Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Dresden?
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 Dresden. 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 Dresden?
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.
Dresden
As towering baroque architecture and verdant woodlands surround your vision, this cityscape works almost as a time capsule of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, untouched by the burdens of modernity. With a melange of cultures and histories, Dresden, Germany stands before you. The capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, Dresden is globally known for its celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed Old Town. From the baroque church Frauenkirche to the Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace, the aesthetic value of this Germany city is simply immeasurable. Located on the gorgeous Elbe River, Dresden receives about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. Nevertheless, despite the traditional German culture its most historic buildings exude, Dresden is still touched by the present-day generation with its abundance of restaurants, clubs, shops, and theaters. Whether you wish to gaze at the Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" or simply go for a quick shopping run, Dresden obliges its guests most satisfactorily.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $62Dresden $145
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, while the average daily cost in Dresden is $145. 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 Dresden in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $39Dresden $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $78Dresden $132
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Dresden
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Dresden? 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: Dresden Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.06Dresden $11
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 Dresden
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:
- Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $158
- Private Transfer from Dresden City to Leipzig City: $83
- One-Way Transfer from Dresden Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $146
- Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - First Class: $136
- Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - Business Van: $77
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Dresden?
Prices for flights to both Dresden 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 $14Dresden $33
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 Dresden
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dresden.
- Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $51
- Winterlights Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $59
- Dinner-Show "INDUSTRIELLE REVOLUTION": $117
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Dresden $10
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 Dresden
Here are a few actual costs in Dresden for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hour GDR Walking Tour in Dresden: $44
- 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Dresden: $44
- 2 day ticket Grand City Tour Hop on Hop off 22 stops: $24
- 3H Private Walking Tour: Dresden city centre and Old Masters Painting Gallery: $300
- Astonishing Dresden - Guided Walking Tour: $427
- Bad Schandau Scooter Tour in Saxon, Switzerland: $52
- Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden - Hiking Tour: $171
- Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Fantasy Tour: $171
- Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Winter Tour: $171
- Bicycle tour of Dresden: $32
- Big Sightseeing Tour in Dresden with Liveguide: $21
- Big city tour hop on hop off 22 stops: $22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.79Dresden $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Dresden
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dresden:
- Dresden Bike Tour with Wine Tasting: $53
- Radeberger Brewery Tour in German: $57
- Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Dresden, we can see that Dresden 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 Dresden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dresden 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 Dresden Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Dresden?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Dresden. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Dresden, 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 Dresden?
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 Dresden in the Summer?
Both Dresden and Moscow during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Moscow is generally around the same temperature as Dresden. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Dresden. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Dresden 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Dresden in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Dresden. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Moscow is much colder than Dresden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In October, Moscow usually receives more rain than Dresden. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Dresden 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Dresden in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Dresden. Also, most visitors come to Dresden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Dresden can be very cold during winter. Moscow can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than Dresden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Dresden averages at about 1°C (33°F).
Moscow usually gets more rain in January than Dresden. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Dresden 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Dresden in the Spring?
Both Dresden and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dresden because of the activities around the city.
In April, Moscow is generally cooler than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Dresden. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Dresden 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Dresden and Moscow
| Moscow | Dresden | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.