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

Should you visit Moscow or Bilbao?

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 Bilbao. 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 Bilbao?

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.

Bilbao

The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao 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 Bilbao is $147. 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 Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Bilbao $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Bilbao $156
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Bilbao? 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 Bilbao


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: Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Bilbao $28
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 Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
  • Private Transfer from Bukit Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
  • Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Kampung Bandar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Kelurahan Sail to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $68
  • Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Labuh Baru Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Limbungan Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to 8 ILIR: $93
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Duku: $93

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Private transfer from Bilbao City Center to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $33
  • Private transfer from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City Center: $33
  • Private one way arrival OR departure transfer in Bilbao from/to airport: $67
  • Private Transfer on arrival and departure in Bilbao: $72
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to Vitoria city: $84
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to San Sebastian: $291
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Pamplona: $229
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $245
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Laguardia town: $199
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Elciego town: $199
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Bilbao: $153
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to San Sebastian Airport: $291

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao 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
    Bilbao $48
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 Bilbao

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

  • Basque Food Tour with Guide: $86
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
  • Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $112
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
  • Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $134
  • Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $134
  • Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
  • Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $155
  • Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $197

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Bilbao $31
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 Bilbao

Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • PRIVATE San Sebastian and Basque Coast Tour from Bilbao: $290
  • Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $81
  • 2 Hours Private Family Guided Walking Tour in Bilbao: $197
  • 3-day Bilbao Bike Tour and Guggenheim Museum Ticket: $257
  • Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $384
  • BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $36
  • Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,144
  • Bike tour with Pintxos & Drinks in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao Seaside): $60
  • Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum Private Walking Tour with guide: $286
  • Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour from Hotel/Center: $279
  • Bilbao - Private Historic walking tour: $374
  • Bilbao 3-Day Package: Guggenheim, Hotel Stay and Bike Tour: $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Bilbao $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao

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

  • Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
  • Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
  • Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $79
  • Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $80
  • Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $176
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $187
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $240
  • From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $241
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $246
  • Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao : $246


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Bilbao?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?

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 Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Moscow during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the summer, Moscow is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Bilbao. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Bilbao. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Bilbao. Additionally, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Moscow. Moscow is much colder than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Moscow or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Moscow is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Moscow

Moscow Bilbao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)