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Rabat or Essaouira: where to buy?
For new builds, Essaouira is on average about 7% cheaper than Rabat. Here are the figures side by side, then our reading by project.
Figures side by side
| Criterion | Rabat | Essaouira |
|---|---|---|
| Price per m² (new) | 9,000 – 18,000 MAD/m² | 9,000 – 16,000 MAD/m² |
| Studio (≈ 40 m²) | MAD 360,000 – MAD 720,000 | MAD 360,000 – MAD 640,000 |
| 2-bedroom (≈ 95 m²) | MAD 860,000 – MAD 1,710,000 | MAD 860,000 – MAD 1,520,000 |
| Size for MAD 1 million | 75 m² | 80 m² |
| Most affordable area | Salé · Sala Al Jadida · Bettana | Ghazoua · Route de Marrakech · Diabat |
| Most expensive area | Hay Riad | Médina · seafront |
| Seaside areas | 1 | 1 |
| Villa areas | 2 | 1 |
| Apartment prices (IPAI, 1 quarter) | +1.9% | — |
| Areas tracked | 7 | 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: Rabat (2 affordable areas, lower average price).
Families: Rabat (4 family areas or near schools).
Buy-to-let: Rabat (3 areas with strong rental demand).
Near the sea: Rabat and Essaouira are even on this point.
Upscale: Rabat (2 upscale areas).
Living in Rabat
Administrative capital, green and well organised, with the ocean and the Bouregreg. Steady demand from civil servants, diplomats and executives; high prices in central districts, alternatives on the southern coast (Harhoura, Témara) and in Salé.
The tram and green spaces matter. Hay Riad and Agdal for comfortable city life, Harhoura for the sea, Témara and Salé for a controlled budget.
Rabat-Salé tram, Rabat-Agdal station (Al Boraq high-speed train), Rabat-Salé airport.
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 Rabat
Stable rental market (administrations, universities, embassies). Agdal and Hay Riad hold their value well.
Investing in Essaouira
Tourist rentals and guesthouses, subject to authorisation.
Other comparisons with Rabat
Other comparisons with Essaouira
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to buy in Rabat or Essaouira?
For new builds, Rabat: 9,000 – 18,000 MAD/m²; Essaouira: 9,000 – 16,000 MAD/m². Essaouira is about 7% cheaper.
How much is a 2-bedroom in Rabat and in Essaouira?
About MAD 860,000 – MAD 1,710,000 in Rabat and MAD 860,000 – MAD 1,520,000 in Essaouira, before purchase costs (≈ 7%).
What size for MAD 1 million in Rabat or Essaouira?
About 75 m² in Rabat and 80 m² in Essaouira, at the average new-build price.
Torn between Rabat 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