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

Should you visit Moscow or Bern?

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 Bern. 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 Bern?

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.

Bern

The capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is a surprisingly small city with a population of only about 130,000. It's located on a peninsula that is created by the turns of the River Aare. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has a wonderfully preserved old town area. There are about four miles worth of quaint walkways that are lined with clock towers and fountains.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Bern 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 Bern is $249. 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 Bern in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Bern $161
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Bern $322
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Bern

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Bern? 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 Bern


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: Bern Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Bern $33
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 Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Transfer from Bern to Zurich with 2h of Sightseeing: $300
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $227
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $213
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $191
  • Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Bern?

Prices for flights to both Bern 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
    Bern $60
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

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

  • Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $57
  • Bern Food Market: Brunch & Local Food Tour: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Bern $34
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 Bern

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

  • 007 Elegance:Exclusive Private Tour to Schilthorn from Bern: $627
  • Alpine Heights: Small Group Tour to Jungfraujoch from Bern: $592
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Bern : Highlights & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $80
  • Bern : Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide (Private tour): $59
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.95
  • Bern Historical UNESCO Old Town Private Tour: $161
  • Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $60
  • Bern Old City Walking Tour: $459
  • Bern Old Town - Private Historic Walking Tour: $534
  • Bern Private Walking Tour: $334
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Bern $27


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Bern?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Bern, 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 Bern?

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 Bern in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Bern. Also, many travelers come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences.

Moscow is around the same temperature as Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Bern. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Moscow or Bern in the Autumn?

Both Bern and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Moscow is much colder than Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Moscow in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Bern averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In October, Moscow usually receives more rain than Bern. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Bern 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Bern in the Winter?

Both Bern and Moscow during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bern can be very cold during winter. Moscow can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Moscow is generally much colder than Bern. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around -8°C (17°F), and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Bern. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Moscow or Bern in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Bern. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bern because of the natural beauty.

Moscow is much colder than Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Bern. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Bern 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Bern and Moscow

Moscow Bern
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)