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Casablanca or Essaouira: where to buy?
Casablanca and Essaouira have similar new-build prices per m². The choice comes down to lifestyle, commutes and the type of home.
Figures side by side
| Criterion | Casablanca | Essaouira |
|---|---|---|
| Price per m² (new) | 9,000 – 16,000 MAD/m² | 9,000 – 16,000 MAD/m² |
| Studio (≈ 40 m²) | MAD 360,000 – MAD 640,000 | MAD 360,000 – MAD 640,000 |
| 2-bedroom (≈ 95 m²) | MAD 860,000 – MAD 1,520,000 | MAD 860,000 – MAD 1,520,000 |
| Size for MAD 1 million | 80 m² | 80 m² |
| Most affordable area | Ain Sebaâ · Bernoussi · Zenata | Ghazoua · Route de Marrakech · Diabat |
| Most expensive area | Anfa · Racine · Gauthier | Médina · seafront |
| Seaside areas | 2 | 1 |
| Villa areas | 3 | 1 |
| Apartment prices (IPAI, 1 quarter) | +0.7% | — |
| Areas tracked | 10 | 2 |
Indicative 2025-2026 new-build benchmarks tracked by ABRAJ (price per m² by neighbourhood), before purchase costs. ABRAJ publishes no listings: an advisor searches for the matching property.
Our reading by project
Tight budget: Casablanca (3 affordable areas, lower average price).
Families: Casablanca (4 family areas or near schools).
Buy-to-let: Casablanca (5 areas with strong rental demand).
Near the sea: Casablanca (2 seaside areas).
Upscale: Casablanca (3 upscale areas).
Living in Casablanca
Morocco’s economic capital and largest market. Strong demand to buy and to rent, from the historic centre to the new residential areas (Bouskoura, Dar Bouazza).
Choose first by your daily commute (work, schools): traffic weighs on the choice of district. Tram on several lines, urban motorway to Bouskoura and Dar Bouazza.
Tram, busway, urban motorway; Mohammed V airport 30 km away.
Living in Essaouira
A city of art and wind, popular with Europeans and Moroccans for a second home or a riad.
Frequent wind, a mild climate, a slow pace.
Investing in Casablanca
Deep rental demand (executives, young professionals, students). Well-located 1- and 2-bedroom flats rent and resell most easily.
Investing in Essaouira
Tourist rentals and guesthouses, subject to authorisation.
Other comparisons with Casablanca
Other comparisons with Essaouira
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to buy in Casablanca or Essaouira?
For new builds, Casablanca: 9,000 – 16,000 MAD/m²; Essaouira: 9,000 – 16,000 MAD/m². Both cities are close.
How much is a 2-bedroom in Casablanca and in Essaouira?
About MAD 860,000 – MAD 1,520,000 in Casablanca and MAD 860,000 – MAD 1,520,000 in Essaouira, before purchase costs (≈ 7%).
What size for MAD 1 million in Casablanca or Essaouira?
About 80 m² in Casablanca and 80 m² in Essaouira, at the average new-build price.
Torn between Casablanca and Essaouira?
Describe your project: an ABRAJ advisor shortlists the new developments that fit your budget, free and with no commitment.
Last updated: 2026-10-20