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Morocco is Not as Cheap as You Think

“Wow, Morocco is more expensive than I thought, I must be getting ripped off!” 

“I always thought Morocco was way cheaper than Europe.” 

“This costs way too much for Morocco.”

Every combination of these phrases plus many, many more are things that I have repeatedly heard since moving to Morocco. They’re also commonly heard in the tourism industry. I decided to write this post in hopes that people who are visiting might understand what is the actual cost of things in Morocco.

Nine out of ten times there is a huge discrepancy between what things cost and what people think they cost. 

Don’t get me wrong, there are still deals to be had however Morocco today is not how it was ten years ago – or even five years ago. Many people have told me they expected Morocco to be priced similar to southeast Asia – this is very far from the truth. Prices in Morocco are very similar to what you would pay in many parts of Europe (especially southern Europe). In fact I’ve found eastern Europe is actually quite a bit less expensive than Morocco. The price of living here has gone up and the price of doing business has gone up in a huge way. Note these are in Marrakech, other cities may vary slightly. Rural areas will likely be considerably less.

I am giving prices in US dollars as it is an easy to understand measure.

Food and Drink

  • 1 kilogram of lamb raw: $10+ (prepared $15+)
  • 1 kilogram of apples in season: $1
  • Dinner for a family of four at a mid-range restaurant: $60
  • 1 bottle of Moroccan wine: $25
  • 1 liter of soda: $1.25
  • Dinner for 2 at a luxury restaurant: $75-$150

Accommodation and Transportation

  • Hostel Room: $15
  • Mid-Range Riad/Hotel: $40-75
  • Luxury Riad/Hotel: $150-250
  • Apartment Rental: $80-$100
  • Daily Car Rental: $50 compact up to $200+ for an SUV daily
  • Daily Price for Car with Driver: $60

Attractions and Excursions

  • Museum Admission: $2-12
  • Half-day guided tour: $45
  • Full day guided tour: $70+
  • Full day excursion outside city: $100-$250 total (location really makes a difference)
  • Cooking Class: $25-75 per person

Why you’re asking do I give two prices for guided tours. If you would like to take the cheaper option I can’t almost guarantee you will spend a large chunk of your time shopping – whether you want to or not. 

Monthly Salaries

  • Average salary public school teacher: $400
  • Average salary police officer: $400-$500
  • Average salary doctor: $1000
  • Average salary tour guide: $600
  • Average salary laborer: $200

Just as a general figure the average salary for Moroccans in Morocco is about $11,000 A YEAR. I estimated the other salaries as they depend on level of service, time in position, and any additional work done outside the regular office job. For many expats living in Morocco salary can vary drastically.

Does this mean you shouldn’t come? No, you absolutely should come and visit – but be prepared for the reality of what things cost. Don’t expect a 5-star experience for a 2-star price tag. I’ve found it’s really helpful when people have a realistic understanding before arriving.

This is also good to keep in mind when you find yourself negotiating the price of things. For example that $50 handmade leather backpack? A leather craftsman can make 2 or 3 a day tops. His costs are immediately used up when he purchases the materials to make the bag. While a few dollars won’t make a big deal to you, it will to him. A few dollars can pay for a meal, or pay the school fees for his kids. Really consider this when you’re purchasing things.

There are still deals to be found in Morocco!

Check out my guide to seeing Marrakech on a budget and cheap meals to eat in Morocco for some ideas.

Did any of these prices surprise you?

Morocco Isn't as Cheap as You Think.1

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Kevin Ferguson

Friday 6th of May 2022

My friends and I are visiting on a tour, end of May. Any updates on your articles?

Amanda Mouttaki

Monday 9th of May 2022

This is up to date.

Marsha Huebner

Wednesday 6th of October 2021

Can a vegan survive in Morocco?

Amanda Mouttaki

Sunday 10th of October 2021

Yes! I'm working on a post now that discusses this!

Kelvin

Thursday 27th of May 2021

What is the average salary for a house painter

Amanda Mouttaki

Saturday 29th of May 2021

Not much. It's a general labor job. Possibly 200dh a day? I think if you're moving with the intention of doing this job you will need to specialize further or provide something the local market doesn't.

Nick Crispin

Tuesday 24th of November 2020

Hi Amanda

How are you?

First of all thanks for this informative post. We live on the south coast of Spain, just outside Malaga & we are kitting out 2 large dome tents. We were lead to believe travelling by van to Morocco & buying furnishings, furniture etc would save us a load of cash. Now I’m not so sure so just wanted to ask your opinion to see if it’s worth the hiring of the van, the drive & boat costs? Albeit even if it’s similar it would be an adventure.

Thanks

Nick

Amanda Mouttaki

Tuesday 24th of November 2020

Hey Nick - the only thing I would think might be cheaper is the actual tents since they are quite used to building them here but no I don't think for the rest you'd save much money at all - it would probably cost more. I think you'd have better luck buying 2nd hand in Europe and better quality as well.

Mona

Monday 6th of July 2020

Thank you so much for the valuable information. I want to ask, what is a good salary for two persons no children in Marrakesh? I read your article about the daily living costs and I got a general idea but still need a monthly salary range. Thank you

Amanda Mouttaki

Thursday 9th of July 2020

Honestly that's so subjective it really depends on your standards and what kind of lifestyle you want to have. We could have lived fairly comfortably as 2 people on 15,000MAD a month but others make it work on 5-8,000 and others look for 30,000+.