9 Cheapest Cities In Morocco To Visit
Are you planning a trip to Morocco and looking for the cheapest cities in Morocco to visit?
This guide provides all the essential information about these destinations, including visiting costs, activities to enjoy, city highlights, and much more!
The costs mentioned are average daily expenses, but remember that your overall spending will depend on your travel style and how you choose to explore each location.
All figures are in USD. Before diving into the list, it’s important to note that while there are more affordable places to visit in Morocco, these options often lack attractions, accommodations, and dining options, making them less appealing.
Since you’re here, I trust you need no convincing to visit Morocco. But for those still on the fence, it’s worth mentioning that Morocco has long been a favored tourist destination, celebrated for its rich culture, stunning beaches, diverse landscapes, and delectable cuisine!
Essaouira
The tiny port city of Essaouira is located along Morocco’s Atlantic coast. It is most well-known for its historical sites, vibrant culture, and stunning, extensive beach shoreline, which covers more than half of the city’s coastline.
Essaouira has a unique landscape; one minute, you’ll be exploring its winding city alleyways, the next, the ancient City Walls, and then its extensive beach shoreline.
Consider visiting the Medina of Essaouira, Sqala du Port (the city’s main port), Place Moulay Hassan, Bab Marrakech Tower, and Centre de la Bijouterie, the perfect place to find high-quality crafted items and souvenirs.
Seafood lovers, you’ll love visiting Essaouira; the city is known for its many excellent seafood restaurants because of its fishing port.
If you’re staying in Marrakesh as a base when visiting Morocco, as many do, you can always make a day trip to Essaouira or spend a night/two there. It’s 2 hours and 40 minutes from Marrakesh.
It’s an ideal place to relax and wind down as you take a break from the lively atmosphere of Marrakesh.
Average Daily Visitor Cost: $62 US
Chefchaouen
Commonly referred to as “the blue city or blue pearl,” Chefchaouen is a small town in Morocco’s northwest, located among the Rif Mountains.
The town’s nickname comes from the many blue-painted houses throughout the quaint, charming town.
Wandering its famous blue-painted streets, you’ll find handcrafted goods, street food, and local cafes. Chefchaouen is known for its mountainous surroundings, bustling town square, old-fashioned hammams, and friendly locals.
There are also many exciting day tours from Chefchaouen, such as hiking the Rif Mountains, trekking Talassemtane National Park, and visiting the Akchour Waterfalls.
Traditional has maintained a stronghold in Chefchaouen, and locals have continued to maintain the town’s blue-painted landscape. While there are several different theories as to why the houses are all painted blue, it remains a mystery to this day, making Chefchaouen a bit of a mystical wonder.
A visit to Chefchaouen should be included in your Morocco itinerary when planning a trip!
Average Daily Visitor Cost: $65 US
Marrakesh
Founded in 1062 AD, the city of Marrakesh is a mix of African, Arabic, and European influences all into one.
As you stroll the Medina (old city), you will constantly be met with beautiful architecture, unique smells, street food, and vibrant colors. Looking around, it will sometimes feel like time has stood still in the city, making Marrakesh an exceptional visitor experience.
Strolling the many central souks (markets), visiting the many beautiful old villas, experiencing a hammam (steam bath), and visiting historical mosques are must-experience activities in Marrakesh.
Jemaa el-Fnaa is the most famous market in the old city, with ample square space to wander looking for constant street eats and things to buy. Jardin Majorelle is a vibrant-colored home with a beautiful botanical garden; Yves St Laurent once owned the house.
A trip to Morocco without visiting Marrakesh is an incomplete trip; the city holds great significance to Morocco. And there is no shortage of things to do in Morcco’s most popular city!
Average Daily Visitor Cost: $68 US
Fes
Fes is a stunning city rich in culture. The vibrant city is most known for it’s famous Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the largest in North Africa.
Fes stands out from other cities in Morocco because of its medieval Marinid architecture, many vibrant souks, and maze-like city landscape; it’s easy to get lost here!
Located in northeastern Morocco, Fes is renowned for its narrow streets and tight alleyways, bustling with shops that offer spices, carpets, traditional crafts, pottery, and much more.
For those seeking an authentic experience of Morocco’s history and culture, Fes is the ideal destination.
Average Daily Visitor Cost: $77 US
Rabat
The coastal historical city of Rabat is celebrated for its unique landscapes and rich historical attractions, featuring numerous World Heritage sites that draw tourists.
Notable historical sites reflecting Rabat’s French colonial past include the Hassan Tower, the Kasbah of the Udayas, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
With its unique blend of historical significance and modern charm, Rabat is an inviting destination for travelers seeking both culture and relaxation.
Average Daily Visitor Cost: $78 US
Merzouga
It is commonly visited because of its location in the Sahara Desert. Merzouga is a tiny village located in the southern part of Morocco. It is famous for its many desert adventures and experiences.
One of the most popular things to do in Merzouga is to visit Erg Chebbi, a magnificent stretch of picturesque desert. Other activities include camel trekking, visiting the Merzouga Lake, a body of water in the middle of the desert, sand boarding, and more!
There are many budget and luxury accommodations to choose from when staying in Merzouga.
For those looking for a unique experience in the Sahara Desert and the chance to visit one of the most picturesque places in the world, you must visit Merzouga when in Morocco!
Average Daily Visitor Cost: $82 US
Casablanca
Casablanca is a bustling beach city known for its unique architecture, culture and art scene, and luxury restaurants and hotels. It’s also one of the most visited cities in Morocco.
Popular tourist sites in Casablanca are the Hassan II Mosque, Cathedral du Sacre Coeur, and Abderrahman Slaoui Museum.
Ain Diab is the most well-known area in the city, a neighborhood known for its shopping, restaurants, many tourist attractions, and stunning beach shoreline.
With its beautiful European art deco full streets, new-age architecture, bustling street markets, and luxurious conveniences, Casablanca has been a top tourist destination for many years.
For those looking for a bustling beach city full of conveniences, a nice beach, and a luxury feel, Casablanca should be first on your Morocco itinerary!
Average Daily Visitor Cost: $85 US
El Jadida
What was once a critical part of Portuguese colonization, El Jadida is a coastal port city known for its impressive walled fortress, recognized by UNESCO, its extensive beach shoreline, and its mix of old and modern new-age architecture.
Here are a few must-do things in El Jadida besides visiting the famous walled fortress and beach: Portuguese Cisterns, a unique underground gloomy chamber, the Sidi Bouafi Lighthouse, and the Mosque El Bannani.
Also, visit the Carrefour Market, the town’s largest bustling local market. It’s an excellent place to try different foods and pastries and is one of the only places in the city where you can purchase alcohol.
The laidback town of El Jadida is often overshadowed by its popular neighbor, Casablanca. But there are many things to do in El Jadida, and the beach town offers a nice change of scenery from Casablanca’s bustling streets.
If you’re staying in Casablanca, you can always visit El Jadida for a day trip; it’s only one hour and twenty minutes away.
Average Daily Visitor Cost: $88 US
Tangier
Famous for its luxury accommodations, picturesque beach promenade full of excellent restaurants, and lively nightlife, Tangier has become one of the most popular places to visit in Morocco over recent years.
Tangier’s most famous tourist attractions are the Hercules Caves, an archaeological cave complex known for its long history, Grand Socco, a market square full of many vendors, and Tangier American and Kasbah Museums.
Every day, a ferry operates between Tangier and Gibraltar, a British territory in the southern part of Spain. It’s only a 1.5-hour trip, so you could always visit Gibraltar from Tangier for a day trip!
While Tangier isn’t one of the cheaper cities to visit in this list of most affordable cities in Morocco, it’s one place you should consider adding to your itinerary in Morocco!
Average Daily Visitor Cost: $90 US
Best Time to Visit Morocco
While Morccoo is an all-year-round destination, the Fall and Spring are the two ideal times to visit.
Spring in Morocco is from late March to May, and Fall runs from September to October.
During these seasons, you can experience all the destinations in your itinerary without the weather being too chilly or scorching hot.
If you choose to visit during the Wintertime, from December to February, prepare yourself for chilly temperatures, especially when visiting any cities in the mountains or deserts. Also, during this time, the coastal towns in Morocco are far from what they are during all other times of the year!
If you choose to visit during the Summertime, from mid-June to August, anticipate humid, hot weather. Visits to desert towns like Merzouga can be unbearable for the most part. Still, on a positive note, summertime is an excellent time to enjoy the coastal cities of Morocco to the fullest!
Shoulder Season Morocco
There are two shoulder season periods in Morocco, during which there are fewer tourists and cheaper hotels and flights within the country.
November to February: The quietest time of year in Morocco and the best time to explore. Despite the cool weather, trips to the Sahara Desert during this time are fun and cozy.
June to August: With the hottest temperatures of the year, accommodation prices are lower this time of year as most tourists are vacationing in Europe instead. But this is also a great time to explore, and places like Chefchaouen make for ideal visits because of their cooler mountain temperatures.
Morocco is considered a cheap destination, especially compared to neighboring countries like Portugal and Spain. However, it isn’t one of the most affordable countries in the world to visit.
The cheapest places to live are Asilah, Ifrane, and Marrakesh, which have a daily average cost of $66 – $80 US. If you want to live somewhere cheap in Morocco with amenities, Marrakesh is your best option.
Avoid taxis, use buses or walk, stick to the street stalls for food, and find out where the locals eat. For accommodations, consider the hostels and many homestays.
No, it’s not. Morocco is more expensive to visit than Turkey in all aspects. Accommodations are slightly more costly in Morocco than in Turkey, but food and transportation costs are higher in Morocco than in Turkey.
Happy & Safe Travels
Planning Checklist
- Find the best Hotels/Resorts
- Book a Vacation Home Rental
- Book a fun Tour in the Place you’re visiting
- Find the best Hostels
- Find/Buy the Cheapest Flights
- Get Travel Insurance when traveling
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links shared in this article might be affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, we will earn a small commission for any sales generated through this article and/or this website.
We recommend products/services we’ve either used or researched thoroughly – Thank you for supporting me so we can continue to share helpful travel content!
