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

Should you visit Moscow or Basel?

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 Basel. 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 Basel?

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.

Basel

Basel is often overlooked as a tourist destination in Switzerland, but despite this, it does have a lot to offer visitors as well as a beautiful medieval historic center. Every year it also hosts a Carnival festival that is one of the most popular in Europe, competing with those in Venice and Rio de Janeiro in its popularity. There are also some excellent museums and great examples of regional architecture around town. Basel also serves as an excellent entry point to the Swiss Jura mountains and a jumping off point to visit more popular cities such as Zurich or Lucerne.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Basel 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 Basel is $236. 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 Basel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Basel $143
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Basel $286
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Basel

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Basel? 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 Basel


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: Basel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Basel $45
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 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 Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Sidomulyo Barat: $40
  • Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kedungsari: $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Delima: $43
  • Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Harjosari: $43
  • Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Cinta Raja: $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Basel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Basel:

  • Round Trip Private Transfer From Basel EuroAirport to Feldberg: $87
  • Private transfer from Basel to Strasbourg with a local driver: $233
  • Private direct transfer from Basel to Lucerne with a local driver: $177
  • Private Transfer: Basel Airport BSL to Zurich in Luxury Van: $261
  • Private Transfer from Basel to Zurich with 3h Sightseeing Stops: $251
  • Private Transfer From Basel To Bern With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $224
  • Private One-way Transfer From Basel to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $186
  • Private Direct Transfer from Basel to Zurich: $205
  • ONE WAY: Basel Train Station (ZDH) to / from Basel transfer: $88
  • Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $119
  • Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Car: $157
  • Basel Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Basel?

Prices for flights to both Basel 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
    Basel $61
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Basel $37
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

Tours and Activities in Basel

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

  • Alpine Majesty: Basel to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $821
  • Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Basel: $650
  • Basel (Kleinbasel) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Basel : Old Town Walking Tour: $107
  • Basel : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Local Guide: $82
  • Basel Adventure Tour - The city quiz: $37
  • Basel City Sightseeing Bus Tour: $27
  • Basel City: Private guided Segway Tour: $196
  • Basel Family Adventure: Exploring Historic & Artistic Gems: $543
  • Basel Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $5.35
  • Basel History Tour for Groups: $328
  • Basel Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Basel $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Basel

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

  • Pub Crawl Meet People and Hidden Bars and Clubs: $33
  • Pinot Noir & Pinot Wine Tour to Baden-Württemberg: $279
  • Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!: $285
  • Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel: $289


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Basel?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Basel, 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 Basel?

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 Basel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Basel. Additionally, most visitors come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Moscow is around the same temperature as Basel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Basel averages at about 21°C (70°F).

Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Basel. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Basel 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Basel because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Basel. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Basel fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Basel. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Basel 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Basel in the Winter?

Both Basel and Moscow during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

It's quite cold in Basel in the winter. The weather in Moscow can be very cold. Moscow is much colder than Basel in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Basel. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Basel 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Basel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Basel. Also, many travelers come to Basel for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Moscow is much colder than Basel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Basel averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Basel. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Basel 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Basel and Moscow

Moscow Basel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)