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Kenitra or Essaouira: where to buy?
For new builds, Kenitra is on average about 32% cheaper than Essaouira. Here are the figures side by side, then our reading by project.
Figures side by side
| Criterion | Kenitra | Essaouira |
|---|---|---|
| Price per m² (new) | 6,000 – 11,000 MAD/m² | 9,000 – 16,000 MAD/m² |
| Studio (≈ 40 m²) | MAD 240,000 – MAD 440,000 | MAD 360,000 – MAD 640,000 |
| 2-bedroom (≈ 95 m²) | MAD 570,000 – MAD 1,050,000 | MAD 860,000 – MAD 1,520,000 |
| Size for MAD 1 million | 120 m² | 80 m² |
| Most affordable area | Bir Rami · Ouled Oujih | Ghazoua · Route de Marrakech · Diabat |
| Most expensive area | Mehdia beach | Médina · seafront |
| Seaside areas | 1 | 1 |
| Villa areas | — | 1 |
| Apartment prices (IPAI, 1 quarter) | +0.5% | — |
| Areas tracked | 3 | 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: Kenitra (one affordable area, lower average price).
Families: Kenitra (one family area or near schools).
Buy-to-let: Kenitra (one area with strong rental demand).
Near the sea: Kenitra and Essaouira are even on this point.
Upscale: Essaouira (one upscale area).
Living in Kenitra
A fast-growing industrial city (automotive, Atlantic Free Zone) 40 km from Rabat, linked by train and motorway. Mehdia beach nearby.
An affordable alternative to Rabat for people working along the Rabat-Kenitra axis.
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 Kenitra
Rental demand from employees of the industrial zones.
Investing in Essaouira
Tourist rentals and guesthouses, subject to authorisation.
Other comparisons with Kenitra
Other comparisons with Essaouira
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to buy in Kenitra or Essaouira?
For new builds, Kenitra: 6,000 – 11,000 MAD/m²; Essaouira: 9,000 – 16,000 MAD/m². Kenitra is about 32% cheaper.
How much is a 2-bedroom in Kenitra and in Essaouira?
About MAD 570,000 – MAD 1,050,000 in Kenitra and MAD 860,000 – MAD 1,520,000 in Essaouira, before purchase costs (≈ 7%).
What size for MAD 1 million in Kenitra or Essaouira?
About 120 m² in Kenitra and 80 m² in Essaouira, at the average new-build price.
Torn between Kenitra and Essaouira?
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Last updated: 2026-10-20