Budget & Costs
Morocco is one of the most affordable travel countries in North Africa and offers excellent value for money — especially compared to European Mediterranean destinations. The range spans from a 25€ day as a backpacker to a 500€+ day in a luxury Riad, but most travelers manage excellently with 60–100€ per day.
Basic rule: Marrakech and tourist hotspots are 30–50% more expensive than the rest of the country. In Fes, Meknès, Essaouira, and rural areas, you get significantly more for your money. 1€ ≈ 10.5–11 MAD (as of 2025/26).
Daily budget per person (guidelines)
| Style | MAD/Day | €/Day | Accommodation | Food | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | 250–400 | 25–40€ | Hostel/Dorm (80–150 MAD) | Street food + Market | Grands Taxis, CTM Bus |
| Budget | 400–700 | 40–70€ | Simple Riad/Guesthouse (200–400 MAD) | 1× Restaurant + Street food | 2nd Class Trains, Buses |
| Mid-range | 700–1,200 | 70–120€ | Charming Riad (400–800 MAD) | 2× Restaurant/Riad Dinner | 1st Class Trains, Rental Car |
| Comfort | 1,200–2,500 | 120–250€ | Boutique Riad/4★ Hotel (800–1,500 MAD) | Fine Dining, Cooking Classes | Rental Car, Private Driver |
| Luxury | 2,500+ | 250€+ | Palace Riad/5★ (1,500+ MAD) | Fine Dining, Private Chef | Private Driver, Domestic Flights |
What costs what? Price comparison (in MAD and €)
| Item | Cheap | Medium | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Room Riad | 200–400 MAD (20–40€) | 500–800 MAD (50–80€) | 1,000–3,000 MAD (100–300€) |
| Tajine (Restaurant) | 30–50 MAD (3–5€) | 60–100 MAD (6–10€) | 120–200 MAD (12–20€) |
| Couscous Plate | 35–50 MAD (3.50–5€) | 60–90 MAD (6–9€) | 100–150 MAD (10–15€) |
| Fresh Orange Juice | 4–5 MAD (0.40–0.50€) | 10–15 MAD (1–1.50€) | 20–30 MAD (2–3€) |
| Mint Tea | 8–12 MAD (0.80–1.20€) | 15–25 MAD (1.50–2.50€) | 30–50 MAD (3–5€) |
| Bottled Water 1.5l | 3–5 MAD (0.30–0.50€) | — | — |
| Grand Taxi (Route) | 20–50 MAD (2–5€) | — | — |
| Train Ride Marrakech–Fes | 185 MAD (18€, 2nd Cl.) | 295 MAD (29€, 1st Cl.) | — |
| Rental Car/Day | — | 250–400 MAD (25–40€) | 500–800 MAD (50–80€) |
| Desert Camp (1 Night) | 300–500 MAD (30–50€) | 600–1,000 MAD (60–100€) | 1,500–3,000 MAD (150–300€) |
| Hammam (local) | 15–20 MAD (1.50–2€) | — | — |
| Hammam (tourist) | — | 200–400 MAD (20–40€) | 500–1,000 MAD (50–100€) |
| Medina Guide (half day) | — | 200–350 MAD (20–35€) | 500–800 MAD (50–80€) |
Example Daily Budget "Mid-range" (2 people, Fes in October)
| Item | MAD | € |
|---|---|---|
| Riad Double Room with Breakfast | 600 | 57€ |
| Orange Juice in the Morning (2×) | 10 | 1€ |
| Medina Guide (half day, shared) | 300 | 29€ |
| Lunch (Tajine + Salad, 2 Pers.) | 120 | 11€ |
| Mint Tea in the Afternoon (2×) | 30 | 3€ |
| Dinner (Riad Dinner, 3 Courses, 2 Pers.) | 400 | 38€ |
| Petit Taxi (2 rides) | 40 | 4€ |
| Miscellaneous (Tips, Water, Snacks) | 60 | 6€ |
| Total (2 Pers.) | 1,560 MAD | ≈ 149€ = ~75€/Person |
The 10 Best Money-Saving Tips for Morocco
- Bargain, bargain, bargain: Haggling is not only allowed but expected in souks and with taxis. Start at 30–40% of the quoted price and work your way up. The "right" price is usually 50–60% of the initial demand. Never accept the first price — it would be disappointing for both sides.
- Street food instead of restaurant: A Msemen (puff pastry crêpe) costs 3–5 MAD, a Bocadillo (sandwich) 15–20 MAD, a Harira soup 5–8 MAD. The fish market in Essaouira grills your freshly bought fish for 20 MAD.
- Share Grands Taxis: Shared taxis between cities cost a fraction of private taxis. Marrakech–Essaouira: about 80 MAD instead of 800 MAD privately.
- CTM Bus instead of private driver: CTM and Supratours buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and affordable. Marrakech–Fes: about 200 MAD (20€).
- Local Hammams instead of tourist spas: A local Hammam costs 15–20 MAD entrance plus 50 MAD for a Gommage (scrub). The tourist equivalent: 200–500 MAD.
- Riad instead of hotel: Riads (traditional townhouses with courtyards) offer more charm, including breakfast and often dinner on request — cheaper than comparable hotels.
- Cook yourself at the market: The market stalls are a dream: kilos of fruit for 10–20 MAD, fresh bread from the Forno for 1.50 MAD, olives and cheese for a few Dirhams.
- Know the tipping culture: 10% in restaurants, 10–20 MAD for a porter, 5–10 MAD for a toilet attendant. Don't give too much — it spoils the prices for everyone.
- Book desert tours locally: Sahara tours are 30–50% more expensive in Marrakech and Fes than in Merzouga or Ouarzazate themselves. Those who are flexible book on-site.
- Travel outside the high season: October and March are ideal — best prices, best weather, fewer tourists.
💡 Tipp
The biggest money-saving trick in Morocco: Breakfast at the Riad (almost always included!), street food or market for lunch, and only go to a proper restaurant in the evening. This way, as a couple, you can manage excellently with 600–800 MAD (60–80€) per day — including accommodation.
