One of the most common questions I receive from readers planning their Moroccan adventures is: "Monika, what's the actual cost of living in Morocco?" After calling this beautiful country home for over a decade, I'm excited to share some real-world examples of what your dirhams can buy here!
Whether you're planning a short visit or considering a longer stay like I did when I moved here in 2013, understanding the local prices helps you budget realistically and avoid those classic tourist markup situations (we've all been there!).
So let's break down what different amounts can get you in Morocco's colorful markets, neighborhood eateries, and daily life. I've personally purchased everything mentioned below, so this comes from firsthand experience!
What 5 Dirhams Will Get You (≈ €0.45)
- 2 kilos of juicy oranges for fresh-squeezed morning juice
- A local bus ticket for getting around Casablanca
- A refreshing small glass of sugar cane juice from a street vendor
- A short taxi ride within smaller cities like Ouarzazate
- Traditional Moroccan breakfast: warm msmen with cheese or honey + mint tea at a local mahlaba
- 1.5L bottle of mineral water (essential for visitors!)
- A freshly-baked loaf of traditional khobz bread from a neighborhood bakery
- A generous handful of fresh herbs (mint, coriander, parsley) from any souk
For 20 Dirhams (≈ €1.85)
- Mobile phone credit that'll last about a week for calls or data with local operators like Inwi
- A satisfying lunch: authentic tajine, couscous, or a generous salad at a local snack (away from tourist hotspots)
- An XXL fresh fruit smoothie or my personal favorite: avocado juice with almonds
- A cold beer from a supermarket (Casablanca brand is my recommendation for local flavor)
- More than a kilo of marinated olives from any market (perfect for picnics!)
- Street food feast: grilled sardines, fried egg sandwiches, or hearty lentil soup with bread
What 100 Dirhams Will Buy (≈ €9.20)
- Comfortable ballerinas or sandals from a local shop (great quality too!)
- Bus ticket from Marrakesh to Agadir (look for Supratours or CTM promotions for the best deals)
- Genuine leather babouches – but remember, locals pay under 100dhs while tourists often get quoted 2-3 times more! This is where speaking a bit of Darija comes in handy
- A night in a clean, comfortable hostel in cities like Tangier, Chefchaouen, or Marrakesh (sometimes with breakfast included)
- A proper traditional hammam session with scrub and soap – incredibly rejuvenating after a day exploring!
- 2-3 complete meals at local eateries away from tourist zones
- A haircut at a neighborhood barber shop (ladies' salon prices start higher, usually 150-200dhs)
Money-Saving Tips I've Learned
After my years living here, I've discovered the art of balancing comfort with budget. Here are my quick tips:
- Shop where locals shop – prices instantly drop when you venture away from tourist areas
- Learn basic price negotiations in Darija (Moroccan Arabic)
- Eat at local snacks and street food stalls for authentic flavor at a fraction of restaurant prices
- Use shared "grand taxis" for intercity travel when buses aren't convenient
Have you visited Morocco? What surprised you most about the prices here? Drop your experiences in the comments below – I always love hearing your stories!