Which place is cheaper, Moscow or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or Moscow?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Moscow. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Athens or Moscow?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
Moscow
Moscow is the capital of Russia and is notable for its important role in history. It's a very sprawling city with many museums and fascinating buildings. Ten percent of Russia's population lives in this capital city and it's a financial and political center for the country. The Moskva River weaves its way through the city and you will find most of the city's sights and attractions on the northern side of the river.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €127Moscow €58
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Moscow is €58. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Moscow in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Moscow €37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Moscow €74
Compare Hotels in Athens and Moscow
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Moscow? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Athens Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Moscow €5.69
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- VipTransfer From /To Athens Airport - Lavrio Port : $207
- Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Rafina Port : $218
- Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $273
- VIP VAN Athens Airport Transfer 1 - 4 persons: $89
- VIP High Class Limos & Chauffeurs Transfer to Athens: $65
- VIP Ferry Ticket from Piraeus Port To Mykonos & Private Transfer included: $250
- VIP Ferry Ticket From Piraeus Port To Santorini & Private Transfer Included: $250
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Athens HTL-APT (ATH): $63
- Transfer services from/to Athens Airport: $105
- Transfer from/to Piraeus Port and Athens city centre hotel: $41
- Transfer from/to Piraeus Port and Athens International Airport: $142
- Transfer from/to Athens International Airport to city centre: $125
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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Two Metro Passes€1.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Singkarak to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
- Private Transfer from Rangkiang Luluih to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
- Private Transfer from Solok to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
- Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
- Private Transfer from Bukit Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to 8 ILIR: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Duku: $93
- Private Transfer from Talang Jambe to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Karya Baru: $93
- Private Transfer from Kelurahan Sail to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $68
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Sri Meranti: $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Moscow?
Prices for flights to both Moscow and Athens change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAthens €37Moscow €13
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
- Greek Street Food Tour: $51
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
- Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $52
- Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
- Light Lunch Tasting & Cooking Demo: $67
Typical Food Prices in Moscow
For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two€5.53
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Lunch in the Center Market€3.02
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Breakfast for 2€10
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Moscow €15
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $87
- Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $180
- Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 5Hours: $142
- Delphi full day V.R audio guided tour with entry ticket: $48
- EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $173
- Full Day Tour in Athens with Lunch: $147
- Half Day Private Tour on Highlights of Classical Athens: $158
- Layover Private Tour in Athens: $245
- Mycenae Lions Gate Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Private Tour 8H : $191
- Self-Guided Tour at the Romantic Island of Hydra from Athens: $284
- Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $59
- "Acropolis Half-day Tour and City Visit": $168
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Theater Tickets€12
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Kremlin Entry (2)€10
Tours and Activities in Moscow
For Moscow, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Custom Private Tour in Palembang with English Speaking Driver: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Moscow €7.31
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
- Greek Wine Tasting: $23
- Premium Wine Tastings: $35
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- Athens Wine Tasting: $44
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
- Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $52
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $53
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
- Greek food and wine tasting: $53
- Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
- Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Moscow, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Moscow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Moscow would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Moscow and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens than you might in Moscow.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Moscow Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Moscow?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Moscow, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Athens or Moscow?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Athens or Moscow in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Moscow. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Athens is a little warmer than Moscow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Moscow averages at about 19°C (67°F).
In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Moscow. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Moscow 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Athens or Moscow in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Moscow. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year.
In October, Athens is generally much warmer than Moscow. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Moscow fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
Athens usually gets less rain in October than Moscow. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Moscow 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Athens or Moscow in the Winter?
Both Moscow and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Moscow can get quite cold in the winter. Athens is much warmer than Moscow in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Moscow fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).
In January, Athens usually receives around the same amount of rain as Moscow. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Moscow -8°C (17°F)
Should I visit Athens or Moscow in the Spring?
Both Moscow and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Athens is much warmer than Moscow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Moscow averages at about 7°C (45°F).
Athens usually gets less rain in April than Moscow. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Moscow 7°C (45°F)
Typical Weather for Moscow and Athens
| Athens | Moscow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.