Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Beijing?
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 Beijing. 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 Beijing?
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.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $62Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. 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 Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $39Beijing $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $78Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Beijing? 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 $6.06Beijing $7.65
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 Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $167
- Private Transfer from Delima to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Kampung Bandar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Kampung Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Karya Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
- Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Kelurahan Sail to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $67
- Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Labuh Baru Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Limbungan Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.72
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Train from Airport for Two$6.91
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Taxi to Hotel$8.29
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2 Metro Passes$2.21
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- [Airport Transfer] Beijing Capital Airport ⇔ Beijing City Transfer (one way) ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $30
- Visit Great Wall With Beijing Capital Airport Round-Way Transfer : $215
- Ultimate Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall Discovery with Airport Transfer: $186
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Beijing APT-HTL (PEK): $62
- Transfers to Jinshanling Great Wall with professional driver: $95
- Tianjin International Cruise Port to Beijing Capital Airport by private transfer: $148
- Tianjin International Cruise Port Transfer from Beijing: $130
- Tianjin Cruise Port to Beijing Daxing Airport by Private Transfer: $148
- Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City Private Tour With Airport Transfer: $205
- Shijingshan Amusement Park with FlyOver China Experience by Private Transfer: $78
- Shared Shuttle Bus Transfer Between Tianjin Cruise Port And Downtown Beijing : $59
- Self Guided transfer service to Juyongguan Great Wall or Badaling Great Wall: $78
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing 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 $14Beijing $21
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
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.83
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Hot Pot Dinner$6.91
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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Watermelon$1.94
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
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Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- discovery more Beijing back street evening food tour with locals : $79
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Beijing $24
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.29
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.68
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Day Mutianyu Great Wall and Beijing Airport Drop off Tour: $235
- 4 hours Deep Forbidden City Private Tour by Knowledgeable Guide.: $80
- 4-Hour Beijing Layover Tour to Hutong from Daxing Airport: $145
- All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour: $188
- All Inclusive Private Tour: Juyongguan Greatwall, Sacred Road, MingTombs : $176
- Beijing 2 Summer Palace Private Garden Tour: $140
- Beijing Art Tour: Seeing Fantastic Ming Murals at Fa Hai Temple : $220
- Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with English Driver : $100
- Beijing Private Tour of Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube: $297
- Classic One Day Beijing Tour: $260
- Forbidden City Tour : $110
- Lama temple -Confucius temple - DongYue temple Private Cultural Tour: $156
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.79Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $161
- Private Tour-Bejing Old Hutong Food Tasting+Local Brewery Beer: $165
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Beijing, we can see that Beijing 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 Beijing is in Asia, 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing 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 Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Beijing?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Beijing. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Beijing, 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 Beijing?
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 Beijing in the Summer?
Both Beijing and Moscow during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Moscow is generally cooler than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Beijing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Moscow usually gets less rain in July than Beijing. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Beijing in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Beijing. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
Moscow is much colder than Beijing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
In October, Moscow usually receives more rain than Beijing. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Beijing in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Beijing. Also, many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. It's quite cold in Moscow in the winter. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than Beijing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Beijing averages at about -4°C (26°F).
Moscow usually gets more rain in January than Beijing. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Beijing in the Spring?
Both Beijing and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Moscow is generally much colder than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In April, Moscow usually receives more rain than Beijing. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Moscow
| Moscow | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.