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

Should you visit Moscow or Barcelona?

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 Barcelona. 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 Barcelona?

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.

Barcelona

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Barcelona 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 Barcelona is $169. 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 Barcelona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Barcelona $104
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Barcelona $208
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Barcelona

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Barcelona? 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 Barcelona


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: Barcelona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Barcelona $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 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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona

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


  • 10 Trip Metro Ticket
    $8.45
  • Airport Bus
    $5.42
  • Metro
    $2.27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:

  • transfer with wheelchair Accessible from Bcn airport/ port/city: $284
  • barcelona Cruise Port to Airport private transfer: $40
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Barcelona APT-HTL (BCN): $55
  • Transfers From Cruise Port to Barcelona Airport: $40
  • Transfers From Cruise Port to Barcelona Airport: $41
  • Transfers From Barcelona Sants Train Station to Hotel bcn: $31
  • Transfers From Barcelona Cruise Port to Barcelona Airport: $40
  • Transfer to Montserrat Monastery from Barcelona: $27
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Barcelona City - Barcelona Airport (BCN): $33
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Barcelona Airport (BCN) - Barcelona City: $33
  • Transfer in private minivan from Barcelona City - Barcelona Airport (BCN): $49
  • Transfer in private minivan from Barcelona Airport (BCN) - Barcelona City: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Barcelona?

Prices for flights to both Barcelona 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
    Barcelona $35
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 Barcelona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Hot Cocoa & Churro
    $4.50
  • Sandwich
    $1.84
  • Baguette & Horchata
    $4.12
  • Tapas on the beach
    $8.97
  • Gelatto
    $2.71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona

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

  • Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $21
  • Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $21
  • Walking Tour + Flamenco + Tapas Dinner (choose options): $27
  • Flamenco at El Patio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Tasty Barcelona Street Food Tour With Local Market Visit : $32
  • La Barceloneta: Tapas Food Tour: $37
  • Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $42
  • Boqueria Market & Barrio Gotico Street Food Tour: $56
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas 5-Course Pairing Dinner: $59
  • Paella Cooking Experience & Wine: $59
  • Paella Cooking Experience and Wine in Barcelona: $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Barcelona $36
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
  • 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250

Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass
    $45
  • Souvenir Gaudi Book
    $9.26
  • Admission to Museo Picasso
    $6.50

Tours and Activities in Barcelona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:

  • Barcelona Christmas Walking Tour: $29
  • Cruise into Barcelona? Get the Most out of Your Visit!: $117
  • Dali Museum, Besalu & Girona Tour from Barcelona by Fast Train : $119
  • Girona and Costa Brava with Lunch: VIP Small Group Tour: $16
  • Montserrat Mountains Half - Day Private Tour - From Barcelona : $260
  • Private Mountain Bike Tour in Barcelona: $33
  • Sagrada Familia "Fast Track" Guided Tour in Barcelona: $105
  • Sagrada Familia Comedy Tour: $3.25
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Legends of the Gothic Quarter: $10
  • Skip The Line - Early Picasso Museum and Born Neighborhood: $56
  • Sunset Sailing Tour in Barcelona: $75
  •  Big Fun Museum Ticket: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Barcelona $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:

  • Original Pub Crawl: $13
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by King - Bar & Nightclub Hopping Tour: $14
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Nightlife Party Experience: $16
  • Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $16
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Free shot and VIP Entry: $16
  • Night Pub Crawl Tour in Barcelona: $16
  • Barcelona Bar Crawl: 4+ Venues, Free shots, Free Club Entry: $19
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Tour with Tasting: $21
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $22
  • Nightlife Tour - Barcelona Bar Crawl with Flamingos: $23
  • Barcelona Bar Crawl: $26
  • Barcelona Halloween Bar Crawl: $27


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Barcelona?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Barcelona. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Barcelona, 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 Barcelona?

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 Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Barcelona. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Moscow is cooler than Barcelona in the summer. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Barcelona. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Barcelona 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In the autumn, Moscow is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Moscow in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Barcelona averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Barcelona 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Moscow during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Moscow in the winter. In January, Moscow is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around -8°C (17°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Barcelona. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Barcelona 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Barcelona. Furthermore, many visitors come to Barcelona in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Moscow is much colder than Barcelona in the spring. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Barcelona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Moscow

Moscow Barcelona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 20°C (67°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)