Which place is cheaper, Bucharest or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Bucharest?
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 Bucharest. 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 Bucharest?
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.
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $62Bucharest $137
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, while the average daily cost in Bucharest is $137. 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 Bucharest in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $39Bucharest $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $78Bucharest $126
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Bucharest
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Bucharest? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bucharest Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.06Bucharest $26
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 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 Bucharest
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:
- Transfert Privat București: $60
- Transfers to Danube Port: Bucharest - Navrom Tulcea: $131
- Transfer from Otopeni Airport to Bucharest: $29
- Transfer from Bucharest to Brasov - Hotel Pick-up: $174
- Transfer Bucharest to/from Giurgiu Cruise Port: $141
- Transfer Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP) to/from Brasov: $244
- Transfer Bucharest Airport to Brasov: $288
- Transfer Airport Otopeni - Bucharest: $43
- Transfer Aeroport Otopeni: $64
- Transfer & Access for 4.5-Hour at Therme Bucuresti: $59
- Therme Spa Ticket with Transfer - Galaxy and Palm Areas : $86
- Therme Bucharest Express Shuttle Transfer: $7.63
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Bucharest?
Prices for flights to both Bucharest 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 $14Bucharest $58
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.
- Dinner at the Museum of Communism - Traditional Food Tour: $53
- Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $60
- Cooking Class traditional food: $65
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $74
- Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $75
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $84
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $86
- Private Walking Food Tour - Culture, History & Traditions: $98
- Historical and Cultural Tour with Romanian Cuisine dinner: $141
- Cooking Class in Transylvania - Day Tour from Bucharest: $182
- 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $202
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Bucharest $15
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
Tours and Activities in Bucharest
Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bears Sanctuary, Dracula's Castle, Brasov Day Trip Private Tour from Bucharest: $249
- Bucharest Panoramic Sightseeing - Private City Tour: $93
- Transylvania Heritage Tour at Peles Bran and Cantacuzino Castles: $93
- 1 Day 4x4 Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $173
- 1 Day ATV Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $207
- 10h Bucharest City Tour & Snagov Monastery (Dracula's Grave): $258
- 14 Days Private Tour in Romania, Moldova & Transnistria: $4,724
- 2 Days Private Tour - The Romanian Caves from Bucharest: $558
- 2 Hour Photoshoot Experience Near Bucharest Architectural Charms: $98
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Bucharest City: $87
- 2-Day Medieval Transylvania with Brasov,Sibiu and Sighisoara Tour from Bucharest: $251
- 2-Day Small-Group Tour to Dracula's Castle, Rasnov Fortress, Peles Castle, Sighisoara and Libearty Brown Bear Sanctuary with Overnight in Brasov: $203
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.79Bucharest $9.17
Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest
Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Weekend Pub Crawl: $24
- Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
- From Romanian Wine Tasting Tour: $26
- Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $37
- Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $43
- Private Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $43
- Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $47
- Romanian Wine Tasting: $49
- Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $51
- Bucharest Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $57
- Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $59
- Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $84
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Bucharest, we can see that Bucharest 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 Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest 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 Bucharest Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Bucharest?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bucharest. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Bucharest, 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 Bucharest?
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 Bucharest in the Summer?
Both Bucharest and Moscow during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year.
In the summer, Moscow is cooler than Bucharest. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Bucharest averages at about 23°C (73°F).
Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Bucharest. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Bucharest 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Bucharest in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Bucharest. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bucharest for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Bucharest. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Bucharest fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In October, Moscow usually receives more rain than Bucharest. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Bucharest 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Bucharest in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Bucharest. Additionally, many visitors come to Bucharest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Bucharest can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Moscow. Moscow is much colder than Bucharest in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Bucharest fluctuates around -1°C (29°F).
Moscow usually gets more rain in January than Bucharest. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Bucharest -1°C (29°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Bucharest in the Spring?
Both Bucharest and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Bucharest for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Moscow is much colder than Bucharest. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Bucharest averages at about 12°C (54°F).
In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Bucharest. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Bucharest 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bucharest and Moscow
| Moscow | Bucharest | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.