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

Should you visit Moscow or Gothenburg?

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 Gothenburg. 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 Gothenburg?

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.

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Sweden, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg is $97. 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 Gothenburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Gothenburg $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Gothenburg $80
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Gothenburg

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Gothenburg? 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 Gothenburg


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: Gothenburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Gothenburg $18
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $145
  • Umea Private Transfer from Umea (UME) Airport to City centre: $145
  • Transfer From Gothenburg Hotel To Gothenburg Museum of Art: $32
  • Private Transfer from Gothenburg city to Goteborg Cruise Port: $64
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Stockholm: $505
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $174
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Central Ostersund to Ostersund Airport: $174
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Gothenburg?

Prices for flights to both Gothenburg 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
    Gothenburg $38
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
    Gothenburg $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 Gothenburg

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

  • 2-Days Private Tour in Gothenburg: $300
  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $32
  • After Dark in A Guided Nightlife Tour: $263
  • Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $40
  • Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $113
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
  • Discover Gothenburg - Private Walking Tour: $224
  • Egypt Oasis Adventure Package: $918
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37
  • Entry Ticket To Universeum in Gothenburg with pickup: $64
  • Fatbike Experience in Sorsele: $113
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Gothenburg from Gothenburg Port: $283

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Gothenburg $20


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Gothenburg?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Gothenburg, 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 Gothenburg?

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 Gothenburg in the Summer?

Both Gothenburg and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In July, Moscow is generally a little warmer than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In July, Moscow usually receives more rain than Gothenburg. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Gothenburg in the Autumn?

Both Gothenburg and Moscow during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Moscow is cooler than Gothenburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Gothenburg fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in October than Gothenburg. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Gothenburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Gothenburg.

Gothenburg can be very cold during winter. Moscow can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than Gothenburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Gothenburg averages at about -2°C (29°F).

In January, Moscow usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Gothenburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Gothenburg.

In April, Moscow is generally a little warmer than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Gothenburg. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)

Typical Weather for Gothenburg and Moscow

Moscow Gothenburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in)