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

Should you visit Moscow or Amsterdam?

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 Moscow and Amsterdam. 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: Moscow or Amsterdam?

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.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Moscow?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $189. 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 Moscow and Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Amsterdam $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Amsterdam $220
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Amsterdam? 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 Moscow


Hotels in Amsterdam


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: Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Amsterdam $21
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 Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
  • Private Transfer from Bukit Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
  • Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Kampung Bandar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Kelurahan Sail to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $68
  • Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Labuh Baru Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Limbungan Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to 8 ILIR: $93
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Duku: $93

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.47
  • Renting a Bike
    $16
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $11
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $2.82
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • VIP Transfer from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City or Back to the Airport : $93
  • VIP Amsterdam Airport Departure Transfer: $67
  • Schiphol: Private Transfer to Amsterdam - Travel Like a VIP: $134
  • Schiphol Airport Private Transfer to Brussels: $291
  • Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $310
  • Rotterdam Cruise private Transfers: Hotel to Ship & Return: $144
  • Private transfer from Schiphol airport to The Hague: $102
  • Private departure transfer from Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport (AMS): $57
  • Private Utrecht Transfer from Amsterdam: $153
  • Private Transfer: Amsterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport (AMS): $75
  • Private Transfer: Amsterdam City Center to Airport Schiphol (AMS): $37
  • Private Transfer in Amsterdam : $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Moscow 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
    Moscow $14
    Amsterdam $47
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

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    $6.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.

  • Food Tour Amsterdam (Tip Based): $5.45
  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.18
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
  • Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise: $32
  • Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $40
  • Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $42
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $43
  • Burger Dinner Cruise through the Amsterdam Canals: $43
  • Food Tour Jordaan District: $51
  • Food Tour Amsterdam's Jordaan District Self-Guided: $52

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Amsterdam $40
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:

  • Custom Private Tour in Palembang with English Speaking Driver: $85

Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $6.50
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $18

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Amstagram Tour & Moco Experience: $53
  • Anne Frank Story & Neighborhood Walk Tour in Amsterdam: $46
  • 1 Hour Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour : $109
  • 1, 2 or 3-7 Days Nightclubs & Best Nightlife in Amsterdam Ticket: $14
  • 1-Hour Canal Cruise in the Evening : $22
  • 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Boat Cruise w/ Dutch snacks & Onboard Bar: $42
  • 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Cruise: Including drinks & Dutch snacks: $63
  • 2 Hours Canal Cruise to Amsterdam’s Hidden Gems: $84
  • 2 Hours Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $213
  • 2 hours Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $218
  • 3 Hour Self-guided Cocktail Walking Tour in Amsterdam by WOGO: $44
  • 3 hour Amsterdam Private Guide Walking Tour with an Amsterdam born raised Guide: $186

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Amsterdam $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

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

  • Amsterdam Private Self-Guided Pub Crawl Pub Quiz: $21
  • Amsterdam Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22
  • Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $25
  • Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
  • Distillery Tour & Tasting at Spirited Union: $27
  • Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $29
  • Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $32
  • Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $37
  • Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $37
  • Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
  • Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting: $42


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Amsterdam?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Amsterdam, 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 Moscow or Amsterdam?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Moscow or Amsterdam in the Summer?

Both Amsterdam and Moscow during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Moscow is a little warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Amsterdam. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Amsterdam. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Amsterdam. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

It's quite cold in Amsterdam in the winter. The weather in Moscow can be very cold. Moscow is much colder than Amsterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Amsterdam. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Moscow is around the same temperature as Amsterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Moscow

Moscow Amsterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)