Russia Travel Budget - Visit Russia on a Budget or Travel in Style

Due to the ongoing military conflict in the Ukraine, along with sanctions and boycotts, it is not recommended to travel to Russia.

How much does it cost to travel to Russia?

You should plan to spend around $65 (₽5,984) per day on your vacation in Russia. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $14 (₽1,271) on meals
  • $5.06 (₽464) on local transportation
  • $60 (₽5,490) on hotels

A one week trip to Russia for two people costs, on average, $914 (₽83,773). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $65
    5,984
  • One Week Per person
    $457
    41,886
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $914
    83,773
  • One Month Per person
    $1,959
    179,513
  • One Week For a couple
    $914
    83,773
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $1,828
    167,546
  • One Month For a couple
    $3,918
    359,026
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Russia cost?

A one week trip to Russia usually costs around $457 (₽41,886) for one person and $914 (₽83,773) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Russia on average costs around $914 (₽83,773) for one person and $1,828 (₽167,546) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Russia will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Russia on average costs around $1,959 (₽179,513) for one person and $3,918 (₽359,026) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Is Russia expensive to visit?

Russia is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Russia is reasonably affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable countries such as Ukraine, but there are also more expensive countries, such as Switzerland.

For more details, see Is Russia Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Russia?

The average Russia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Russia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.


Category Cost
Accommodation 1 (Double Occupancy) 5,490 ($60)
Local Transportation 1 464 ($5.06)
Food 2 1,271 ($14)
Entertainment 1 1,368 ($15)
Tips and Handouts 1 27 - 81 ($0 - 1)
Alcohol 2 408 - 1,225 ($4 - 13)
Accommodation Budget in Russia
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Russia is $30 (₽2,745). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Russia is $60 (₽5,490). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.


  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $30
    2,745
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $60
    5,490

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Hotel Prices in Russia

Looking for a hotel in Russia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Local Transportation Budget in Russia
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The cost of a taxi ride in Russia is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $5.06 (₽464) per person, per day, on local transportation in Russia.


  • Local Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $5.06
    464

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in Russia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in Russia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Short Taxi Ride
    100
  • Metro Passes
    125
  • Two Metro Passes
    135
  • Taxi Ride
    200
  • Taxi Ride
    500


Food Budget in Russia
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While meal prices in Russia can vary, the average cost of food in Russia is $14 (₽1,271) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Russia should cost around $5.55 (₽508) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Russia is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.


  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $14
    1,271

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in Russia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Russia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Breakfast for 2
    1,000
  • Lunch in the Center Market
    300
  • Lunch (for 2)
    410
  • Quick Lunch for Two
    195
  • Lunch for Two
    430
  • Lunch for Two
    550
  • Tea
    40


Entertainment Budget in Russia
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Entertainment and activities in Russia typically cost an average of $15 (₽1,368) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.


  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $15
    1,368

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Russia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Russia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Kremlin Entry (2)
    1,000
  • Hot Springs (for 2)
    400
  • Theater Tickets
    1,150
  • Map Frolikha Adventure Coastline Track
    354


Tips and Handouts Budget in Russia
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Russia is $0.59 (₽54) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Russia is 5% - 15%.


  • Tips and Handouts1 For guides or service providers
    $0.59
    54


Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Russia
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Russia is $1.18 (₽108), as reported by travelers.


  • Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
    $1.18
    108

What did other people spend on Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps?

Typical prices for Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps in Russia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps prices in Russia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Luggage Storage
    120
  • Luggage Storage
    113


Alcohol Budget in Russia
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $8.91 (₽816) on alcoholic beverages in Russia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.


  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $8.91
    816


Water Budget in Russia
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, people spend $0.78 (₽71) on bottled water in Russia per day. The public water in Russia is considered safe to drink.


  • Water2 Bottled water for one day
    $0.78
    71


Russia On a Budget
Russia Moscow
Russia is the world's largest country, and as such has many diverse areas worth visiting. Central Russia is probably the most popular region to visit in the entire country. It offers the entry point from Europe and is the richest part of the country. This is also where you will find the city of Moscow, along with much of the area's best architecture and historical buildings. Chernozemye is to the south of the central region and is notable for its role in World War II. Saint Petersburg is located in Northwestern Russia, where you will find beautiful landscapes and large lakes. Kaliningrad Oblast sits separate from the rest of Russia near Poland and Lithuania. Southern Russia has the warmest weather and many of the resort cities. The Volga Region is the most industrialized, while the Urals Region is one of the wealthiest. Siberia is the largest and most diverse. It also provides a connection to the rest of Asia. Finally, the Russian Far East is the coldest part of the country, but also has many national parks and beautiful natural scenery.

Many people choose to visit Russia by doing the Trans Siberian Railroad. This is a great way to cross the country and offers a unique experience that you can't find anywhere else in the world. It's also a great way to see the remote region of Siberia, which otherwise may be difficult to access. Another popular trip through Russia is to visit the larger cities, specifically St Petersburg and Moscow. Both are wonderful cities with a lot to offer and are well worth a trip. Summer is the obvious time to visit, because it is when the weather is the most comfortable. If you're looking to experience something totally different and you have a brave soul, head to Russia in the winter months when everything is covered in snow and ice. This atmosphere gives the entire country a beautiful, yet untouchable aura.

The best way to travel around Russia is by train. The train network is extensive and tracks connect most towns and cities throughout the country. Because of it's large size, travel times can be long, so it is often worth the extra money to upgrade to a higher class of travel. Make sure you understand the schedule and travel times when you purchase your tickets. Language can pose a problem when purchasing tickets, so if you have a guidebook, circle the name of the destination in the book and show it to the ticket seller. If you know someone who speaks the language, have them right down a few useful words for you. This will help you tremendously so you can avoid some unnecessary confusion.
At A Glance
  • For many international travelers, obtaining a visa for Russia can be tricky. It often requires an invitation for travel. These invitations can be bought from travel shops within the country. Make sure you research your options well in advance as acquiring the visa can take time. If you're requesting the visa from a country other than your own the situation can become trickier. It's best to work out the details before you leave home.

  • Train travel is almost always your best option. The roads are often in poor condition, particularly in the more remote areas, and the driving safety record is quite poor. Trains are generally more comfortable, reliable, and safer.

  • Russia has a long standing tradition in music. If you're visiting a city for a few days, try and get tickets to a classical music concert. The orchestras are quite impressive and the theaters are a fun place to experience the local culture.

  • It's important to keep your currency very clean and crisp. It's easier to exchange bills that are not worn or torn. When you're given cash in change, flip through it and make sure the bills are in good condition as well.

  • ATMs are available all cities and most small towns. Some ATMs do not accept foreign cards, so if you're having trouble finding one that does, go into an upscale hotel where you will likely have better luck. Most ATMs also have an English interface as well.



Related:

Traveling alone to Moscow, St Petersburg, Stockholm or Riga and need a hostel?
Looking for a party in Copenhagen or Tallinn?
Looking for budget hostels in Scandinavia?

Find a Contiki tour to Europe.
Top Tourist Attractions
The Hermitage Museum: This is one of the best museums in the world. It is a not to be missed attraction in St. Peterburg and is filled with fascinating items from not only Soviet and Russian history, but also the world. It was originally founded by Catherine the Great in 1764 and has been open to the public since 1852.

Lake Baikal: In eastern Siberia, this lake is the biggest and deepest freshwater lake in the world. It is also the world's oldest lake with its age estimated at about 25 million years or more. It is also a stunningly beautiful sight in both the winter and summer months.

Kamchatka Peninsula: This area is located in the far east of Russia and sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk. Here you will find the Valley of the Geisers, lakes of acid, volcanoes, and plenty of grizzlies.

Popular Foods
Russian food is known for its hearty and filling natural. Many of the national dishes are derived from peasant foods and make use of readily available staples that can withstand the country's harsh climate. Many of the dishes are made from potatoes, poultry, mushrooms and fish. The meals often include soups and stews that combine meats and vegetables into one hearty dish.

Pelmeni: These are popular meat filled dumplings that are most common in Siberia and Ural. The dough is made with flour and water and occasionally egg is added. The meat filling is often made with minced pork, beef, or lamb.

Piroshki: These small pies are made with doughy buns that can be filled with either a savory or sweet filling. They are either baked or fried and are great as a filling snack or as an accompaniment to a meal.

Vinegret: This salad is made from boiled beets, potatoes, carrots, and vegetables and is served with a vinegar dressing. It's a popular New Years eve dish for many Russians.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.