Rabat, Morocco
The capital city of Morocco, blending historic landmarks with modern governance, featuring beautiful gardens and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Overview
Rabat is a city in Rabat-Salé-Kénitra with a population of 577,000. The capital city of Morocco, blending historic landmarks with modern governance, featuring beautiful gardens and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 290 sunny days a year. Reported crime rates are relatively low. The population skews young, with a median age of 30.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Morocco Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Rabat vs Morocco Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 20.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: MAD 55,000
- Unemployment: 7.8%
- Population: 577,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 290/year
- Summer High: 80°F
- Winter Low: 45°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Housing
- Median Home: MAD700,000
- 1BR Rent: MAD3000/mo
Cost of Living
Rabat's cost of living index is 90 (Morocco average = 100).
| Category | Rabat | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 90 | 100 | -10.0% |
| Housing | 85 | 100 | -15.0% |
Data source: HCP / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | MAD700,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | MAD3000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | MAD3,750/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | MAD466 |
Data source: Mubawab / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Rabat:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | MAD150 | |
| Heating & Cooling | MAD7 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | MAD50 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | MAD200 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | MAD407 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: ONEE, Lydec, Maroc Telecom 2025
Remote Work Score
Rabat scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Rabat has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 65°F | 45°F | 2.5" |
| April | 65°F | 60°F | 2.8" |
| July | 80°F | 55°F | 1.5" |
| October | 60°F | 63°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Rabat faces the following natural hazards:
Frequent drought conditions.
Extreme summer heat.
Frequent sandstorms.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts with tsunami risk.
Mediterranean region with wildfire risk.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 20%
- Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 7.8%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Rabat per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Friday is a half-day. Breaks for Islamic holidays.
Demographics
The population of Rabat is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Haut-Commissariat au Plan (2014)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rabat, Morocco?
The cost of living index in Rabat is 90, which is Lower the Morocco national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Rabat?
The median home price in Rabat is MAD700,000. The housing index is 85.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Rabat is approximately MAD3000/mo.
Does Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra have income tax?
Rabat is in Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Rabat?
Rabat enjoys approximately 290 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 80°F, while winter lows can drop to around 45°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: HCP / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Mubawab / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: HCP Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities ONEE, Lydec, Maroc Telecom 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.