Morocco On A Budget: Complete Cost Breakdown
Morocco is one of the most vibrant, captivating places I’ve ever visited. And surprisingly, it’s also one of the most affordable. From riding camels through the Sahara to wandering the ancient medinas of Fes and Marrakech, traveling Morocco on a budget is more than doable.
In fact, some of the most memorable parts of my trip were also the cheapest. But like anywhere, it’s easy to overspend if you don’t know what things should cost.
That’s why I put this Morocco budget travel guide together. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Morocco or looking to stretch your travel budget further, I’ll walk you through exactly how to save (without cutting corners on your experience).
From booking affordable accommodations and avoiding tourist-priced meals to knowing when to haggle and when to splurge, this post has everything I wish I’d known before my own trip. With the right mix of planning and flexibility, you’ll find that Morocco is one of the best-value destinations out there.
Happy travels to Morocco!
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How Much Does A Trip To Morocco Cost?
Morocco is one of those destinations where your budget really depends on how you choose to travel. Want to stay in high-end riads with rooftop pools, take private guided tours, and dine in stylish restaurants? You absolutely can. But it’s also one of the best countries for getting a rich, full experience on a modest budget.
You can stay at quality riads, eat some of the best local flavors, enjoy amazing activities, and still leave feeling like you could do it again.
Even without travel points or miles, Morocco is one of the easiest destinations to visit affordably. This guide will show you how to travel well without overspending.
My advice? Set a budget first, then decide where it makes sense to splurge. For most travelers, activities and lodging are affordable, it’s tours and transportation that vary the most. If your dates are flexible, you’ll also save a lot just by avoiding peak season.
To give you a ballpark for a mid-range trip, here are the average costs per category:
- Accommodations: $40–$120 per night for a mid-range riad or hotel (lower in smaller cities, higher in Marrakech or Fes)
- Food: $10–$25 per person, per day (mix of local restaurants, bakeries, and occasional sit-down dinners)
- Activities: $5–$20 per day (most cultural sites and museums have very low entry fees)
- Guided Tours: $20–$150+ per person depending on the length and type of experience
- Transportation: $5–$20 per day depending on the mix of taxis, trains, and shared transfers
Getting To Morocco Cheaply
The two most common airports to fly into Morocco are Marrakech (RAK) and Casablanca (CMN). Depending on your itinerary, one may make more sense than the other. While there are only a handful of direct flights from the U.S., you’ll find plenty of options with a quick connection in Europe.
If you can take a positioning flight to major hubs like New York, Chicago, or Washington D.C., it’s often possible to find roundtrip economy tickets to Morocco for $500–$650. Occasionally, you’ll spot deals as low as $400, especially if you’re using flight alerts from sites like Thrifty Traveler.
When it comes to booking a cheap flight to Morocco, flexibility is everything. Be open to different travel dates, routes, and nearby airports to get the best deal.
How To Fly To Morocco Using Points and Miles
If you want to fly to Morocco for nearly free, travel points are your best friend. With transferable points, you can book flights on dozens of airlines, even those not based in the U.S. Thanks to airline alliances, you can transfer your bank points to partner programs that often offer better deals than booking with U.S. carriers.
For instance, you could fly Delta but transfer your points to Air France. Since they’re both part of the SkyTeam alliance, you can book shared award space—unlocking cheaper redemptions using points you already have.
I booked a flight to Casablanca with Iberia Avios that I transferred from my American Express points. This cost me just 20,000 points and $170 in economy.
If you’re new to this, I highly recommend trying Point.Me. This tool helps you find the best use of your points for any destination, worldwide. It’s especially helpful if you’re flying from a smaller airport; you can search for better deals via a positioning flight.
Some programs are particularly great for flying to Morocco with points:
- Iberia Avios – You can find incredible deals starting at just 17,000 points one-way in economy.
- American Airlines – Flights can be as low as 22,500 points in economy with low taxes and fees.
- Air France / KLM – Availability is more limited, but one-way flights sometimes price out at 25,000 points.
Getting Around Morocco
I’m not going to sugarcoat it: getting around Morocco can be a little tricky as a tourist, especially if you’re trying to keep your costs low. Taxis tend to be overpriced for non-locals, and not all transportation options are well-marked or straightforward.
Trains Between Major Cities
Morocco’s train system is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to travel between major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech. The ONCF trains are generally reliable and comfortable, with first-class tickets often costing just a few dollars more than second class.
Grand Taxis
For shorter regional trips, shared grand taxis are a smart and affordable option. These taxis run fixed routes between towns. It’s not the most luxurious ride, but the price is fair and consistent. You’ll pay a fixed rate, which is refreshing in Morocco.
Buses Between Cities
While buses can be a cheaper option than trains, they’re sometimes less reliable. If you do take one, stick to reputable companies like CTM or Supratours. They have designated bus stations and I was really impressed with their services. These offer the most comfort and structure; more so than public transportation options.
Book Airport Transfers Online
Many hotels charge inflated prices for airport pickups. A better option is booking your transfer online in advance through a trusted service. This not only helps you avoid being overcharged, but also ensures someone is waiting for you, even if your flight is delayed.
Negotiate or Use the Meter for Taxis
Taxis in Morocco rarely run the meter unless you ask. And even then, they may refuse. Always negotiate the price before getting in, and don’t be afraid to walk away if the rate seems high. In tourist-heavy areas like Marrakech, drivers will often quote double or triple what locals pay.
Where To Stay In Morocco On A Budget
Hotels in Morocco come in a wide range of price points. From inexpensive guesthouses to high-end riads, there’s something for every budget. But if you’re looking to save, one of the best strategies is to book locally owned hotels and riads instead of international chains.
An easy way to save even more is by booking through sites like Expedia or Booking.com while logged in to your account. Many hotels offer web-only deals or insider discounts, sometimes up to 50% off.
Location matters, too. While you might find cheaper accommodations on the outskirts of town, staying closer to the medina or main attractions can save you money in the long run. Taxis in Morocco often charge a tourist premium, so you’ll end up spending more just trying to get around.
Finally, check if breakfast is included. Many Moroccan hotels and riads offer a complimentary breakfast, which can help cut down your daily food costs without sacrificing experience.
Using Points For Hotels In Morocco
One of the best ways to save thousands on accommodations is by using points for your hotel nights. I love using the Awayz tool to find award hotels. You can add your credit card programs and hotel loyalty points, along with your destination and dates, to see all available award hotels and get the best value.
Morocco has limited award hotels options but there are some, especially with partnerships with boutique riads. You can find more options with major hotel brands in major cities like Marrakech and Casablanca.
And, if you’re not familiar with how to use points for hotels, it’s easier than you might think! Many credit cards offer the ability to earn points through everyday spending, which you can then transfer to hotel loyalty programs. For example, Chase allows you to transfer points to World of Hyatt for free stays that start at just 5,000 points a night.
Saving Money On Top Morocco Experiences
Guided tours in Morocco are still relatively affordable compared to many other destinations. You can find food tours for under $40, guided walks through the medina for around $20, and even quad bike rides starting at $18. You can experience a lot without spending much.
One of the best ways to make the most of your money is to prebook tours in advance. This gives you time to read reviews, compare prices, and choose the best value with the highest-rated guides. While there are plenty of people offering tours on the street, those options are often lower quality or filled with hidden sales pitches.
I personally recommend booking through GetYourGuide. The site makes it easy to compare tours, check verified reviews, and cancel if your plans change. I’ve used it all over Morocco and always found it reliable and straightforward.
To really stretch your budget, mix paid tours with DIY activities. Museums, cultural centers, and gardens are often inexpensive and easy to visit on your own. A little research ahead of time goes a long way in helping you prioritize what’s worth paying for and what you can enjoy independently.
Be cautious with tours that seem too cheap. If you see a full-day excursion with multiple stops priced under $30, it likely comes with strings attached. These often include detours to souvenir shops where guides earn commission. Always read recent reviews before booking to make sure you’re getting a genuine experience.
How To Visit The Sahara
For many travelers, visiting the Sahara Desert is a must and I highly recommend it. It’s an unforgettable experience. But while there are plenty of ways to save money throughout Morocco, this isn’t one of them. When it comes to the Sahara, you get what you pay for.
Tour prices vary depending on the length of the trip, group size, and level of accommodation. You’ll find options as low as $70 per day, and others that run over $500 per day. In most cases, the quality of the experience increases with the price. Most of which start in Marrakech and take you through the High Atlas Mountains to the Sahara.
To avoid disappointment, look for tours that cost at least $250 per person for a 3-day trip. Cheaper tours often include more time on the road, fewer desert experiences, and unnecessary shopping stops with aggressive sales tactics.
>> If you want a deeper look at what to expect, and my top Sahara tour picks, check out this guide.
Eating In Morocco On A Budget
Eating in Morocco can be incredibly affordable if you stick to local spots. Tourist restaurants, especially those in the medina or near major attractions, tend to be overpriced and underwhelming. Instead, look for family-run, open-air establishments with sandwich boards or large posted menus. That is where you will find tajines, lentils, and kefta—hearty, flavorful dishes at a fraction of the cost.
The good news is that these kinds of restaurants are easy to find if you are willing to walk a few blocks from the main square. Most locals avoid the central tourist areas for meals, and you should too.
That said, I found that many Moroccans assume visitors want something more Western in experience. They may offer well-meaning recommendations to pricier restaurants that they would not normally eat at themselves. If you are looking for a more local meal, just let them know you are hoping to eat where they do.
If you are traveling on a tight budget, splitting dishes is a great way to save. Moroccan portions are generous, and it is common for two people to share a tajine, a bowl of lentils, and some fresh bread or tea.
Morocco also has a large selection of street food, especially in cities like Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech. You’ll find options like msemen and kefta at cheap prices. Most street food is safe for foreigners. Just be sure to only taste from stalls that seem practice safe food practices.
One more tip: skip the alcohol. Drinks are expensive and rarely worth it. A basic cocktail like an Aperol spritz can cost up to twenty dollars, and most bartenders do not drink themselves, so the quality can be questionable. Your money is better spent on the food.
Navigating Morocco’s Barter Economy
The first day of my group trip, our guide looked at us and said, “Haggling is just part of the culture.” And he was right. If you want to shop in Morocco, especially in the souks, you either learn to play the game or risk overpaying.
Prices in Moroccan markets often start two to three times higher than what you should actually pay. Shopkeepers fully expect some back-and-forth, so haggling is not just accepted, it is expected.
Tips for Haggling in Morocco
Do not show too much excitement about an item. If you seem overly eager, sellers are much less likely to lower the price. Keep your tone neutral and casual.
Start by asking for the shop’s “best price.” It will not be their lowest offer, but it gives you a baseline to work from. If they ask you to name your price, understand that it is a tactic to test your knowledge. Try to research similar items beforehand so you can counter with confidence.
A simple trick that works well is to mention you saw the same item elsewhere for a lower price. That usually nudges the seller to match it or come close.
As a general rule, aim to pay about fifty percent of the initial price. If something starts at 200 dirhams, try offering 100 and settle somewhere in the middle.
And if you really want a smoother experience, consider shopping with a local. Booking a guide for a day or taking a shopping-specific tour can help you avoid tourist markups and find better-quality goods at fair prices.
Travel Tips To Save Money in Morocco
There are so many things I loved about traveling in Morocco but also a few I learned the hard way when it came to sticking to a budget. These are the tips I wish someone had told me before my first trip. If you’re trying to travel Morocco on a budget, these will save you time, money, and frustration.
Bartering isn’t optional, it’s expected
At markets and souks, you’re expected to negotiate. Prices usually start two to three times higher than what you should actually pay. If you don’t haggle, you’re likely getting overcharged. Always ask for the “best price” first, then work your way down.
Negotiate taxi fares every time
Taxis almost never use the meter, especially in tourist-heavy cities like Marrakech. Always agree on a price before you get in. If the price seems too high, walk away. Another driver will take you, often for less.
Tourist restaurant pricing is no joke
The restaurants right near the main square or inside the medina walls can charge double or triple what you’ll pay just a few blocks away.
Booking tours in advance makes a big difference
Don’t wait to book day trips or desert tours until you arrive. Prices tend to be higher in person, and it’s harder to know which companies are reputable. Booking ahead lets you compare reviews and avoid the pushy upsells on the street.
Morocco On A Budget FAQs
Yes, Morocco is one of the most budget-friendly destinations to visit. You can eat well, explore major cities, and even experience the Sahara without spending a fortune, especially if you avoid tourist traps, use local transportation, and plan ahead.
For a mid-range traveler, expect to spend around $75 to $125 per day. That includes accommodations, food, transportation, and activities. You can spend less if you’re traveling ultra-budget style or as a couple. Or a bit more if you choose to splurge on tours or boutique riads.
More Morocco Tips + Inspiration
- Get your complete Morocco packing list and have everything you need for your trip.
- Want more help planning your Morocco trip? Don’t miss my complete travel itinerary!
- Camel rides are a must for any trip to Morocco, so be sure to check out my guide to doing it ethically.
- Essaouira is the perfect beach town for your trip to Morocco – and I have a 2-day itinerary to help you plan your trip.
- Don’t miss this Things to do in Chefchaouen guide to help plan your trip to the Blue City.
- Want the best prices in the Marrakech souks? Be sure to use my price guide to help!
