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

Should you visit Heraklion or Moscow?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Moscow can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Heraklion or Moscow?

Heraklion

The largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion on first glance is almost completely modern - a frenzy of traffic, concrete, and dust. Do not expect pristine beaches and glittering waves (those can be found on other parts of Crete). Heraklion is first and foremost a city. Once you get past its grittiness, you will find that there are some attractive features beneath first impressions. The antiquity of the place lies embedded in the modern and is presented in one of the best museums in Greece, the food is excellent, and the people are friendly and welcoming. And though the sea is not great for swimming, its presence along the Venetian port will take you to another time if you need a break from Heraklion's bustling center.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Moscow or Heraklion?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, 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 Heraklion and Moscow in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heraklion 81
    Moscow 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heraklion 162
    Moscow 74
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Moscow

Looking for a hotel in Heraklion 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 Heraklion


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: Heraklion Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heraklion 31
    Moscow 5.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion

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

  • Wine Tasting Experience @ Lyrarakis Winery (Transfer Included): $119
  • VIP Private Transfer: Heraklion - Analipsi Hotels & Villas: $62
  • Transfers in Crete from-to Airports/Ports/Hotels/Villas: $128
  • Transfer Services From Heraklion To Rethymno Hotels: $96
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to SITIA area up to 7 customers: $280
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to RETHIMNO CITY area up to 7 : $157
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to PLAKA ELOUNTA area up to 7: $148
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to Makris Gialos area up to 7 : $228
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to MATALA area up to 7 customers: $149
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to MALIA area up to 7 customers: $80
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOUTOULOUFARI area up to 7 : $62
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOKKINI HANI area up to 7 customers: $44

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow

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


  • 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 Umban Sari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $50
  • Private Transfer from Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Tangkerang Labuai to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Tanah Datar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Talang Jambe to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
  • Private Transfer from Sukajadi to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Sri Meranti to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $64
  • Private Transfer from Solok to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
  • Private Transfer from Singkarak to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
  • Private Transfer from Rangkiang Luluih to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru City to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Umban Sari: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Moscow?

Prices for flights to both Moscow and Heraklion 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
    Heraklion 52
    Moscow 13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heraklion

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

  • Troy Dinner-Show: $33
  • Spectacular Dinner-Show: $44
  • From Village Cretan Night, Live Dancers & dinner: $48
  • Cretan Night with Dinner & Live Show: $49
  • Crete: Olive Oil Festival, Farm Dinner, Live Show & Pickup: $59
  • Cretan Farm with scenic view: Olive Mill Festival & dinner: $64
  • Amazing Sunset Safari Route with Dinner: $84
  • Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $86
  • Crete: Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine: $90
  • Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $97
  • Food tour tasting walking tour: $123
  • E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $125

Typical Food Prices in Moscow

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


  • Lunch for Two
    5.53
  • Lunch in the Center Market
    3.02
  • Breakfast for 2
    10

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heraklion 38
    Moscow 15

Tours and Activities in Heraklion

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

  • 4x4 Safari tour Southern Crete Tripitis Gorge: $108
  • Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $100
  • Ηeraklion Walking Tour with Archaeological Museum: $82
  • 3-Hour Trekking Mount Karfi Adventure with pickup from Heraklion: $118
  • 4-Hour Giouchtas Trekking Hiking Experience from Heraklion: $90
  • 4x4 self drive adventure_Cretan mainland: $87
  • Adventure Jeep Safari Amazing sunset : $85
  • Agios Nikolaos-Spinalonga-Elounda Tour TR: $47
  • All Year Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion: $618
  • All-Day Knossos Palace Tour & Olive Mill Visit: $695
  • Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour: $86
  • Archaeological Museum of Guided Walking Tour: $86

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)
    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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heraklion 26
    Moscow 7.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion

Also in Heraklion, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $95
  • Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $115
  • Ecobike Tour with Wine Tasting: $118
  • Luxury Private Wine Tasting Experience in Haralabakis Winery: $119
  • Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with wine Tastings: $125
  • Half Day Semi Private Wine Tour with Tastings: $134
  • Semi Private Heraklion Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $159
  • The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $180
  • Private SUV Wine Tour with Lunch: $183
  • Full Day Private Crete Wine Tour Experience from Heraklion : $190
  • Full day Knossos Palace, Local Distillery, Lunch @ Archanes: $192
  • Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $196


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and Moscow, we can see that Heraklion 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 Heraklion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heraklion 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 Heraklion Expensive? and Is Moscow Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Moscow?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Moscow in the Summer?

Both Moscow and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year.

In July, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Moscow. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Moscow fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Moscow. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heraklion 25°C (78°F) 
    Moscow 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Moscow in the Autumn?

Both Moscow and Heraklion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Heraklion is much warmer than Moscow in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Moscow fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Moscow. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heraklion 20°C (68°F) 
    Moscow 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Moscow in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Moscow. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Moscow can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Heraklion is much warmer than Moscow. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Moscow averages at about -8°C (17°F).

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Moscow. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heraklion 12°C (54°F) 
    Moscow -8°C (17°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Moscow in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Moscow. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Moscow. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Moscow fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Moscow. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heraklion 16°C (61°F) 
    Moscow 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Moscow and Heraklion

Heraklion Moscow
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 77 mm (3 in) -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 14°C (58°F) 77 mm (3 in) -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in)