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

Should you visit Moscow or Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne?

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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a hilltop town in southern France. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Carcassonne is located in the Aude plain between historic trade routes, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean sea and the Massif Central to the Pyrenees. The Romans recognized its strategic importance and occupied its hilltop until the demise of the Western Roman Empire and was later taken over in the fifth century by the Visigoths who founded the city. Its desirable location led successive rulers to expand its fortifications until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. It is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cite, which has numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman times, with major additions made in the 13th and 14th centuries. With its position on a rocky hilltop, zigzag battlements, stout walls and spiky turrets, the fortified city of Carcassonne looks like something out of a children's storybook when it's seen from afar. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, it's most people's idea of the perfect medieval castle. It attracts over four million visitors every year, peaking in high summer. Time your visit for late in the day (or even better in spring or fall) to truly appreciate the old town's medieval charm.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne is $114. 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 Carcassonne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Carcassonne $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Carcassonne $130
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Carcassonne

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Carcassonne? 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 Carcassonne


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: Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Carcassonne $7.65
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 Umban Sari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $50
  • Private Transfer from Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Tangkerang Labuai to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Tanah Datar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Talang Jambe to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
  • Private Transfer from Sukajadi to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Sri Meranti to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $64
  • Private Transfer from Solok to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
  • Private Transfer from Singkarak to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
  • Private Transfer from Rangkiang Luluih to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru City to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Umban Sari: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne 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
    Carcassonne $41
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Carcassonne $15
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 Carcassonne

For Carcassonne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Best of Cathar Country: Full-Day Private Tour.: $207
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour : $201
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Fortress Walking Tour: $171
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Photoshoot Experience: $160
  • Private Walking Tour with Cité de Carcassonne: $187

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Carcassonne $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Carcassonne?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

Both Carcassonne and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

Moscow is cooler than Carcassonne in the summer. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In July, Moscow usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne and Moscow during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Moscow is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Moscow in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in October than Carcassonne. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Carcassonne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Carcassonne. Furthermore, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Moscow. In January, Moscow is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around -8°C (17°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In January, Moscow usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Carcassonne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Carcassonne. Additionally, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Moscow is much colder than Carcassonne in the spring. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in April than Carcassonne. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Moscow

Moscow Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)