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

Should you visit Moscow or Hamburg?

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 Hamburg. 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 Hamburg?

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.

Hamburg

Hamburg is most noted for its port, which is the largest in Germany and the second busiest in Europe. Despite it's size, it is actually located about 100 kilometers from the North Sea on the River Elbe. The popularity of this port has given Hamburg the nickname as Germany's Gateway to the World. The city itself is the second largest in Germany and the metropolitan area has a population of over 4 million people.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Hamburg 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 Hamburg is $125. 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 Hamburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Hamburg $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Hamburg $116
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Hamburg

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Hamburg? 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 Hamburg


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: Hamburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Hamburg $31
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 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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    $1.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg: $83
  • Round Trip Transfer Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City by van: $209
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers : $267
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers: $262
  • Private transfer from Fuhlsbüttel Airport to Hamburg City Center: $114
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hannover with 2h of Sightseeing: $271
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM Departure : $41
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Bremen with an English Speaking Driver: $234
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Hotels to Bremerhaven Cruise Port: $65
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg City Hotels: $51
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport(HAM): $38
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg City to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Hamburg?

Prices for flights to both Hamburg 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
    Hamburg $37
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

Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    $16
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    $5.36
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    $6.43
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    $16
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    $4.29
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    $6.43
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    $3.75
  • Coffee and Donut
    $4.29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.

  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
  • Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $117
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $481
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Hamburg $42
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    $3.75

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Hamburg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $287
  • Safari tour in St Pauli: $33
  • "Cruise in the City" - Sailing Yacht Event, Hamburg/Elbe: $69
  • "Hafengeburtstag Hamburg" 2024. Cruise&Sail from/to Wedel: $181
  • "Highlights of Hamburg" Biketour: $39
  • 1 Hour Kiez Speed Tour for Adults: $19
  • 1-Day Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour of Hamburg Line D: $20
  • 10 secrets of Hamburg's old town - exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg E-Scooter Tour: $71
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Night Tour: $93
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Tour: $75
  • 2 Hours Hamburg E-scooter Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Hamburg $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:

  • Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $21
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $34
  • Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate: $44
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
  • Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl: $513


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Hamburg?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hamburg. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Hamburg, 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg in the Summer?

Both Hamburg and Moscow during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hamburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Moscow is generally a little warmer than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Hamburg. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Hamburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Hamburg. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hamburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Moscow is much colder than Hamburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Hamburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Hamburg. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hamburg can be very cold. Moscow can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than Hamburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Hamburg averages at about 0°C (33°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Hamburg. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Hamburg in the Spring?

Both Hamburg and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

In April, Moscow is generally around the same temperature as Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Hamburg 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Moscow

Moscow Hamburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)