How Much Does a Trip to Morocco Cost?
Understanding Moroccan Prices
Morocco uses the Moroccan dirham (MAD), and as a rough guide there are around 10 dirham to one US dollar, though you should check the current rate before you travel. Many tourist services quote in euros or dollars, but you'll pay in dirham.
Overall, Morocco offers strong value: food, local transport and many activities are inexpensive, while costs rise with imported goods, riad luxury and guided tours. Bargaining is expected in souks, so prices there are flexible.
Accommodation
Budget travellers can find hostel dorms and basic guesthouses for a low nightly rate, while charming mid-range riads, the traditional courtyard houses, often offer beautiful design and breakfast at moderate prices.
At the top end, Morocco has world-class luxury riads and resorts in Marrakech, the desert and the coast that rival anywhere in the world. Prices vary a lot by city and season, with Marrakech and peak periods being the most expensive.
Food and Drink
Eating in Morocco can be very affordable. Street food, local cafes and tagine or couscous at a simple restaurant cost only a few dollars, and fresh bread, olives and mint tea are everywhere.
Mid-range restaurants and tourist spots cost more, and alcohol is relatively pricey and not available everywhere since Morocco is a Muslim-majority country. Bottled water, fresh juices and pastries are cheap and widely available.
Transport and Activities
Getting around is inexpensive. Trains, including the Al Boraq high-speed line between Tangier and Casablanca, intercity buses (such as CTM and Supratours) and shared grand taxis are all good value. In cities, petit taxis are cheap, especially with the meter.
Activities range from free wandering through medinas to paid experiences like guided desert tours, camel treks, cooking classes and overnight Sahara camps. A multi-day desert tour from Marrakech is a popular splurge worth budgeting for.
Sample Daily Budgets
As a rough planning guide, budget travellers can manage on around USD 30-50 per day using hostels, local food and public transport. Mid-range travellers enjoying nice riads, mixed dining and some tours typically spend around USD 70-150 per day.
Luxury travellers staying in high-end riads, dining well and taking private tours should budget from USD 250 per day upward. Big one-off costs like flights, a private Sahara tour or special experiences sit on top of these daily figures.
| Style | Daily budget | Typical includes |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $30-50 | Hostel, local food, buses/trains |
| Mid-range | $70-150 | Riad, mixed dining, some tours |
| Luxury | $250+ | High-end riad/resort, private tours |
| Tagine meal (local) | $3-7 | Simple restaurant or cafe |
| High-speed train (one leg) | $10-25 | Al Boraq, Tangier-Casablanca area |
| Sahara desert tour (2-3 days) | $80-200+ | Transport, camp, camel trek, meals |
Estimated daily travel budgets in Morocco (per person, USD)
FAQ
Is Morocco an expensive country to visit?
No, Morocco is generally affordable. Food, local transport and many activities are cheap, though luxury riads, imported goods and private tours raise costs. Backpackers can manage on roughly USD 30-50 per day.
What currency is used in Morocco?
Morocco uses the Moroccan dirham (MAD). As a rough guide there are about 10 dirham to one US dollar, but you should confirm the current exchange rate before travelling.
How much should I budget per day in Morocco?
Roughly USD 30-50 per day for backpackers, USD 70-150 for mid-range travellers, and from USD 250 per day for luxury travel, excluding flights and major one-off tours.
Is it cheaper to bargain in Moroccan markets?
Yes. In souks and markets, bargaining is expected, so initial prices are often inflated. Polite negotiation can significantly lower the price of crafts, rugs and souvenirs.
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