How Much Money Do You Really Need for a Morocco Trip
- Waleed
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
Planning a trip to Morocco? One of the first questions you probably have is: "How much will this cost me?" This is a smart question to ask. Morocco is an amazing destination, but you want to know what to expect before you go.
The good news is that Morocco is one of the most affordable travel destinations in North Africa. You can have an incredible experience without spending a fortune. But the amount you need depends on your travel style, how long you stay, and what you want to do.
In this guide, I'll break down real costs for food, hotels, transportation, and activities. You'll learn what budget travelers spend, what mid-range travelers spend, and what luxury travelers spend. By the end, you'll have a clear idea of how much money to bring for your Morocco trip.
Understanding Morocco's Cost of Living
Morocco is much cheaper than Europe or North America. Your money goes further here. A meal that costs $15 in the United States might cost $3 to $5 in Morocco. A nice hotel room that costs $150 in Europe might cost $40 to $60 in Morocco.
The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). One US dollar equals about 10 dirhams. One euro equals about 11 dirhams. Keep this in mind when you see prices.
Prices are lower in smaller towns and higher in tourist areas like Marrakech and Fez. You'll pay more in the medinas (old city centers) where tourists shop. You'll pay less in local neighborhoods where Moroccan people live and eat.
Budget Breakdown: Daily Costs
Let's look at what things actually cost in Morocco right now.
Accommodation Costs
Budget hotels: $15 to $30 per night. These are clean, basic rooms. You get a bed and a bathroom. No fancy extras.
Mid-range hotels: $40 to $80 per night. These have nice rooms, maybe a small balcony, and good service. Some have a pool or a nice courtyard.
Luxury hotels and riads: $100 to $300+ per night. These are beautiful traditional houses turned into hotels. They have stunning courtyards, excellent service, and great locations.
Hostels: $8 to $15 per night. Good if you want to meet other travelers.
Airbnb apartments: $25 to $60 per night depending on location and quality.
Food Costs in Morocco
Street food and local restaurants: $2 to $5 per meal. This is where Moroccan people eat. You get authentic food at real prices. Try tagine, couscous, and fresh bread.
Mid-range restaurants: $8 to $15 per meal. These are nice restaurants in tourist areas. The food is good and the service is friendly.
Fancy restaurants: $20 to $50+ per meal. These are upscale places in big cities.
Groceries: If you cook your own meals, you can eat very cheaply. A loaf of bread costs 50 cents. Fresh fruit costs $1 to $2 per kilogram. Eggs cost about $1 per dozen.
Transportation Costs
Buses between cities: $5 to $15 for long distances. Buses are comfortable and reliable. They're the cheapest way to travel.
Trains: $10 to $25 for long distances. Trains are comfortable and faster than buses.
Taxis in cities: $1 to $3 for short trips. Always ask the price before you get in, or use a taxi app.
Car rental: $25 to $50 per day. Good if you want to explore on your own.
Flights within Morocco: $50 to $100. Only useful if you're traveling very far.
Activity Costs
Guided tours: $20 to $50 per person. This includes city tours, desert tours, and mountain hikes.
Sahara desert tours: $100 to $300 for 2 to 3 days. This is one of the most popular activities. Prices depend on how many people are in your group and what's included.
Entrance fees to attractions: $2 to $10. Museums, palaces, and gardens are very affordable.
Camel rides: $10 to $30 for a few hours.
Cooking classes: $30 to $60 per person.
Sample Daily Budgets
Now let's put this together. Here's what different travelers might spend per day.
Budget Traveler: $30 to $50 per day
This person stays in hostels or budget hotels. They eat at local restaurants and street food stalls. They use buses for transportation. They do free activities like walking through medinas and exploring neighborhoods.
Example day:
Hostel: $12
Breakfast (street food): $1
Lunch (local restaurant): $3
Dinner (local restaurant): $4
Transportation: $2
One activity or entrance fee: $5
Total: $27
Mid-Range Traveler: $60 to $100 per day
This person stays in nice mid-range hotels. They eat at good restaurants. They take taxis and occasional buses. They do paid activities and tours.
Example day:
Hotel: $50
Breakfast (café): $3
Lunch (nice restaurant): $10
Dinner (nice restaurant): $12
Transportation: $5
One activity or tour: $25
Total: $105
Luxury Traveler: $150 to $300+ per day
This person stays in beautiful riads and luxury hotels. They eat at upscale restaurants. They hire private drivers. They do exclusive tours and experiences.
Example day:
Luxury riad: $150
Breakfast (hotel): $10
Lunch (upscale restaurant): $25
Dinner (upscale restaurant): $40
Private driver: $50
Exclusive tour or activity: $75
Total: $350
How Much to Budget for Different Trip Lengths (Excluding Flights)
Trip Length | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler | Luxury Traveler |
One Week | $210 – $350 | $420 – $700 | $1,050 – $2,100 |
Two Weeks | $420 – $700 | $840 – $1,400 | $2,100 – $4,200 |
One Month | $900 – $1,500 | $1,800 – $3,000 | $4,500 – $9,000 |
✈️ Flight Costs (Not Included Above):
From the USA: $400 – $800
From Europe: $50 – $200
Money-Saving Tips for Morocco
Here are practical ways to spend less and travel longer.
Eat where locals eat. Skip the tourist restaurants. Go to small local spots where Moroccan people eat. The food is better and cheaper.
Stay in smaller towns. Marrakech and Fez are expensive because they're popular. Smaller towns like Chefchaouen and Essaouira are cheaper and less crowded.
Use public transportation. Buses and trains are cheap and reliable. Skip taxis and private drivers.
Book tours in person. When you arrive in a town, ask at your hotel about tours. You'll often get better prices than booking online.
Travel during shoulder season. April, May, September, and October are good times to visit. Prices are lower than summer, and the weather is perfect.
Negotiate prices. In markets and with taxi drivers, it's normal to negotiate. Don't be shy about asking for a better price.
Stay longer in one place. Moving around costs money. If you stay in one city for 3 to 4 days, you save on transportation.
Cook some meals. If you have access to a kitchen, buy groceries and cook. This saves a lot of money.
Skip expensive activities. You don't need to do every tour. Walking through medinas, visiting mosques, and exploring neighborhoods are free or very cheap.
When to Visit Morocco
The time of year affects prices.
High season (June to August): Prices are highest. Hotels cost more. Tours are crowded. Weather is very hot.
Shoulder season (April, May, September, October): Prices are moderate. Weather is perfect. Not too crowded. This is the best time to visit.
Low season (November to March): Prices are lowest. Weather is mild but can be rainy. Some attractions have shorter hours.
Hidden Costs to Know About
Some costs surprise travelers. Here's what to watch for.
Tipping: Tipping is expected in Morocco. Give 10% at restaurants. Give a few dirhams to people who help you.
Entrance fees: Some attractions charge entrance fees. Budget $2 to $10 per attraction.
Guides: If you want a guide in a medina, they'll ask for money. Agree on a price first.
Souvenirs: Markets are tempting. Set a budget for shopping so you don't overspend.
Drinks: Alcohol is expensive in Morocco. A beer costs $3 to $5. Wine costs $8 to $15.
Practical Tips for Managing Money
Here's how to handle money in Morocco.
Use ATMs: ATMs are common in cities. You get good exchange rates. Withdraw money as you need it.
Bring some cash: Have some US dollars or euros to exchange. Exchange rates at banks are better than at hotels.
Credit cards: Major credit cards work in big cities and hotels. But many small restaurants and shops only take cash.
Avoid exchanging money at airports: Airport exchange rates are bad. Wait until you get to a bank or ATM.
Tell your bank: Let your bank know you're traveling. They might block your card if they see foreign charges.
Keep money safe: Don't carry all your money in one place. Use a money belt or keep some in your hotel safe.
You Might Also Ask
Is $500 enough for one week in Morocco?
Yes, $500 is enough for one week if you're a budget traveler. You can stay in hostels, eat at local restaurants, and use buses. You'll have money for a few activities and tours. If you want more comfort, $700 to $1,000 is better.
How much does a Sahara desert tour cost?
A 2 to 3-day Sahara tour costs $100 to $300 per person. Budget tours are $100 to $150. Mid-range tours are $150 to $200. Luxury tours are $200 to $300+. The price depends on group size, accommodation quality, and what's included (meals, camel rides, etc.).
Can I travel Morocco on $30 per day?
Yes, you can. Stay in hostels ($10 to $15), eat at local restaurants ($5 to $8), and use buses ($2 to $5). Skip expensive tours and activities. You'll need to be careful with money, but it's possible. Many backpackers do this.
Is Morocco expensive compared to other countries?
No, Morocco is very affordable. It's cheaper than Europe, the United States, and most of Asia. A meal costs $2 to $5. A hotel room costs $20 to $50. It's one of the cheapest places to travel in the Mediterranean region.
Do I need to tip in Morocco?
Not necessarily. tipping is not always expected in Morocco but it's very much appreciated and welcomed. Give 10% maximum at restaurants. Give a few dirhams to guides, porters, and people who help you. It's not required, but it's appreciated. Many Moroccan people in tourism industry rely on tips.
What's the best time to visit Morocco for budget travelers?
April, May, September, and October are best. Prices are lower than summer. Weather is perfect. It's not too hot and not too cold. Avoid June to August when prices are highest and it's very hot.
Can I negotiate prices in Morocco?
Yes, you can negotiate in markets and with vendors or even some local travel agencies. It's normal and expected. Start by offering 50% of the asking price. Meet somewhere in the middle. Don't negotiate in restaurants or hotels because prices are fixed there.
How much should I budget for food in Morocco?
Budget $5 to $10 per day if you eat at local restaurants. Budget $15 to $25 per day if you eat at mid-range restaurants. Budget $30+ per day if you eat at upscale restaurants. Street food and local spots are the cheapest and most authentic.
So, How Much Money You Need for A Morocco Trip
Morocco is an affordable destination. You can travel here on any budget. Whether you have $30 per day or $300 per day, you can have an amazing experience.
The key is knowing what to expect and planning ahead. Decide what kind of traveler you are. Choose your accommodation and activities based on your budget. Eat where locals eat. Use public transportation. And don't stress about money—Morocco is designed for travelers.
Start planning your trip. Set your budget. And get ready for an adventure you'll never forget.
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