In short
Rabat is Morocco's political and administrative capital, not its economic one. It is calm and orderly, and its modern centre is a World Heritage site along with the Oudayas kasbah and the Chellah necropolis.
The medina is small and liveable, without the commercial pressure of Marrakech or Fes.
What it really costs
Housing costs less than in Casablanca for a more pleasant city to live in. The diplomatic and administrative population pulls on part of the market, but supply remains wide.
The tram crosses the city and reaches Salé, on the far bank, for a few dirhams.
What nobody tells you
The absence of touting is the real contrast with Morocco's tourist cities. It is what makes many long-term residents choose Rabat over Marrakech.
The ocean is there but cold and rough: this is not a swimming city, despite the beach in the centre.
On Friday afternoons, government offices and many shops close for prayer. That has to be factored into any administrative errand.