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

Should you visit Moscow or Berlin?

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 Berlin. 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 Berlin?

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.

Berlin

Berlin is the capital and largest city in Germany. As such, travelers can expect typical European prices for everything from hotels to food to sights and attractions. While it's possible to experience this city on a cheaper budget, don't expect to get much without paying a decent amount.

With a population of about 4.5 million, Berlin is a very international city that is well known for its high level of tolerance, an eclectic nightlife, an artistic vibe and many historical sights. There are museums, palaces and landmarks spread throughout the city. Despite having a significant amount of damage during the last few years of World War II, Berlin has been rebuilt with an interesting diversity of architecture styles. This is particularly true after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Architecture in the city represents many different historical periods ranging from medieval buildings through modern, glass structures.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Berlin 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 Berlin is $149. 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 Berlin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $40
    Berlin $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $80
    Berlin $140
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Berlin

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Berlin? 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 Berlin


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: Berlin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.14
    Berlin $19
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 Singkarak to Padang Airport (PDG): $170
  • Private Transfer from Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $170
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Suka Mulia: $170
  • Private Transfer from Suka Mulia to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $170
  • Private Transfer from Tanjung Alam to Padang Airport (PDG): $136
  • Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $136
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Bukit Baru: $94
  • Private Transfer from Karya Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $94
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Sei Selayur: $94
  • Private Transfer from Bukit Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $94
  • Private Transfer from Kebun Bunga to Palembang Airport (PLM): $94
  • Private Transfer from 8 ILIR to Palembang Airport (PLM): $94

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Berlin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Berlin:


  • Short Trip Metro Ticket
    $1.52
  • Bahn Ticket
    $3.27
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berlin

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

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Berlin APT-HTL (SXF): $300
  • Skip-the-line Charlottenburg Palace Private Tour & Transfers: $186
  • Private transfer from Berlin to Prague with Terezin Concentration Camp stop: $271
  • Private transfer from Berlin to Prague with Meissen Porcelain Manufactory stop: $264
  • Private transfer from Berlin to Prague: $717
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer from/to airport of Berlin: $144
  • Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Sedan Car: $109
  • Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Van: $120
  • Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Car: $114
  • Private Transfer: Berlin to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg - Port/Harbor transport: $266
  • Private Transfer: Berlin to Brandenburg Airport BER in Luxury Van: $120
  • Private Transfer: Berlin to Brandenburg Airport BER in Luxury Car: $114

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Berlin?

Prices for flights to both Berlin 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
    Berlin $56
Typical Food Prices in Moscow

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $5.97
  • Lunch in the Center Market
    $3.26
  • Breakfast for 2
    $11

Typical Food Prices in Berlin

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Berlin:


  • Sandwich and Coffee To Go
    $5.44
  • Turkish Sandwich
    $2.18
  • Currywurst
    $2.18
  • 2 Pho Noodles
    $9.80
  • Restaurant Dinner and Beers (for 2)
    $65
  • Mauer Park (2)
    $12
  • Coffees at Impala
    $8.49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • English Stand-Up Comedy with Pizza and Shots: $19
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Kreuzberg kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $49
  • Berlin : No Diet Club Food Tour - Street Food Paradise: $60
  • Evening Yacht Cruise with Aperitif & Optional Dinner: $64
  • Dinner Cruise on the Spree with Prosecco: $69
  • Sicilian Cooking Workshop with unlimited drinks: $71
  • Evening Food Tour by Bike: $71
  • Berlin 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Sharing plate food tour in Berlin: $77
  • Siciliamo - True Sicilian Cooking Workshops: $83
  • Berlin Food Walking Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Berlin $24
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:

  • 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250

Typical Entertainment Prices in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Berlin Zoo (2)
    $21

Tours and Activities in Berlin

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Berlin.

  • (E) Bike Tour for Non bikers addtional Rickshaw is possible: $38
  • 1-Hour Segway Discovery Tour Berlin: $50
  • 2 Hours E-Scooter Tour: $61
  • 2-Hour Private Berlin Walking Tour, Berlin in the Third Reich and Cold War: $215
  • 2-Hour Segway Discovery Tour Berlin: $76
  • 3-Hour Bike Tour of Tiergarten and Berlin's Hidden Places: $35
  • 3-Hour Private Berlin Bike Tour: Vibes of Berlin: $187
  • 3D Adventure black light mini golf (Berlin): $20
  • 3H 2 People on Harley Trike Tour: $69
  • 5D Cinema attraction in the Berlin adventure cinema 5D cinema: $5.52
  • 5h Berlin private Tour with Guide, Chauffeur & Photographer: $434
  • 5h Potsdam private tour with Guide, Chauffeur & Photographer: $434

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.89
    Berlin $18

Typical Alcohol Prices in Berlin

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Berlin from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Show
    $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Berlin

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

  • Original One80 Berlin Pub Crawl: $16
  • Guided Brewery Tour and Craft Beer Tasting: $20
  • brewery tour with beer tasting: $20
  • Pub Crawl and Nightclub Entry with a Guide: $22
  • Vagabund Brauerei Beer Tasting & Guided Brewery Tour: $24
  • Pub Crawl with Skip-the-Line Club Entry: $24
  • Berlin Pub Crawl and Nightlife Clubbing tour: $27
  • Showgirls of Burlesque Entry Ticket: $70
  • The Showgirls of Burlesque: $72
  • Wine Tasting, Antipasti and Cheese: $76
  • German Wine Tasting Tour at the Best Wine Bars in Berlin: $254
  • German Wine Tasting Tour at the Best Wine Bars in Berlin: $258


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Berlin?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Berlin. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Berlin, 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 Berlin?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Moscow or Berlin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Berlin. Also, most visitors come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Moscow is around the same temperature as Berlin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Berlin averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In July, Moscow usually receives more rain than Berlin. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Berlin 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Berlin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Berlin. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Berlin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in October than Berlin. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Berlin 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Berlin in the Winter?

Both Berlin and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.

It's quite cold in Berlin in the winter. The weather in Moscow can be very cold. Moscow is much colder than Berlin in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Berlin fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In January, Moscow usually receives more rain than Berlin. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Berlin -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Berlin in the Spring?

Both Berlin and Moscow during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Berlin for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Moscow is cooler than Berlin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Berlin averages at about 9°C (47°F).

Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Berlin. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Berlin 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Berlin and Moscow

Moscow Berlin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -0°C (31°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (47°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 2°C (35°F) 51 mm (2 in)