Cost of Living in Rabat
Summary: If you're moving to Rabat, understanding the the cost of living in Rabat helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Rabat is around $400-600 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $800-1000 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $250-400 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $500-700 per month. |
Apartment Purchases | The cost of purchasing an apartment in Rabat varies depending on the size and location. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center range from $50,000 to $100,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center range from $100,000 to $200,000. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from $30,000 to $60,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from $60,000 to $120,000. |
Transportation | Public transportation in Rabat is inexpensive and efficient. A single bus ticket costs around $0.50. A monthly bus pass costs around $15. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride depends on the distance traveled. A taxi ride from the city center to the airport costs around $20. |
Groceries | Groceries in Rabat are relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs around $0.50. A liter of milk costs around $1. A kilogram of chicken costs around $3. A kilogram of apples costs around $2. A kilogram of potatoes costs around $1. |
Restaurants | Eating out in Rabat is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around $5. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $15. A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around $30. |
Utilities | Utilities in Rabat are relatively inexpensive. The cost of electricity for a one-bedroom apartment is around $30 per month. The cost of water for a one-bedroom apartment is around $10 per month. The cost of internet for a one-bedroom apartment is around $20 per month. |
Private School Tuition | Private school tuition in Rabat varies depending on the school and grade level. Preschool tuition is around $500 per month. Elementary school tuition is around $800 per month. Middle school tuition is around $1000 per month. High school tuition is around $1500 per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Rabat
"I live very carefully, don't drink, don't smoke, so can't answer for anyone else. It depends on lifestyle. My favorites are enjoying the ocean, and a Moroccan mint tea. It also depends on what kind of neighborhood you choose," said one expat living in Rabat.
"The cost of living in Rabat is generally considered to be quite affordable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive, while rent and dining out can be more expensive. Prices for goods and services vary depending on the area, but overall, Rabat is a great place to live for those on a budget," wrote a member in Rabat.
Can I live in Rabat on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Rabat for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Rabat include Agdal, Hassan, and Hay Riad. These areas have a mix of modern amenities and traditional Moroccan charm, so you won't feel like you're missing out on anything. On the other hand, some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Souissi and Harhoura, might be out of your budget.When it comes to housing, you'll probably have to settle for a smaller apartment or a shared living situation to keep costs down. Utilities can also be a bit expensive, so be prepared to cut back on your usage of electricity, water, and gas. You might also have to forgo some of the luxuries you're used to, like a gym membership or frequent nights out at fancy restaurants.Transportation in Rabat is relatively affordable, with taxis and buses being the most common modes of transportation. However, if you're used to having your own car, you might have to adjust to using public transportation or walking more often to save money.Groceries and eating out can be quite affordable in Rabat, especially if you stick to local markets and street food. However, if you're craving Western-style food or dining at upscale restaurants, you'll have to budget for that accordingly.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Rabat, like visiting the beach, exploring the Medina, or attending cultural events. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or outings, like frequent trips to the cinema or shopping sprees at high-end stores.Overall, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Rabat is possible, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment," commented an expat living in Rabat.
Can I live in Rabat on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Rabat for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the type of housing you opt for.For example, some of the more expensive neighborhoods in Rabat, like Souissi and Hay Riad, might be out of your budget if you want to maintain a certain standard of living. These areas are known for their luxurious villas and high-end apartments, so you might want to avoid them if you're trying to stick to a $3,000 a month budget.On the other hand, there are more affordable neighborhoods in Rabat that still offer a good quality of life. Agdal and Hassan are two areas that come to mind. They're both centrally located and have a good mix of modern apartments and traditional Moroccan homes. You can find a decent two or three-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods for around $800 to $1,200 a month, which should leave you with enough money to cover your other expenses.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to, like a private swimming pool or a large garden. However, you'll still be able to enjoy modern amenities like air conditioning, high-speed internet, and access to international grocery stores.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Rabat can be expensive, so you might want to rely on public transportation or taxis to get around. This can be a bit of an adjustment if you're used to driving everywhere, but it's a great way to save money and experience the local culture.Overall, living in Rabat on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some compromises when it comes to housing and transportation. If you're willing to do that, you'll be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful city," said one expat living in Rabat.
Can I live in Rabat on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Rabat for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. The cost of living in Rabat is generally lower than in many Western countries, so your money will go further here.When it comes to housing, there are several neighborhoods that offer a good balance between affordability and modern amenities. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods include Agdal, Hay Riad, and Souissi. These areas have a mix of apartments and villas, and you can find a nice place to live for around $1,000 to $2,000 a month, depending on the size and location. If you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Les Orangers or Hassan, but keep in mind that these areas can be more expensive.As for other expenses, you'll find that groceries, transportation, and utilities are all quite affordable in Rabat. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries, and public transportation is very cheap, with a monthly pass costing around $20. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, will likely cost you around $100 to $150 a month.One thing to keep in mind is that while many people in Rabat speak English, it's still a good idea to learn some basic French or Arabic to help you navigate daily life more easily. This will also help you when it comes to negotiating prices at local markets or dealing with service providers.In terms of sacrifices, you might find that some of the more luxurious amenities you're used to, like high-end shopping or fine dining, are less available in Rabat. However, there are still plenty of great restaurants and shops to explore, and you can always take a trip to nearby cities like Casablanca or Marrakech for a more cosmopolitan experience.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Rabat on $5,000 a month is not only doable but can also be quite comfortable. With a bit of research and some flexibility, you'll be able to enjoy a great quality of life in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Rabat.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
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- Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Rabat
- 7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Rabat
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- Cost of Living in Rabat
- Health Care in Rabat
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- Pros and Cons of Living in Morocco 2024
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