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

Should you visit Moscow or Houston?

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 Houston. 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 Houston?

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.

Houston

The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Houston or Moscow?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $63, while the average daily cost in Houston is $262. 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 Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $40
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $80
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Houston? 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 Houston


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: Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.18
    Houston $72
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $544
  • William P. Hobby Airport to Galveston Port Arrival Transfer: $168
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $60
  • Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $88
  • Transfer in private minivan from Houston City Center to George Bush Airport: $88
  • RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
  • Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120
  • Private One-way George Bush Airport Transfer To/From Houston: $71
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
  • Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $168
  • Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer to NASA Space Center: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston 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
    Houston $35
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

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

  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
  • Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
  • Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90
  • Montrose Food Tour: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Houston $14
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

Tours and Activities in Houston

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

  • Houston Ghosts and Hauntings By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 2 Hours H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck On Wheels: $49
  • 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Admission and Shuttle: $80
  • Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $370
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $80
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $32
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned): $32
  • Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.94
    Houston $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Houston

Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
  • Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
  • 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
  • Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Moscow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Moscow is in Europe and Houston is in North America, 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 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Houston Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Houston?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Houston. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Houston, 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 Houston?

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 Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Moscow during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In the summer, Moscow is cooler than Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Moscow usually gets less rain in July than Houston. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Moscow or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Houston. Furthermore, many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Houston. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Moscow or Houston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Houston. Additionally, many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Moscow. Moscow is much colder than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Moscow or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Moscow is much colder than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Houston. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Moscow

Moscow Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)