So, you’re probably scrolling through flight deals, eyeing those ridiculously tempting photos of Marrakech souks, blue Chefchaouen streets, or the Sahara dunes, and you’re thinking: “Hey, Morocco must be super cheap, right?” Spoiler alert: Nope. Not really.
I’ve traveled around Morocco enough times to tell you this—Morocco is not the bargain paradise many Instagram travel bloggers make it out to be. Sure, you can find budget spots here and there, but overall? You’ll spend more than you think. And honestly, that’s not necessarily a bad thing… but it helps to go in with the right expectations.
Let’s break it down together—like we’re just chatting over mint tea in a little riad courtyard. Ready?
The Myth of “Cheap Morocco”
People love to throw around the phrase “cheap country” whenever they see a meal for a few dollars or a $5 bus ride. But cheap is relative.
- Yes, a tagine in a local joint might cost $3.
- But, try ordering that same dish in a touristy medina restaurant with a rooftop view—it’ll set you back $12 or more.
See the problem? The myth starts when travelers only look at selective prices without factoring in tourist inflation, location, or the overall cost of living.
Ever noticed how you can buy a Coca-Cola in a tiny alley for $0.50, but the same Coke at Jemaa el-Fnaa square suddenly costs $3? Yeah… welcome to Morocco pricing :)
Tourist Hotspots = Tourist Prices
Let’s be real. Cities like Marrakech, Fez, and Essaouira run on tourism. Locals know visitors will pay extra for the experience, and who can blame them?
- Riads in Marrakech: Gorgeous, yes. Cheap? Not so much. Expect to pay $60–$150 per night for mid-range ones.
- Camel treks in the Sahara: Magical bucket-list stuff. Also $100+ per person, minimum.
- Souvenirs in the Medina: Haggling is part of the fun, but even after negotiating, you’re often still paying way above what locals pay.
Basically, Morocco charges you for the vibe. Want an Instagram-perfect rooftop breakfast? Get ready to swipe your card.
Transportation is Sneaky Expensive
Here’s something most people don’t tell you: getting around Morocco isn’t as cheap as you’d expect.
Trains and Buses
The trains are modern (shoutout to the Al Boraq high-speed train between Tangier and Casablanca), but tickets aren’t dirt cheap. You’re looking at $15–$40 for longer routes.
Buses like CTM and Supratours? Reliable, comfy, but again—not “backpacker cheap.”
Taxis and Private Transfers
Oh boy, taxis. If you’re not careful, they’ll eat your budget. A 10-minute ride can cost as much as lunch if you don’t negotiate first. And those long-distance private transfers between cities? Expect to pay $80–$150.
So yeah, transportation here adds up fast. Ever tried traveling Morocco without Google Maps? It’s basically an extreme sport.
Eating Out: Street Food vs. Restaurants
Food is where Morocco can feel cheap—but with a big asterisk.
Street Food & Local Spots
- A steaming bowl of harira soup: $1.
- Freshly baked msemen (Moroccan pancake) with honey: $0.50.
- Mint tea in a corner café: $0.70.
Sounds amazing, right? And it is.
Tourist Restaurants
But the second you sit down at a “trendy” riad restaurant, the bill skyrockets:
- Tagine: $12–$15.
- Couscous: $15.
- Bottle of wine (if they even serve alcohol): $30+.
So, unless you stick to street food 24/7, you’ll quickly realize Morocco’s food scene isn’t “cheap cheap.”
Activities and Experiences Cost $$$
Let’s talk activities—because you didn’t fly all the way to Morocco just to sit in your hotel, right?
- Guided tours: A walking tour in Marrakech? Around $30–$50.
- Desert experience: At least $100–$300 depending on luxury.
- Cooking class: $50–$80.
- Hammam & spa treatment: $40–$100 (not your average $5 Turkish hammam, that’s for sure).
Sure, you can wander the medinas for free, but most cultural experiences that make Morocco unforgettable? They come with a pretty price tag.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Warns You About
Here’s the fun part—stuff travel blogs gloss over.
- Entrance fees: Museums and palaces may charge $5–$10 each. Doesn’t sound bad, but it stacks up.
- Tips: In Morocco, tipping isn’t optional. Whether it’s your driver, guide, or even someone “helping” you find your riad, everyone expects a little something.
- Bargaining fatigue: You’ll haggle over almost everything. It’s fun for about two days. After that? It just feels like work.
Ever thought you got an amazing deal on a carpet… until you check online and realize you overpaid by $200? Yeah, that happens a lot.
Accommodation is a Mixed Bag
Morocco offers everything from $10 hostels to $500 luxury riads. But let’s be honest: most travelers want the “Moroccan experience,” which usually means staying in a riad (traditional house with a courtyard).
And those aren’t cheap. Even mid-range riads will cost $70–$120 per night. Don’t get me wrong—they’re stunning, with tiled walls and fountains—but they don’t exactly scream budget travel.
Hotels? Meh. They often cost the same or more while lacking charm.
So if you want to “do Morocco right,” accommodation will eat up a big chunk of your budget.
The Cost of Alcohol (Yes, It Matters)
Here’s something no one tells you until you get there: alcohol is expensive in Morocco.
- Beer in a hotel bar: $5–$7.
- Glass of wine: $7–$10.
- Bottle of wine: $30–$50.
Because Morocco is a Muslim country, alcohol isn’t widely available, and where it is sold, it’s taxed heavily. So if you’re planning nights out sipping cocktails on rooftops… your wallet will feel it.
Is Morocco Worth the Price?
Now, after all this ranting about Morocco not being cheap, let me say this: yes, it’s absolutely worth it.
Where else can you:
- Wake up in a riad straight out of “Aladdin”?
- Wander ancient medinas that feel like stepping back in time?
- Ride a camel into golden Sahara dunes at sunset?
These experiences aren’t “cheap,” but they’re priceless in their own way. And honestly, Morocco delivers value—you just need to know what you’re signing up for.
How to Travel Morocco Without Going Broke
Okay, so now you’re wondering: “How do I actually keep costs under control?” Here are some quick tips:
- Eat local: Stick to street food and small cafés for most meals.
- Use petit taxis: Always agree on a price before hopping in.
- Stay outside the medina: Riads inside tourist centers cost more.
- Book tours in person: Online bookings usually charge higher.
- Skip overpriced souvenirs: That carpet will look less magical when you see your credit card bill.
Final Thoughts
So, why is Morocco not cheap? Because it’s designed that way. It’s a destination that knows its worth. From jaw-dropping riads to camel treks in the desert, Morocco charges for the magic—and honestly, fair enough.
If you walk in expecting Southeast Asia backpacker prices, you’ll leave disappointed. But if you come prepared to spend a little more for unforgettable experiences, you’ll leave with stories you’ll tell for the rest of your life.
At the end of the day, Morocco isn’t “cheap,” but it sure is worth every dirham. And hey, if you’re still craving a $2 meal after your trip? Don’t worry—instant noodles will always be there waiting for you back home ;)
