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

Should you visit Moscow or Austin?

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 Austin. 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 Austin?

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.

Austin

Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Austin or Moscow?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $63, while the average daily cost in Austin is $142. 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 Austin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $40
    Austin $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $80
    Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Austin

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Austin? 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 Austin


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: Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.18
    Austin $47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow

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


  • Two Metro Passes
    $1.47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow

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

  • Private Transfer from 8 ILIR to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
  • Private Transfer from Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
  • Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
  • Private Transfer from Cinta Raja to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Delima to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Kampung Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Labuh Baru Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Meranti Pandak to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
  • Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
  • Private Transfer from Nagari Sungai Asam to Padang Airport (PDG): $135

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $96
  • Austin Airport Group Pickup / Transfer up to 1 hour away.: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Austin?

Prices for flights to both Austin 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
    Austin $35
Typical Food Prices in Moscow

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $6.00
  • Lunch in the Center Market
    $3.27
  • Breakfast for 2
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

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

  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups: $95
  • Secret Food Tour: $98
  • Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $108
  • The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125
  • Private Guided Food Tour of Austin Neighborhoods: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Austin $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow

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


  • Theater Tickets
    $13
  • 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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin

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


  • Austin Duck Tour
    $31

Tours and Activities in Austin

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

  • Austin Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Olympian: $50
  • Afternoon in Austin Segway Tour: $99
  • Austin Art & Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
  • Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $90
  • Austin Boat Tour with Full Sun Shading Available: $84
  • Austin Breakfast Taco Tour: $85
  • Austin E-Bike Brunch Tour : $118
  • Austin E-Bike Foodie Tour : $128
  • Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $70
  • Austin Family Explorer Private Magical Urban Adventure Tour: $232
  • Austin Family Explorer: A Magical Urban Adventure: $455
  • Austin Good Vibes E-Bike Tours with Rooster: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.94
    Austin $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

  • Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl: $12
  • Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Austin Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $44
  • From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $65
  • Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
  • 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
  • The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $125
  • Half-Day Private Texas Hill Country Wine Tour from Austin: $143
  • Brewery 5K Fun Run, BBQ, and Texas History Museum in Austin : $175


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Austin, we can see that Austin is more expensive. And not only is Moscow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Moscow is in Europe and Austin is in North America, 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 Austin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Austin 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 Austin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Austin?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Austin, 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 Austin?

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 Austin in the Summer?

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

Moscow is much colder than Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Austin 87°F (30°C)

Should I visit Moscow or Austin in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Moscow is much colder than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Moscow in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Austin. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Austin 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Moscow or Austin in the Winter?

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

The weather in Moscow can be very cold. In January, Moscow is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around -8°C (17°F), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Austin. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Austin 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Moscow or Austin in the Spring?

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

Moscow is much colder than Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Austin. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Austin 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Austin and Moscow

Moscow Austin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)