Budget travelers: €45–65/day. Mid-range: €120–180/day. Luxury: €350+/day. Morocco is one of the most affordable destinations in the Mediterranean region — but it has a wide cost range. The desert tour is the biggest variable. Everything else — riads, food, transport — is remarkably reasonable. Here's exactly what to expect.
Travilto Editorial
Reviewed by the local-guide network · 47 licensed guides
Morocco daily budget summary
Traveler type
Budget
Mid-range
Luxury
Daily spend
€45–65
€120–180
€350–700
Accommodation
Hostel / cheap riad
Boutique riad
Luxury riad / hotel
Food
Street food + cafés
Restaurants + riads
Fine dining
Transport
Buses, shared taxis
Private transfers
Private driver all-day
Activities
Most free + tours
Guided tours + activities
Private guides, exclusive
Accommodation costs
Morocco's riads — traditional courtyard houses converted into guesthouses — are the signature accommodation type. Prices vary enormously by location (medina vs. new city), city, and quality tier.
Hostel dorm bed
€10–20
€8–15
€8–14
N/A
Budget riad (private room)
€30–60
€25–50
€25–45
€20–40
Mid-range riad
€80–150
€60–120
€60–100
€50–90
Luxury riad / boutique
€200–600
€150–400
€150–350
—
Desert camp (per person)
—
—
—
€30–300
Marrakech
Fes
Essaouira
Merzouga
Marrakech medina riads: The best-value riads in Marrakech are in the northern medina (Bab Doukkala area), away from Jemaa el-Fna. Same quality, 30% cheaper. A genuinely good mid-range riad with a courtyard pool and breakfast costs €80–120/night — less than a basic hotel in most European cities.
Food costs
Morocco is a very affordable food destination for budget and mid-range travelers. Street food is excellent, varied, and safe when fresh.
Harira soup + bread (street)
Street stalls, especially at break-of-fast during Ramadan
€0.50–1
Fresh orange juice (medina)
Everywhere in Jemaa el-Fna and major medinas
€0.50–1
Beef or chicken brochettes + salad
Street grills, mechoui alleys
€2–4
Tagine at a local café
Basic cafés away from main tourist squares
€4–8
Tagine at a tourist restaurant
Main squares, medina restaurants pitched at tourists
€10–18
Couscous Friday lunch
Traditional restaurants. Couscous is served on Fridays only in authentic places
€5–12
Set menu at a good riad
3-course dinner with wine/juice — includes Moroccan salads, tagine, dessert
€20–40
Fine dining (upscale Marrakech)
Dar Yacout, Dar Marjana category — theatrical riad dinners
€50–100
Mint tea (everywhere)
Ubiquitous. Free in a shop you're browsing, €1–2 at a café, priced higher at tourist spots
€0.50–2
Transport costs
Marrakech → Fes (CTM bus)
€16–22
8 hours
Most comfortable budget option. Book online.
Marrakech → Casablanca (train)
€12–20
3 hours
ONCF trains are comfortable and reliable.
Fes → Marrakech (domestic flight)
€40–100
55 min
Air Arabia Maroc. Book early for best prices.
Grand taxi (shared, intercity)
€3–12 / seat
Varies
Departs when full (usually 6 passengers). Cheap, slower.
Petit taxi (city, metered)
€0.80–4
City only
Flag down or use Careem/InDrive app. Always meter.
Private driver (full day)
€80–150
All day
Includes fuel and driver. Best for gorge routes and day trips.
Marrakech to Merzouga (transfer)
€60–90
9–10 hours
Per person on shared desert tour. Included in most tour packages.
Airport transfer (Marrakech)
€10–20
20–30 min
Taxi or pre-booked transfer. Bus 19 costs €0.50 but takes 45+ min.
Tours and activities
3-day Merzouga desert tour (group)
Biggest single cost in Morocco. Includes transport, guide, camp, camel.
€120–200 / person
2-day Zagora desert tour (group)
Shorter, cheaper alternative. Less dramatic dunes.
Timed entry. Sells out — book online the day before.
€8 (garden only)
Bahia Palace entry
Underrated. No booking needed.
€2
Hot air balloon (Marrakech)
Sunrise flight over palmeraie. Champagne landing.
€150–200 / person
Camel ride (Agafay or medina)
Short touristy rides near Marrakech. Merzouga trek is different.
€15–40 for 1 hr
Hidden costs that catch travelers
01
Taxi overcharging without a meter
Always establish the price before getting in, or insist on the meter. Marrakech petit taxis must use meters. Common scam: agree a "fare" much higher than metered cost. Tip: download Careem for pre-booked rates.
02
Restaurant service charge
Mid-range and upscale restaurants add a 10–15% service charge. Budget restaurants don't. In souk restaurants, a 10% tip is appropriate if the service was good but not obligatory.
03
"Guide" fees in the medina
People who "help" you find a shop, a riad, or a landmark will expect a tip (€2–5). You can decline politely. Official licensed guides have ID cards — ask to see it.
04
Camera fees at some sites
A few sites charge extra for cameras (beyond phone cameras). Tanneries viewed from leather shop terraces are free. Some museums charge €1–3 for camera access.
05
Desert camp extras
Sandboarding, quad bike rentals, and extra activities at desert camps are charged separately. Budget €20–40 extra per person per day for activities at Erg Chebbi.
06
Tourist tax (taxe de séjour)
Most accommodation adds a nightly tourist tax of €0.50–3/person. It's usually listed separately at checkout. Budget riads often include it; luxury properties add it on top.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a week in Morocco cost?+
€350–500 (budget), €900–1,400 (mid-range), or €2,500–5,000 (luxury) per person, excluding international flights. The desert tour is the biggest cost variable at €120–600 for 3 days depending on tour type and camp quality.
Is Morocco expensive to visit?+
Morocco is affordable relative to Western Europe. Street food costs €2–4, budget accommodation starts at €15/night, and intercity buses cost €5–20. The main expenses are the Sahara desert tour and luxury riads. Budget travelers can manage €45–65/day.
What is the daily budget for Morocco?+
Budget: €45–65/day (hostel, street food, public transport). Mid-range: €120–180/day (riad, restaurants, some private transport). Luxury: €350–700/day (boutique riads, fine dining, private driver).
How much cash should I bring to Morocco?+
Bring 500–1,000 MAD (€50–100) on arrival. ATMs are available in cities but rare at desert camps and in rural areas. Withdraw before leaving for the desert. Many riads and restaurants accept cards; small vendors and taxis are cash-only.
How much does a Morocco desert tour cost?+
A 3-day Merzouga tour costs €120–160 (group, basic camp), €180–280 (mid-range), or €350–600 (private, luxury camp) per person. A 2-day Zagora tour costs €70–140.
