Which place is cheaper, Hanoi or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Moscow or Hanoi?
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 Hanoi. 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 Hanoi?
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.
Hanoi
Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $63Hanoi $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $63, while the average daily cost in Hanoi is $48. 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 Hanoi in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $40Hanoi $25
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $80Hanoi $50
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Hanoi
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Hanoi? 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: Hanoi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.18Hanoi $6.79
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
-
Two Metro Passes$1.47
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): $93
- Private Transfer from Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
- Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Cinta Raja to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Delima to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Kampung Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Labuh Baru Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Meranti Pandak to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sungai Asam to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
-
Taxi to Bus Station$1.18
-
Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.15
-
Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.39
-
Short Taxi Ride$1.34
-
Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- Wonderbay Luxury 1 Day Cruise from Hanoi with Expressway Transfer: $75
- Wonder Bay Cruise 1 Day Trip Transfer from Hanoi by Expressway: $80
- VIP LUXURY Sapa 2D1N -TRANSFER BY LUX LIMOUSINE CAR (Stay at 5* hotel): $189
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Ha Noi HTL-APT (HAN): $14
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Ha Noi APT-HTL (HAN): $14
- Transfer between Hanoi and Sapa : $14
- Transfer Hanoi to Halong Super Limousine Morning Bus: $33
- The Best Sapa Tour 2D1N Stay At 3* Hotel -Transfer by Sleep BUS : $159
- The Best Sapa Tour 2D1N At 3 Star Hotel by sleeping BUS TRANSFER : $129
- The Best 2D1N HALONG BAY- All Inclusive,Overnight on Boat By Expressway Transfer: $125
- Symphony Cruise- Luxury Day Trip From Hanoi With Express Transfer: $105
- Small Group Hoa Lu Tam Coc Day Tour with Limousine Transfer : $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Hanoi?
Prices for flights to both Hanoi 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 dayMoscow $14Hanoi $13
Typical Food Prices in Moscow
For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch for Two$6.00
-
Lunch in the Center Market$3.27
-
Breakfast for 2$11
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
-
High End Dinner (for Two)$11
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.33
-
Bowl of Pho$0.79
-
Italian Dinner (for Food)$6.10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- Private Traditional Vietnamese Food Cooking Class in Hanoi : $5.00
- Hanoi free food tour - Old Quarter food walking tour: $5.00
- Street Food Tour (Group/Individual): $5.11
- (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
- Hanoi Street Food Tour Visit Train Street Add Old Quarter: $19
- Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour: $20
- Street Food Tour By Walking: $21
- Walking Street Food Tour Small Group with Local Guide: $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $22
- Hanoi street food tour small group tour: $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
- Mad Monkey Hoi An Cooking Class & Bamboo Boats: $23
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Hanoi $8.38
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Theater Tickets$13
-
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:
- 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Puppet Theater$1.57
-
The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.57
-
National History Museum$1.57
-
Puppet Theater Ticket$2.75
Tours and Activities in Hanoi
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Luxury Arcady Cruise Tour from Hanoi by Express Limousine: $75
- 2 Day Golden Bay Cruise Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi: $220
- 2 Day Oasis Bay Cruise Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi: $228
- 2 Day Private Guided Tour in Pu Luong Nature Hanoi: $169
- 4 Days 3 Nights Ha Giang Loop Tour from Hanoi by Sleeper Bus: $235
- 4 Hours and 30 Minutes Historical Hanoi Army Jeep Tour: $58
- 5 Days Motorbike Tour in Ha Giang Loop From Hanoi: $265
- Beautiful Female Riders Vespa Red River Countryside Tour 5 Hours: $65
- Explore Hoa Lu, Tam Coc and Ninh Binh in a Day Tour from Hanoi: $85
- From Halong Bay by Scenic Seaplane and Luxury Day Cruise: $230
- Full Day Tour To Trang An Complex & Bai Dinh Temple: $97
- Full Day Tour in Hanoi City: $35
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.94Hanoi $7.58
Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi
Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Hanoi Beer and Brewery Tour: $48
- Half-Day Guided Tour Australian Beef with Wine Tasting & Rickshaw in Hanoi: $106
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Hanoi, we can see that Moscow is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Moscow is in Europe and Hanoi is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Moscow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Moscow than you might in Hanoi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Moscow Expensive? and Is Hanoi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Hanoi?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Hanoi, 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 Hanoi?
Moscow has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Moscow or Hanoi in the Summer?
Both Hanoi and Moscow during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.
In the summer, Moscow is much colder than Hanoi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Hanoi averages at about 29°C (84°F).
Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Moscow usually gets less rain in July than Hanoi. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Hanoi 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Hanoi in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Hanoi. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Hanoi. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Hanoi fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Hanoi. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Hanoi 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Hanoi in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Hanoi. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Moscow in the winter. Moscow is much colder than Hanoi in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Hanoi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Moscow usually gets more rain in January than Hanoi. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Hanoi 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Hanoi in the Spring?
Both Hanoi and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Moscow is much colder than Hanoi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Hanoi averages at about 24°C (75°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Hanoi. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Hanoi 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Hanoi and Moscow
| Moscow | Hanoi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.