Morocco can be one of the cheapest holidays in the Mediterranean region or one of the more luxurious, depending on how you travel. The difference is mostly where you sleep, how you move and how many paid experiences you add. This guide gives you a realistic picture of what things cost, so you can plan a daily budget without surprises. Prices change with the season and the exchange rate, so treat every figure as a guide rather than a quote, and check current rates before you book. We have not listed our own tour prices here, because each tour page shows the current price per person and what is included.
The currency in one minute
Morocco uses the dirham (MAD). As a rough rule, one euro is worth between ten and eleven dirhams, which makes mental maths easy. The dirham is a closed currency, so you cannot normally buy it before you travel and should not plan to take large amounts out of the country. Withdraw cash from ATMs after you arrive, and exchange what you do not spend before you leave. Cards are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops, but cash is essential in souks, small cafés, taxis and for tips.
Three ways to budget, per person per day
These ranges leave out flights and cover accommodation, food, local transport and a couple of paid activities. They are broad on purpose.
- Budget: roughly 40 to 70 euros a day. Hostel or simple guesthouse, street food and local cafés, walking and the occasional taxi, one low cost activity.
- Mid range: roughly 90 to 160 euros a day. A comfortable riad, restaurant meals, a guided day tour and a hammam.
- Comfort and luxury: roughly 250 euros a day and above. A boutique riad or hotel, good restaurants, private drivers and guides, special experiences such as a balloon flight.
Two people sharing a room spend less each on accommodation, which is the biggest cost.
Where you sleep
Marrakech has a huge range, from simple hostels to palace hotels. A riad, the traditional courtyard house, is the typical choice. Rates vary widely by season: spring and autumn are the most expensive, July and August the cheapest in the cities. Book early for spring, Christmas and New Year, and check whether breakfast is included. A riad inside the medina is atmospheric, but your luggage will be carried the last stretch on foot or by a porter.
Food and drink
Eating well is cheap. A simple meal at a local café, with bread, a tagine or grilled meat, is inexpensive, and a plate of food at a busy stall in the main square costs little. Restaurants aimed at tourists cost more, and rooftop restaurants with a view add a premium. Mint tea, orange juice and coffee are cheap. Alcohol is more expensive than in Europe and is only served in licensed places. Our Moroccan food guide explains what to order.
Getting around
- Walking is the main way to see the medina.
- Petit taxis in Marrakech are cheap for short rides and should use the meter. Agree the price first if the driver will not.
- Trains between the major cities are good value and comfortable.
- A private driver for a day costs much more than public transport but saves time and stress, especially for mountain and desert trips.
Entrance fees, guides and tours
Monuments and museums charge modest entrance fees, but they add up over several days. A guide for a half day in the medina is worth the money, because it gives you context and keeps you away from the tourist traps. For day trips, you choose between a large shared shuttle, a small group and a private vehicle. A shared trip is cheaper per person, a small group is the balance of comfort and cost, and a private tour costs most and gives you the most freedom. Each of our tour pages shows the three options side by side, such as the Ourika Valley, Essaouira and the Agafay sunset dinner.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in a modest way. In restaurants, about ten percent is common if service is not already included. Guides and drivers on a full day are usually tipped a small amount per person, depending on quality and group size. Round up for porters and taxi drivers. Keep coins and small notes in your pocket.
How to save money without losing quality
- Travel in the shoulder season, when prices are lower and the weather is still good.
- Share a room and book a riad with breakfast included.
- Eat where locals eat, especially at lunch.
- Choose small group day trips instead of private ones, and keep one private day for the best experience.
- Book by email with a company that confirms the inclusions in writing.
A sample 5 day budget for two people
A couple travelling mid range, with a riad, restaurant dinners, a guided medina walk, a day trip to the mountains and a hammam, can plan the trip by adding up accommodation first, then food, then two paid experiences, then local transport. It is a good exercise: list the costs in dirham and euro, add a buffer of around ten percent, and you will not be surprised. For a day by day plan see our Marrakech 7 day itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Is Morocco expensive?
It is generally cheaper than Western Europe, especially for food and local transport. Accommodation, private transport and organised experiences are where costs rise.
What is a good daily budget for Morocco?
A broad guide is 40 to 70 euros for budget travel, 90 to 160 for mid range and 250 or more for comfort and luxury, per person and excluding flights.
Should I bring euros or use dirhams?
Use dirhams for daily spending. Withdraw from ATMs after arrival. Many hotels and tour operators also accept euros.
Can I pay by card?
In hotels, larger restaurants and shops, yes. In souks, small cafés and taxis you need cash.
Is it cheaper to book a tour or go independently?
Independent travel is cheaper per person if you are comfortable with logistics. Tours save time and stress on long or remote routes, such as the mountains and the desert.
