Cost of living in Rabat
Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. As a major urban center, understanding the cost of living in Rabat is crucial for both residents and newcomers.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses associated with living in Rabat, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $5.02 on average, with a range between $3.01 and $6.03.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $40.18, with prices ranging from $14.06 to $90.4.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6.03, with a range between $5.02 and $7.42.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2.51 to $5.3, imported beer $2.01 to $5.02, cappuccino $0.9 to $3.18, and Coke/Pepsi $0.5 to $1.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.4 and $1 per liter, averaging $0.79.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.2 and $0.6, with an average price of $0.43.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.45 to $2.41, averaging $1.79.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1 to $2.12 per kg, while oranges range from $0.5 to $1.21 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.5 and $0.85 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.2 to $0.7 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.5 and $0.6, with a monthly pass priced between $19.08 and $30.13.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.31 and $1.61 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.5, with a cost of $0.5 to $1 per km and $4.02 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $301.34 to $602.68, averaging $395.75.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $150.67 to $351.57, averaging $225.25.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $803.58 to $2008.95, averaging $1055.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $401.79 to $1004.47, averaging $647.28.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1305.81 to $4017.89, averaging $1925.24.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $803.58 to $1305.81, averaging $968.6.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $25.61 and $60.27, averaging $38.13.
- Internet - Internet services range from $25.11 to $50.22, with an average cost of $37.59.
Cost of Living Rankings
Rabat ranks 2nd on the Cost of Living rankings in Morocco. The cost of living indices for Morocco are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Morocco, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Rabat offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western cities, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.
Housing costs are moderate, especially outside the city centre, making it an attractive option for those looking to save on rent.
Transportation is inexpensive, with affordable public transport and taxi fares, although car ownership can be costly due to high gasoline prices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rabat provides a balanced cost of living with affordable dining and transportation options, making it a viable choice for both locals and expatriates.
While housing and utilities are reasonably priced, potential residents should consider the cost of car ownership and international schooling when planning their budget.