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

Should you visit Moscow or Heidelberg?

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 Heidelberg. 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 Heidelberg?

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.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is a top travel destination in Germany. It's picturesquely situated in the Neckar River Valley and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city has a population of over 148,000 and it's home to Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, which has a student population of approximately 28,000.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg is $152. 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 Heidelberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Heidelberg $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Heidelberg $198
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Heidelberg

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Heidelberg? 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 Heidelberg


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: Heidelberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Heidelberg $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 Singkarak to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
  • Private Transfer from Rangkiang Luluih to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
  • Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
  • Private Transfer from Solok to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
  • Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
  • Private Transfer from Bukit Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to 8 ILIR: $93
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Duku: $93
  • Private Transfer from Talang Jambe to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Karya Baru: $93
  • Private Transfer from Kelurahan Sail to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $68
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Sri Meranti: $68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

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

  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64
  • Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
  • Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Heidelberg?

Prices for flights to both Heidelberg 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
    Heidelberg $40
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg

For Heidelberg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
  • Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Heidelberg $12
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 Heidelberg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Heidelberg.

  • 2 1/2h Guided Bicycle Tour Discover Heidelberg: $46
  • Alternative Heidelberg Tour.: $71
  • Amazing Schwetzingen Garden Tour: $238
  • Beer and Old Town Tour: $98
  • Bicycle Tour from Heidelberg to quaint Ladenburg.: $120
  • Culinary city tour in Heidelberg with delicious samples: $43
  • E.Bike Tours around Heidelberg: $153
  • Evening Heidelberg tour with historical night watchman: $17
  • Experience the Local Food around Mannheim: $64
  • Fascinating Heidelberg Sightseeing Walking Tour: $217
  • Food & Fables Tour of Heidelberg : $131
  • Guided Tour of Student Rabble, Whore Pack and the French War: $373

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Heidelberg $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg

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

  • Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Heidelberg?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg?

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 Heidelberg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Heidelberg. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

In July, Moscow is generally around the same temperature as Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In July, Moscow usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Heidelberg. Also, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Moscow is much colder than Heidelberg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Heidelberg. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Heidelberg 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Heidelberg in the Winter?

Both Heidelberg and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Heidelberg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Moscow. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than Heidelberg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In January, Moscow usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Heidelberg 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Heidelberg in the Spring?

Both Heidelberg and Moscow during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Moscow is generally much colder than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in April than Heidelberg. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Moscow

Moscow Heidelberg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)