Morocco on a Budget: Backpacking Guide
How Much Does Morocco Cost?
Morocco offers excellent value. Budget backpackers can realistically manage on roughly 25 to 45 euros per day, covering a hostel bed or cheap room, local food, and public transport. Mid-range travelers spend more on private riads and tours, while the single biggest discretionary cost for most visitors is a multi-day Sahara desert tour.
Costs vary by season and city; Marrakech and tourist hotspots are pricier than smaller towns. Prices in this guide are approximate and shift over time, so treat them as planning ranges rather than fixed figures, and always carry some cash since many small businesses don't take cards.
Cheap Transport
Trains run by ONCF are comfortable, affordable, and the best way to travel between northern cities like Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Meknes, and Fez; second class is cheap and perfectly fine. The Al Boraq high-speed line is pricier but fast for the Tangier-Casablanca corridor.
Where trains don't reach (much of the south and the mountains), intercity buses fill the gap. CTM and Supratours are the reliable, comfortable companies with fixed schedules and online booking; cheaper local buses and shared grand taxis cost less but are less predictable. Grand taxis (shared long-distance cars) are great budget hops between nearby towns.
Where to Stay Cheaply
Hostels are well established in Marrakech, Fez, Essaouira, Chefchaouen, and other backpacker hubs, offering dorm beds at low prices plus social atmosphere. Budget riads and guesthouses provide private rooms with character, often including breakfast, for a moderate step up in cost.
Booking a night or two ahead in peak season is wise, but in quieter periods you can often negotiate rates on arrival. For the ultimate budget desert experience, basic Berber camps are far cheaper than luxury ones, and many guesthouses in small towns are excellent value.
Eating on a Budget
Food is where Morocco shines for budget travelers. Street food and small local eateries serve filling, delicious meals for very little: tagine, couscous (traditionally on Fridays), harira soup, grilled meats, msemen flatbread, and fresh juices. The food stalls at Marrakech's Jemaa el-Fna are an experience in themselves.
Eat where locals eat for the best prices and authenticity, and stick to busy stalls with high turnover for freshness. Tap water is generally not recommended for drinking, so budget for bottled water or carry a filter bottle to reduce cost and plastic waste.
Bargaining and Souks
Haggling is expected in the souks for crafts, leather goods, lamps, rugs, and souvenirs. Start well below the first asking price, stay friendly and patient, and be willing to walk away, which often brings the price down. Compare prices at several stalls before buying.
Fixed-price items like train tickets, supermarket goods, and most restaurant meals are not negotiable. Be aware of unofficial 'guides' and touts who may steer you to shops for commission; a polite but firm 'no thank you' (la shukran) and confidence go a long way.
Money-Saving Tips
Travel in shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) for good weather and lower prices than peak summer or holidays. Group up with other travelers to share the cost of Sahara tours and private grand taxis, which dramatically lowers the per-person price of the trip's biggest expenses.
Withdraw cash from ATMs in cities to avoid running short in remote areas, keep small bills for tips and taxis, and be aware that tipping (a few dirhams) is customary for many small services. Free experiences abound: wandering medinas, hiking valleys, and watching sunsets cost nothing.
| Category | Budget range (per day) |
|---|---|
| Hostel dorm / cheap room | Low-cost, varies by city |
| Local food & street eats | Very affordable |
| Trains & buses | Cheap (2nd class / CTM) |
| Typical total per day | ~25-45 euros (approx.) |
| Sahara tour | Biggest single extra cost |
Approximate backpacker daily budget
FAQ
Is Morocco cheap to travel?
Yes, Morocco is very affordable, especially for food, local transport, and budget accommodation. Many backpackers spend roughly 25 to 45 euros per day, with a multi-day Sahara tour being the main larger expense.
What's the cheapest way to get around Morocco?
Second-class ONCF trains are cheap and comfortable in the north, while CTM and Supratours buses and shared grand taxis cover the rest of the country affordably. Grand taxis are great-value hops between nearby towns.
Can I drink tap water in Morocco?
Tap water is generally not recommended for drinking. Budget for bottled water or carry a filter bottle, which also reduces plastic waste and saves money over time.
How do I save money on a Sahara tour?
Group up with other travelers to share the per-person cost, choose a basic rather than luxury camp, and book a reputable but mid-range operator. The desert trip is usually a backpacker's biggest single expense.
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