Which place is cheaper, Balaton Lake or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Balaton Lake?
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 Balaton Lake. 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 Balaton Lake?
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.
Balaton Lake
Balaton is a major freshwater lake in Hungary and the largest lake in Central Europe with a shoreline of 197 kilometers. The region around the lake is a popular holiday destination with a great number of resort towns and high-rise hotels to accommodate visitors seeking out lakeside activities, beaches, volcanic hills, and vineyards. Some of the towns are also very historic, offering examples from eighteenth-century art and architecture to castle ruins.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, and The Best Luxury Tours to Hungary.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $62Balaton Lake $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, while the average daily cost in Balaton Lake is $86. 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 Balaton Lake in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $39Balaton Lake $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $78Balaton Lake $96
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Balaton Lake
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Balaton Lake? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.06Balaton Lake $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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Two Metro Passes$1.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Tangkerang Labuai to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kedungsari: $40
- Private Transfer from Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Barat: $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Tengah: $40
- Private Transfer from Sidomulyo Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tangkerang Labuai: $40
- Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kota Baru: $42
- Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kampung Baru: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Balaton Lake?
Prices for flights to both Balaton Lake 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
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Food Meals for one dayMoscow $14Balaton Lake $27
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$5.89
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.21
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Breakfast for 2$11
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Balaton Lake $20
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)$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
- 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.79Balaton Lake $8.73
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Balaton Lake, we can see that Balaton Lake 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 Balaton Lake would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Balaton Lake 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 Balaton Lake Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Balaton Lake?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 5020 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Balaton Lake, 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 Balaton Lake?
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 Balaton Lake in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Balaton Lake.
In July, Moscow is generally cooler than Balaton Lake. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Balaton Lake. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Balaton Lake 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Balaton Lake in the Autumn?
Both Balaton Lake and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Moscow is much colder than Balaton Lake in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In October, Moscow usually receives more rain than Balaton Lake. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Balaton Lake 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Balaton Lake in the Winter?
Both Balaton Lake and Moscow during the winter are popular places to visit.
The weather in Balaton Lake can be very cold. Moscow can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than Balaton Lake. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Balaton Lake averages at about 0°C (32°F).
Moscow usually gets more rain in January than Balaton Lake. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Balaton Lake 0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Balaton Lake in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Balaton Lake.
In April, Moscow is generally much colder than Balaton Lake. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Balaton Lake. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Balaton Lake 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Balaton Lake and Moscow
| Moscow | Balaton Lake | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 45 mm (1.8 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.