of 3 because it is cheaper and youโ€™ll be able to take your time. Driving in Morocco is pretty easy, too! Itโ€™s not as crazy as India if thatโ€™s what youโ€™re comparing it to.

Taxi rates in Morocco are at $4.36 USD for every 5 miles. It is encouraged to agree to a price with the driver before hopping in.

In my experience, I find train and bus prices in Morocco pretty much the same, as well as the travel time. There are more things to see while on the bus but the train rides are quite spectacular, too.

To check the prices and schedules of busses in Morocco, CTM is the best website where you can reserve your tickets as well.

If you are interested in experiencing Moroccan trains, they are very frequent and travels throughout the country. Check ONCF for train prices and schedules.

Below are more transportation options in Morocco with corresponding prices:

TransportationPrice
Intra-city rides$0.50-$1.50
Petit taxis (small city taxis)$1-$3 for short rides
Grand taxis (shared inter-city taxis)$5 to $15
2nd class train ticket from Marrakech to Casablanca$10-$15
1st class train ticket from Marrakech to Casablanca$15-$23
A flight between Marrakech and Fez$40-$120
CTM and Supratours Buses$8-$12

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Shopping in Morocco

morocco travel budget

Shopping in Morocco is a big business and is one of the reasons for Moroccoโ€™s tourism to explode throughout the years. Morocco is famous for textiles, carpets, and interior pieces.

I bought a tea set for $15 USD with a dozen of thick Moroccan glasses and a silver teapot. The seller originally wanted $25 USD for it but I bargained so he gave it to me for the price I wanted. I almost paid his asking price, though!

I also bought a large carpet that cost me $45 USD. You might wonder how I was able to transport this carpet home but they pack it really nice and small.

I also bought soaps as gifts for my friends which cost me $1 USD per bar. Moroccan plates are sold in sets and range from $10 โ€“ $15 USD.

Bargaining in Morocco is very common so always do it 50% of the sellerโ€™s original price โ€“ they will give it to you no matter what. As long as you are firm with your asking price.

๐Ÿงญ Morocco tour prices

morocco travel budget

Tour prices in Morocco vary and are often priced at European prices but there are many places where I didnโ€™t sign up for a tour โ€“ I just did it myself.

To have an idea of the tour prices in Morocco, please see below:

The prices above are just samples for you to have an idea of the prices of Morocco tours. It doesnโ€™t mean that you need to avail them. You can always choose cheaper tour agencies or do it yourself.

TourPrice
3-day Marrakech, Fez, and Sahara Desert Tour $205
3 days Marrakech and Sahara Desert$108
3 days tour to Marrakech and Chefchaouen $524
2 days Casablanca and Chefchaouen tour$420

Additionally, I organize customized tours in Morocco so feel free to get in touch if you need an all-inclusive trip planning

๐Ÿ’ต Money handling in Morocco

is morocco expensive

The currency in Morocco is called the Moroccan dirham (MAD)$1 MAD = $0.097 USD. For each of my visit, I always bring cash to Morocco as it is still a cash country.

I also use my Wise card, an international bank account that allows me to withdraw multiple currencies all over the world without converting them!

The conversions are real-time and you will actually see what you withdraw on the app.

ATM withdrawals in Morocco

Remember that Morocco is still a cash country so make sure you have enough when you arrive. One of the best ways to get cash in Morocco is through ATM withdrawals.

You can withdraw from the airport using your debit card from your home country (or use Wise as I recommended above).

ATM machines and banks that accept international cards in Morocco and are guaranteed safe include BMCE, Banque Populaire, and Attijariwafa Bank.

ATMs in Morocco typically have a withdrawal limit per transaction or per day. The specific limit can vary based on the bank and the type of ATM.

The common withdrawal limit for ATMs operated by Moroccan banks ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 dirhams ($292 USD) per transaction.

Exchanging USD, Euros or GBP in Morocco

I really donโ€™t do this since I find that debit card withdrawals are the same but if you are someone who brings their local currency when they travel (i.e. USD or Euros), the best way to exchange cash in Morocco is through banks.

Most banks will exchange popular foreign currencies like USD, EUR, or GBP. However, the rate might not be as favorable as specialized currency thatโ€™s why this is not my preferred method.

Hotels also offer currency exchange but it is more or less the same as the banks.

Use of credit cards in Morocco

While cash is king in many places in Morocco, credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, upscale restaurants, and some shops in tourist areas. You still need cash!

These are the most widely accepted credit cards in Morocco. Youโ€™ll find that most hotels, restaurants, and stores in urban areas that do accept credit cards will take both Visa and Mastercard.

American Express is less commonly accepted, but you may still be able to use it at upscale hotels and some high-end restaurants.

Discover is limited in Morocco, so itโ€™s advisable to have an alternative payment method if this is your primary card.

Tipping in Morocco

Tipping, known as โ€œpourboireโ€ in French or โ€œbaksheeshโ€ in Arabic, is customary in Morocco. In upscale restaurants, a tip of 10-15% of the bill is customary if a service charge hasnโ€™t been added.

For smaller orders like coffee or tea, rounding up to the nearest 5-10 dirhams ($1 USD) is common.

Tipping taxi drivers isnโ€™t mandatory, but itโ€™s a kind gesture to round up the fare. If the journey was long or the driver was particularly helpful (like assisting with heavy bags), a tip of 5-10 dirhams ($1 USD) is appropriate.

For hotel staff like housekeeping, 10-20 dirhams ($2 USD) per day is great. 100-200 dirhams ($20 USD) per day is a good tip for tour guides.

is morocco expensive

Money handling tips

  • Always keep a small amount of cash for small purchases or places that donโ€™t accept credit cards. Local shops, souks (markets), small restaurants, and taxis still operate on a cash-only basis.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use a money belt or concealed pouch for added security.
  • Be wary of unofficial money changers who may approach you with seemingly attractive rates.
  • Ensure you notify your bank or credit card company of your travel dates so your card doesnโ€™t get flagged or blocked.
  • Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) are a closed currency, meaning itโ€™s best to exchange or spend your dirhams before leaving the country.

๐Ÿ’ฑ Money-saving tips for Morocco travel

morocco travel budget

You donโ€™t have to spend a lot on your Morocco vacation as it is really a cheap destination. Here are some money-saving tips to help you make the most of your trip to Morocco:

Use Shared Taxis: Known as โ€œGrands Taxis,โ€ these shared taxis often run set routes between cities or towns and can be more cost-effective than buses or trains, especially if youโ€™re traveling in a group. Just be sure to agree on the fare before departing.

Opt for Local SIM Cards: If you plan to use the internet or make calls, buying a local SIM card from providers like Maroc Telecom, Inwi, or Orange can be much cheaper than international roaming.

Local Markets for Meals: Head to local food markets (souks) around lunchtime. You can find fresh produce and local eateries serving meals at a fraction of the restaurant price. Just look for where the locals are eating!

Refillable Water Bottles: Drinking tap water isnโ€™t recommended in most parts of Morocco, but many hotels and riads have filtered water available. Bring a refillable water bottle to reduce the need to buy bottled water.

Shop Smart in the Medinas: Bargaining is an art in Morocco, and itโ€™s expected in the medinas. Start by offering half or less of the initial price and negotiate from there. And remember, shopping later in the day can sometimes result in better deals.

Travel Overnight: If youโ€™re taking longer train or bus journeys, consider traveling overnight. This way, you save on one nightโ€™s accommodation.

Explore On Foot: Many Moroccan cities, like Marrakech, Fes, and Chefchaouen, are best explored on foot. This not only saves on transportation costs but also allows for a more immersive experience.

Student Discounts: If youโ€™re a student, bring your international student card. Many attractions, like museums or historical sites, offer discounts to students.

The essence of traveling is not just about saving money but also about experiencing the local culture and environment.

Balance your efforts to save money with opportunities to engage authentically with Moroccoโ€™s rich heritage and traditions.

โ‰๏ธ FAQ: Morocco Travel Costs

Morocco is not expensive at all and is an affordable travel destination. However, costs can vary based on travel style, cities visited, and personal preferences.

While itโ€™s possible to experience Morocco on a tight budget by staying in hostels and eating at street vendors, there are also luxurious riads and gourmet restaurants catering to travelers seeking a more upscale experience.

Major expenses include accommodation, food, transportation, and excursions. Itโ€™s always advisable to check current prices and exchange rates before traveling.

For a mid-range traveler who seeks comfortable accommodations, regular restaurant meals, some excursions, and other miscellaneous expenses, an estimate of $60-$150 per day or $420-$1,050 for a week can be considered.

However, budget travelers can get by with around $30-$60 a day or $210-$420 a week. On the other hand, luxury travelers may spend upwards of $200 per day or $1,400 for a week, excluding high-end experiences or shopping.

Historically, Turkey, especially cities like Istanbul, might be slightly more expensive in terms of accommodations and certain activities than cities in Morocco like Marrakech or Fes.

However, flight costs, current economic conditions, and specific travel plans can influence the overall trip cost. Itโ€™s best to create a rough itinerary for each country and compare the expected expenses.

Yes, it can be. And itโ€™s an affordable luxury! While Morocco can be a luxury destination, it remains versatile, appealing to various travel styles and budgets.

Luxury travelers can indulge in elegant riads, gourmet Moroccan cuisine, high-end desert camps, spa treatments in traditional hammams, and exclusive tours.

Cities like Marrakech and Casablanca also boast upscale restaurants, shops, and accommodations.

Yes, cash is king in Morocco. While credit cards are accepted in many places, cash remains the preferred mode of payment in local markets, small eateries, and some transportation options.

Yes, you can use the Wise card in Morocco at places that accept Mastercard. Additionally, the Wise card can be used at ATMs to withdraw Moroccan Dirhams.

On average, for budget travelers, $30-$50 per day should cover basic expenses like food, local transport, and some sightseeing. For a more comfortable experience or if planning on dining at upscale places or shopping, budgeting $100-$150 per day is more appropriate. Itโ€™s also easy to withdraw more cash from ATMs if needed.

While the official currency is the Moroccan Dirham, some tourist-oriented businesses, especially in larger cities, may accept USD. However, itโ€™s not widely accepted, and you might not get a favorable exchange rate. Itโ€™s advisable to use Moroccan Dirhams for most transactions.

Compared to many Western countries, $100 can go relatively far in Morocco. For budget travelers, it could cover a few daysโ€™ worth of basic expenses. However, if youโ€™re shopping, dining at upscale restaurants, or booking tours, it can be spent more quickly. Overall, Morocco offers good value for money for many tourists. Your $100 USD will go far!

Typically, ATMs in Morocco dispense Moroccan Dirhams (MAD), not Euros. While some ATMs, especially in major tourist areas or international airports, might offer Euro withdrawals, itโ€™s not common, and the exchange rate might not be favorable. Itโ€™s best to withdraw Moroccan Dirhams and use them for local transactions.

Yes, Euros are occasionally accepted, especially in major tourist areas, at some hotels, and in businesses catering to European tourists. However, the exchange rate might not be optimal. For everyday transactions, itโ€™s better to use Moroccan Dirhams. If you have Euros, they can be easily exchanged at currency exchange offices or banks.

Similar Posts

4 Comments

  1. Hello good day,
    Hi , im cindy and im filipina. Im just planning travel to Morocco once the boarders open for tourist. I just want to know the requirements needed to exit the immigration here in philippines beside of course the 2 ways tickets. My friend moroccon shoulder my expenses like foods and lodging where i stay. The only want know the requirement to exit.
    Thank you looking forward the answer from yours.

  2. Hi Miss Trish.
    I’m a Filipina working here IN SAUDI Arabia.
    Is it necessary to purchase a Travel Insurance when traveling to Morocco For 2weeks? Thank You. And can you refer a good travel insurance company?

  3. Hi Trisha, hope your still responding to comments here.. Iโ€™m wondering about longer term renting in Morocco. Iโ€™m currently in Spain looking for a 1-2 month rental in a small Mediterranean village. But realizing Morocco could be a much cheaper destination for this! Would love to hear your recs for favorite Mediterranean villages and how to go about looking for monthly rentals. OHโ€ฆ and do people generally speak English? Thanks in advance

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *