A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Moscow for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dubai or Moscow?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Moscow can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dubai or Moscow?

Dubai

Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.

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 3-Day Tours from Dubai, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates.


Which place is cheaper, Moscow or Dubai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, while the average daily cost in Moscow is $62. 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 Dubai and Moscow in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubai $170
    Moscow $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubai $340
    Moscow $78
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Moscow

Looking for a hotel in Dubai 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.

Hotels in Dubai


Hotels in Moscow


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: Dubai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubai $13
    Moscow $6.06
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:


  • Taxi Ride
    $12
  • Airport Taxi
    $12
  • Sea Taxi
    $0.54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai

Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Yellow Boat Tour Dubai With Private Transfers: $102
  • Yellow Boat Ride in Dubai with Private Transfers: $110
  • Xline Experience Dubai Marina With Transfers Option: $243
  • Xline Dubai Marina Zip line Experience With Transfers Option: $243
  • Wild Wadi tickets with Transfers: $100
  • Wild Wadi Waterpark with One-Way Transfer: $140
  • Wild Wadi Waterpark tickets with Private transfer: $154
  • Wild Wadi Waterpark Dubai Ticket With Private Transfer: $125
  • Wild Wadi Dubai water park Ticket with 1 way transfer in Dubai: $110
  • Wild Wadi Dubai Water Park Tickets With Transfers Option: $99
  • Wild Wadi Adventure Waterpark Tickets With Transfers From Dubai: $105
  • Wild Wadi - Dubai Theme Water Park Tickets With Transfers Option: $98

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:


  • Two Metro Passes
    $1.45

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): $167
  • Private Transfer from Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $167
  • Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
  • Private Transfer from Padang Panjang to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
  • Private Transfer from Nagari Sungai Asam to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Sei Selayur: $92
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Palembang: $92
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to 8 ILIR: $92
  • Private Transfer from Palembang to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
  • Private Transfer from Sei Selayur to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Bukit Baru: $92
  • Private Transfer from Karya Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Moscow?

Prices for flights to both Moscow and Dubai 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dubai $56
    Moscow $14
Typical Food Prices in Dubai

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:


  • French bread
    $0.95
  • Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice
    $10
  • Lemon Mint Tea
    $4.36
  • Coffee & Cake
    $6.54
  • Smoothie
    $5.45
  • Shawarma
    $1.91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai

For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek with Buffet Dinner: $14
  • Dubai:Desert Safari BBQ dinner, Dune bashing,Camel&Sandboarding: $14
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $14
  • Dubai Dhow Cruise Dinner in Deira Creek: $15
  • Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment at Dubai Creek: $15
  • Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $16
  • Cruising With Dinner And Live Shows At Dubai Creek: $18
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet: $18
  • Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $19
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner Deira Creek: $19
  • Dhow Cruise Dinner Creek with pickup & drop off: $19

Typical Food Prices in Moscow

For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $5.89
  • Lunch in the Center Market
    $3.21
  • Breakfast for 2
    $11

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubai $19
    Moscow $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai

For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Visit to the Dubai Museum
    $0.82

Tours and Activities in Dubai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.

  • 30-Minutes Jet Ski Burj Al Arab Tour of Dubai: $125
  • Abu Dhabi Private Tour with Ferrari World Entry Ticket: $98
  • Abu Dhabi Private tour with professional drive : $289
  • Burj Khalifa At the Top & Sky Views Ticket: $167
  • Burj Khalifa Observation deck Dubai Admission Ticket : $71
  • Burj Khalifa Tour - Top Sky Ticket 124, 125 & 148 Floor Level Access : $165
  • DXB Tour and Aquaventure water park & lost Chambers PRIVATE tour: $215
  • Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with BF : $95
  • Dubai Autodrome Experience: $84
  • Dubai City Tour : Half Day: $45
  • Dubai City Tour Half Day: $45
  • Dubai Combo: Dubai Frame with Global Village Admission Tickets: $70

Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Theater Tickets
    $12
  • Kremlin Entry (2)
    $11

Tours and Activities in Moscow

For Moscow, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
  • Custom Private Tour in Palembang with English Speaking Driver: $85

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubai $23
    Moscow $7.79
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:


  • A Couple Drinks
    $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:

  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tours: $66
  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $67
  • Pub Crawl Private, Birthdays & Corporate Events: $110


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Moscow, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Moscow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Moscow is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Moscow Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dubai or Moscow?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or Moscow?

Moscow has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Moscow in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Moscow. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is much warmer than Moscow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Moscow averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Moscow. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. June to August in Dubai is the dry season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dubai 35°C (95°F) 
    Moscow 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Moscow in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Moscow. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Dubai is generally much warmer than Moscow. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Moscow fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Moscow. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubai 29°C (84°F) 
    Moscow 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Moscow in the Winter?

Both Moscow and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Moscow in the winter. Dubai is much warmer than Moscow in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Moscow fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).

In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Moscow. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Dubai is January to March.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubai 19°C (66°F) 
    Moscow -8°C (17°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Moscow in the Spring?

Both Moscow and Dubai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Dubai is much warmer than Moscow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Moscow averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Moscow. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dubai 26°C (79°F) 
    Moscow 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Moscow and Dubai

Dubai Moscow
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in)