Chefchaouen
- Dorm bed
- From 80 MAD
- Meal
- From 25 MAD
Hostels and guesthouses cluster in the medina, and tagines cost less than in Marrakech. The walk up to the Spanish Mosque at sunset is free.
Budget travel
Morocco Budget Travel Guide 2026
A backpacker can travel Morocco from 300 MAD a day: dorm beds from 70 MAD, street food from 5 MAD, intercity buses from 70 MAD. Daily budgets, the cheapest cities, transport and the costs people forget.
Photograph: Fatimahabouz, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Daily budget
- From 300 MAD
- Hostel dorm
- From 70 MAD a night
- Street food
- From 5 MAD
- Intercity bus
- From 70 MAD
What Morocco Costs
With street food from 5 MAD, hostel beds from 70 MAD and intercity buses from 70 MAD, you can travel comfortably in Morocco on a fraction of what the same trip costs in Europe. Budget travellers need from 300 MAD a day; a mid-range trip runs from 700 MAD.
Below: daily budgets at three levels, the cheapest cities, where to sleep and eat, transport, ways to save, two sample itineraries and the hidden costs. All prices are in Moroccan dirhams (MAD) for 2026; they change with the season and between cities.
How Much Does Morocco Cost Per Day?
Approximate daily costs per person at three budget levels. Seasonal pricing can change these estimates.
| Per day | Backpacker | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | From 80-150 MADHostel dorm or budget guesthouse | From 300-500 MADPrivate riad room or mid-range hotel | From 700-1,200 MADBoutique riad or 4-star hotel |
| Food | From 80-120 MADStreet food, market snacks, self-catering | From 150-300 MADRestaurants, some street food, cafes | From 300-500 MADFine dining, rooftop restaurants, cooking class |
| Transport | From 30-60 MADLocal buses, shared grands taxis | From 80-150 MADCTM/Supratours buses, 2nd class trains | From 150-300 MAD1st class trains, private transfers |
| Activities | From 50-80 MADFree walking, mosques, budget museums | From 100-200 MADGuided tours, museums, hammams | From 200-400 MADPrivate guides, spa, desert tours |
| Extras | From 20-40 MADTea, SIM data, tips | From 50-100 MADShopping, souvenirs, tips | From 100-200 MADQuality souvenirs, wine, tips |
| Total | From 300-450 MAD/dayapprox. 30-45 USD | From 700-1,200 MAD/dayapprox. 70-120 USD | From 1,500-2,500 MAD/dayapprox. 150-250 USD |
Most Affordable Cities in Morocco
Six places where a dirham goes further than in Marrakech or Casablanca.
Essaouira
- Dorm bed
- From 90 MAD
- Meal
- From 30 MAD
Fish grills at the port (from 40 MAD a plate), free beach walks, and riads cheaper than in Marrakech, three hours away.
Meknes
- Dorm bed
- From 70 MAD
- Meal
- From 20 MAD
An imperial city with fewer tourists than Fes or Marrakech, and lower prices to match. Bab Mansour, the royal granaries and the medina are free or cheap to visit.
Tiznit
- Dorm bed
- From 70 MAD
- Meal
- From 20 MAD
A quiet walled town in the south, known for silver jewellery, with cheap rooms and local restaurants. It is the gateway to Mirleft and Legzira beach.
Asilah
- Dorm bed
- From 85 MAD
- Meal
- From 25 MAD
A whitewashed Atlantic town near Tangier with street murals, free beaches and cheap seafood. During the annual arts festival, the gallery exhibitions are free.
Ouarzazate
- Dorm bed
- From 80 MAD
- Meal
- From 25 MAD
Budget guesthouses and cheap tagines on the road to the Sahara. Nearby Aït Benhaddou is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and desert trips leave daily.
Budget Accommodation in Morocco
From a dorm bed to a village homestay.
Hostels & DormsFrom 70-150 MAD per night
Hostels are found in Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira and Chefchaouen, from basic four-bed dorms to hostels with rooftop terraces. Many include breakfast, Wi-Fi and a shared kitchen. Book on Hostelworld or Booking.com, or ask for a discount on longer stays.
Budget Riads & GuesthousesFrom 150-350 MAD per room
Private rooms around a courtyard, often with an ensuite bathroom and breakfast included. Prices fall outside the medina walls and in less-visited cities such as Meknes, Taroudant and Tetouan.
CampingFrom 30-70 MAD per person
Campsites run from Atlas valleys to Atlantic beaches. Basic sites have a pitch, shared toilets and sometimes a cold shower; many also rent pitched tents. Wild camping is tolerated in rural areas, but ask locals first. Camping is the cheapest way to spend a night in the Sahara.
Couchsurfing & HomestaysFree to from 100 MAD
Couchsurfing hosts are active in the cities. Homestays in Berber villages typically cost from 100 to 200 MAD including dinner and breakfast, and the money goes straight to the family.
Street Food Prices in Morocco
What a cheap meal costs, dish by dish.
| Dish | Price | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Harira soup | From 5-10 MAD | Tomato and lentil soup, sold everywhere and especially during Ramadan. |
| Msemen flatbread | From 2-5 MAD | Flaky square pancake with honey or cheese. The standard cheap breakfast. |
| Bocadillo sandwich | From 10-20 MAD | Baguette filled with tuna, sardines or kefta, salad and harissa. |
| Grilled corn | From 5 MAD | Charcoal-roasted cobs, salted, from street vendors. |
| Fresh orange juice | From 5-10 MAD | Squeezed to order at juice stalls. |
| Snail soup (babbouche) | From 5-10 MAD | A Marrakech speciality: small snails in a peppery, cumin-spiced broth. |
| Brochettes | From 10-20 MAD | Lamb, beef or chicken skewers grilled over charcoal, with bread, cumin and salt. |
| Fish grill (Essaouira) | From 40-60 MAD | A plate of grilled sardines, prawns or calamari at the Essaouira port. |
| Tagine (market stall) | From 25-40 MAD | Chicken or vegetable tagine from market restaurants, far below tourist-restaurant prices. |
| Mint tea | From 5-10 MAD | Sweet green tea with fresh mint. Offered free in shops; from 5 MAD in cafes. |
Free and Cheap Activities by City
Much of what is worth seeing costs nothing or very little.
Marrakech
Jemaa el-Fna square (free), Majorelle Garden (paid, tickets sold online), Bahia Palace (from 70 MAD), Saadian Tombs (from 70 MAD), Koutoubia Mosque exterior (free), the souks (free), sunset from a rooftop cafe (the price of a tea, from 15 MAD)
Fes
Medina walk (free), tannery viewpoints (free, tip expected), Bou Inania Medersa (from 20 MAD), Borj Nord panorama (free), the Mellah (free), Bab Boujeloud, the Blue Gate (free)
Chefchaouen
The blue medina (free), Spanish Mosque sunset walk (free), Ras el-Maa waterfall (free), Kasbah museum (paid), craft workshops (free to browse)
Essaouira
Beach walks (free), the ramparts (free), port fish auction (free), Gnaoua music in the street (free), Skala de la Ville, surfing lessons (from 200 MAD)
Tangier
Kasbah viewpoints (free), Petit Socco cafes (the price of a coffee, from 10 MAD), Cap Spartel lighthouse area (free), Caves of Hercules (paid), beach walks (free)
Rabat
Kasbah of the Udayas (free), Chellah ruins (paid), Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum (free), Bouregreg river walk (free), Andalusian Gardens (free)
Budget Transport Across Morocco
Buses, shared taxis and trains between cities; buses and petit taxis within them.
CTM & Supratours busesFrom 70-200 MAD for most routes
The most reliable cheap way between cities, in air-conditioned coaches. Marrakech to Essaouira costs from 80 MAD, Marrakech to Fes from 180 MAD. Book online or at the station a day ahead on popular routes. Luggage is included. Fares change by season.
Grands taxis (shared)From 20-100 MAD per seat
Shared sedans on fixed routes between towns. You pay per seat and the taxi leaves when full, usually six passengers. Faster than buses for short hops; Chefchaouen to Fes costs from 75 MAD a seat. Agree the price before you get in and insist on the shared fare, not a private one.
ONCF trainsFrom 80-220 MAD for most routes
Trains link Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes and Meknes. Second class is comfortable and much cheaper than first; Casablanca to Marrakech costs from 100 MAD. The Al Boraq high-speed train from Tangier to Casablanca runs from 149 MAD. Book at stations or in the ONCF app.
Local city busesFrom 4-6 MAD per ride
The cheapest way around town, but crowded and hard to follow without local help. Marrakech, Casablanca and Rabat have the best networks; the Casablanca tram costs from 6 MAD. Inside the medinas you walk.
Petit taxisFrom 7-30 MAD in town
Small taxis that stay inside a city. Insist on the meter (compteur); the starting fare is from 7 MAD in most cities and a cross-town ride rarely tops 20-30 MAD. At night meters carry a 50 percent surcharge. If the driver refuses the meter, agree the price first.
Money-Saving Strategies for Morocco
Travel in shoulder season
November to mid-December and February to March combine good weather with lower prices. Riad rates fall, flights from Europe are cheaper, and sites are less crowded.
Haggle in the souks
The first price in the souks is often far above what the seller will accept. Start at about 40 percent of the asking price and work up, and be ready to walk away. Keep it friendly. Fixed-price shops exist if you prefer not to bargain.
Eat where locals eat
Skip restaurants on the main squares. A couple of streets into residential areas, tagines cost from 25 MAD instead of from 80 MAD. Pick busy stalls with fast turnover; menus in five languages mean tourist prices.
Buy a Moroccan SIM card
A Maroc Telecom, Orange or Inwi SIM costs from 30 MAD at the airport or any phone shop, and 5 GB of data from 30 MAD. Far cheaper than roaming, and you get maps, translation and booking apps.
Book accommodation directly
Some riads and guesthouses give a discount for booking direct by WhatsApp or email rather than through Booking.com. Ask for a weekly rate if you stay more than three nights, and negotiate in person in low season.
Use ATMs wisely
Withdraw larger amounts less often to cut ATM fees (typically from 20-30 MAD per withdrawal). CIH Bank and Attijariwafa ATMs are everywhere. Avoid airport exchange kiosks; city ATMs give better rates.
Cook some meals
Many hostels and guesthouses have shared kitchens, and market produce is cheap: tomatoes from 5 MAD/kg, bread from 1-2 MAD a loaf, eggs from 1 MAD each.
Join a tip-based walking tour
Tip-based walking tours run in some cities; you pay what you can (from 50 MAD is fair). A good way to get your bearings on the first day.
Budget Itineraries for Morocco
Two sample routes. Totals include accommodation, food, transport and basic activities.
1 Week Budget Itinerary
From 2,100-3,500 MAD total
| Days | Where | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | Marrakech | Walking tour, Jemaa el-Fna street food, the souks, sunset tea on a rooftop |
| Day 3 | Essaouira | CTM bus (from 80 MAD), beach walk, port fish grill, sunset on the ramparts |
| Day 4 | Essaouira | The medina, Gnaoua music, surfing or a coastal walk |
| Day 5-6 | Chefchaouen | Long bus day via Marrakech (from 200 MAD), blue medina, Spanish Mosque walk |
| Day 7 | Fes | Shared taxi (from 75 MAD), the medina, tannery viewpoints |
2 Week Budget Itinerary
From 4,200-7,000 MAD total
| Days | Where | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | Casablanca & Rabat | Hassan II Mosque exterior, Kasbah of the Udayas, train between the cities (from 50 MAD) |
| Day 3-4 | Meknes & Volubilis | Bab Mansour, the medina, the Roman ruins at Volubilis |
| Day 5-6 | Fes | The medina, tanneries, Bou Inania, the Mellah |
| Day 7-8 | Chefchaouen | The blue medina, hiking, Ras el-Maa, cheap guesthouses |
| Day 9-10 | Marrakech | Main sights, the souks, Jardin Majorelle, street food |
| Day 11-12 | Essaouira | Beach days, seafood, Gnaoua music, wind sports |
| Day 13-14 | Atlas Mountains | Day trip or a night in Imlil (guesthouse from 150 MAD), hiking |
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Small charges that add up over a trip.
Unofficial guides and touts
Self-appointed guides in the medinas may ask from 50-200 MAD. Decline politely, or agree a price first. "La shukran" means no thank you.
Camera fees at sites
Some museums and sites charge from 10-30 MAD extra for photography. Ask before you shoot.
Tourist tax
A tourist tax (taxe de séjour) of from 10-30 MAD per person per night is sometimes added at check-out. Ask whether it is included when you book.
Hammam extras
Basic hammam entry is from 10-20 MAD, but scrub, soap and gommage can bring the total to from 50-100 MAD. Ask what is included before you start.
Tips
Tips (pourboire) are expected in restaurants (10 percent), by porters (from 10-20 MAD), guides, and anyone who shows you the way. Budget from 30-50 MAD a day.
Taxi overcharging
Drivers may refuse the meter or quote high prices. Know the rough fare and insist on the compteur. Airport taxis have fixed, posted prices.
Mint tea with a sales pitch
Carpet and craft shops offer free tea to start a sale. Drinking it does not oblige you to buy, though some sellers are persistent.
ATM withdrawal fees
Most Moroccan ATMs charge from 20-30 MAD per foreign withdrawal, and your bank may add its own fee. Use a card without foreign transaction fees if you can.
Morocco Budget Travel FAQ
How much does it cost to travel to Morocco per day?
Budget backpackers can get by on from 300 to 450 MAD per day (approximately 30-45 USD), covering hostel dorms, street food, and local transport. Mid-range travellers should budget from 700 to 1,200 MAD per day for private riad rooms, sit-down restaurants, and guided tours. Comfortable travellers spending from 1,500 to 2,500 MAD per day enjoy boutique riads, fine dining, and private transfers. Seasonal pricing can change these figures.
What is the cheapest city to visit in Morocco?
Chefchaouen, Essaouira, Meknes, and Tiznit are among the most affordable Moroccan cities. Chefchaouen offers hostel dorms from 80 MAD and meals from 25 MAD. Meknes sees fewer tourists than Fes or Marrakech, and its prices are lower. Essaouira is cheaper than Marrakech while offering beaches and a relaxed medina.
Is Morocco cheaper than Europe for holidays?
Yes, Morocco is significantly cheaper than most European destinations. A full meal with drink can cost from 30 to 60 MAD (3-6 USD) at local restaurants, and transport, activities, and shopping are similarly affordable.
What is the best time for cheap travel in Morocco?
The cheapest time to visit Morocco is during the shoulder seasons: November to mid-December and February to March. Accommodation costs less than in peak season (Easter and October). Summer (July-August) is also cheaper for accommodation in cities, though the Sahara and interior are extremely hot. Ramadan periods can offer lower prices but with limited daytime dining options.
How much should I budget for a week in Morocco?
A budget week in Morocco costs from 2,100 to 3,150 MAD (210-315 USD) for hostels, street food, and buses. A mid-range week runs from 4,900 to 8,400 MAD (490-840 USD) with private riad rooms and tours. A comfortable week costs from 10,500 to 17,500 MAD (1,050-1,750 USD) with boutique hotels and private experiences. Seasonal pricing can change these estimates.
Is it safe to eat street food in Morocco?
Street food is generally safe and is how most Moroccans eat daily. Stick to stalls with high turnover, freshly cooked food, and visible preparation. Avoid salads washed in tap water and choose cooked items. Popular safe options include grilled meats, msemen flatbread, harira soup, and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Can I use credit cards in Morocco or do I need cash?
Morocco is still largely a cash economy, especially in medinas, souks, and smaller cities. ATMs are widely available in cities and accept international cards. Withdraw Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) from ATMs for the best exchange rate. Credit cards are accepted at upscale hotels, restaurants, and some larger shops, but always carry cash for markets, taxis, street food, and smaller businesses. ATM fees typically run from 20 to 30 MAD per withdrawal.