Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Budapest?
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 Budapest. 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 Budapest?
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.
Budapest
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. It has been called the "Paris of the East" because of its impressive architecture and general beauty. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 because of its cultural importance, its location on the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrassy Avenue. In addition to its rich history, Budapest still has a young vibe with a lot of energy. There's an active night life, an impressive music scene, and a good reputation with European youth.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $62Budapest $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, while the average daily cost in Budapest is $89. 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 Budapest in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $39Budapest $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $78Budapest $98
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Budapest
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Budapest? 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: Budapest Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.06Budapest $10
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 Padang Panjang to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
- Private Transfer from Solok to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Duku: $92
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Bukit Baru: $92
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Kebun Bunga: $92
- Private Transfer from Duku to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
- Private Transfer from Karya Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Sri Meranti: $67
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kelurahan Sail: $67
- Private Transfer from Sri Meranti to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $64
- Private Transfer from Umban Sari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $50
- Private Transfer from Meranti Pandak to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:
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Short Taxi Ride$6.91
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Metro Pass$3.79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest
Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Vienna to Budapest: $702
- T72 Tank Driving with Hummer Transfer: $1,571
- Private transfer from Budapest to Zagreb: $926
- Private transfer from Budapest to Vienna: $585
- Private transfer from Budapest to Prague: $1,054
- Private transfer between Budapest and Vienna: $468
- Private Transfer in Budapest: $76
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Zagreb with 2 hours for sightseeing: $267
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Zadar, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $282
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Vienna with 2h of Sightseeing, Local Driver: $234
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Vienna with 2h of Sightseeing: $217
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Vienna with 2h of Sightseeing: $234
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Budapest?
Prices for flights to both Budapest 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 $14Budapest $23
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 Budapest
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:
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Lunch$3.37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer: $45
- Pizza & Beer Downtown Budapest Cruise: $46
- Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $51
- Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks: $52
- Vegan Hungarian Food Tour / Local delights: $57
- Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music: $73
- Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music: $75
- Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne: $85
- Lángos (Hungary’s nr1 streetfood) cooking class: $87
- Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music: $90
- Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $93
- Hungarian Cooking Class - Foodapest: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Budapest $22
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:
- 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance to the Baths for Two$6.77
Tours and Activities in Budapest
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.
- Danube Bend Private All Day Tour with Lunch, with entrance fees and cruise: $163
- E-ticket to Vajdahunyad Castle with Audio Tour on Your Phone : $19
- Private Budapest city tour with a daytime Danube river cruise: $239
- 2 Hours Buda Castle Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $38
- 2 Hours Jewish Heritage Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $49
- 2 Hours Private Scenic Photo Tour Around Budapest: $156
- 2-Hour Private Budapest Castle Walking Tour: $126
- 2-Hour Private Market Tour in Budapest With Free Tastings: $59
- 2-Hour Private Night Tour of Budapest: $264
- 22 Dog-statues in Budapest - an unusual tour: $25
- 3 Cocktail Cruise Budapest : $38
- 3 Hours Budapest Segway Grand City Tour Buda, Margaret and Pest: $93
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.79Budapest $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest
Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $21
- Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
- Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
- Budapest Original Ruin Pub Crawl Including 5 Shots: $27
- Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $29
- Detective Pub Crawl Game by App: $38
- Drunken History Bar Crawl Tour with Local Drinks: $42
- Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
- Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest: $50
- Budapest - Opera Gin Distillery Tour: $51
- Pub Crawl Through The Ruin Bars in Budapest with T-shirt Included: $53
- All You Can Drink Pub Crawl Through The Ruin Bars in Budapest: $59
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Budapest, we can see that Budapest 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 Budapest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Budapest 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 Budapest Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Budapest?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Budapest. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Budapest, 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 Budapest?
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 Budapest in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Budapest. Furthermore, many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Moscow is around the same temperature as Budapest. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Budapest averages at about 21°C (70°F).
In July, Moscow usually receives more rain than Budapest. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Budapest 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Budapest in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Budapest. Additionally, most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Moscow usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Budapest 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Budapest in the Winter?
Both Budapest and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Budapest can be very cold. Moscow can be very cold during winter. Moscow is much colder than Budapest in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).
In January, Moscow usually receives around the same amount of rain as Budapest. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Budapest -1°C (31°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Budapest in the Spring?
Both Budapest and Moscow during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.
In the spring, Moscow is much colder than Budapest. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).
Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Budapest. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Budapest 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Budapest and Moscow
| Moscow | Budapest | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 48 mm (1.9 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.