Which place is cheaper, Geneva or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Moscow or Geneva?
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 Geneva. 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 Geneva?
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.
Geneva
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.
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Moscow Prices
Russia PricesGeneva Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $85Geneva $275
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $85, while the average daily cost in Geneva is $275. 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 Geneva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $46Geneva $160
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $92Geneva $320
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Geneva
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Geneva? 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: Geneva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $7.05Geneva $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$1.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from 8 ILIR to Palembang Airport (PLM): $100
- Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $140
- Private Transfer from Bukit Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $100
- Private Transfer from Cinta Raja to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
- Private Transfer from Kampung Bandar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
- Private Transfer from Kampung Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
- Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
- Private Transfer from Kelurahan Sail to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $72
- Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $63
- Private Transfer from Labuh Baru Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
- Private Transfer from Limbungan Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
- Private Transfer from Meranti Pandak to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- Welcome to Geneva Private Airport Transfer: $124
- VIP Transfer: $79
- Transfer Annecy Airports to Lyon and Geneva: $160
- Swiss Premium Private Transfers: $132
- Private transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Montreux.: $454
- Private transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Lausanne.: $314
- Private transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Interlaken.: $873
- Private transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Geneva.: $169
- Private transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Chamonix.: $419
- Private transfer from Geneva airport to Lausanne: $297
- Private Transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Zermatt.: $873
- Private Transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Verbier.: $756
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Geneva?
Prices for flights to both Geneva 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 $28Geneva $100
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$6.85
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.73
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Breakfast for 2$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.
- Taste Geneva – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $216
- City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class, Swiss Folklore: $221
- Geneva Food tour : Cheeses, wine, chocolate & fun: $250
- Food tour with EAT and CHILL TOUR Geneva & Lausanne: $273
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $18Geneva $33
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$14
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Kremlin Entry (2)$12
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: $103
Tours and Activities in Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3-Hour Private Walking Tour in Geneva: $296
- Annecy - Venice of the Alps - Tour from Geneva: $85
- Annecy Private Guided Tour from Geneva: $473
- Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $25
- Award-Winning Geneva Chocolate &Old Town Tour (3h): $122
- Award-Winning Geneva Chocolate and Old Town Tour with Boat: $125
- Best Intro Tour of Geneva with a Local: $172
- Best of Geneva City Tour with optional boat cruise: $56
- Best of Geneva City Tour: International Area and Old Town: $72
- Chamonix Day Trip and Geneva City Tour: $189
- Chamonix Mont-Blanc & E-bike Tour: $248
- Chamonix Mont-Blanc Full Day Guided Tour: $122
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $9.05Geneva $25
Sample the Local Flavors in Geneva
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Geneva:
- Geneva Countryside Wine Tasting At A Castle By E-Bike: $197
- Swiss Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour in Vaud: $255
- Lavaux, Chexbres, and Valais Wine Tasting Tour: $450
- Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting by TukTuk: $537
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Geneva, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Geneva?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Geneva, 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 Geneva?
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 Geneva in the Summer?
Both Geneva and Moscow during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.
Moscow is cooler than Geneva in the summer. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Geneva. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Geneva 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)Geneva 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Geneva in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Geneva. Also, many travelers come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Moscow is much colder than Geneva. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Moscow in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Geneva averages at about 14°C (56°F).
In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Geneva. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Geneva 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Geneva in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Geneva. Also, many visitors come to Geneva in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Geneva can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Moscow. In January, Moscow is generally much colder than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around -8°C (17°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Geneva. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Geneva 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Geneva in the Spring?
Both Geneva and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Moscow is much colder than Geneva in the spring. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).
In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Geneva. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Geneva 11°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Geneva and Moscow
| Moscow | Geneva | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.