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

Should you visit Moscow or Interlaken?

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 Interlaken. 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 Interlaken?

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.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a small city that is located in the Bernese Highlands Region of central Switzerland. It sits pleasantly between two Alpine Lakes, Brienzersee and Thunersee. This scenic setting and its easy accessibility make it a popular base camp for travel into the Bernese Oberland Alps. It has become a top tourist destination in Switzerland and it is also a hub for outdoor sports enthusiasts with plenty of hiking, skiing, paragliding, and other activities in the region.. Interlaken is a great hoping off point to explore many of the nearby mountains, lakes, and valleys, too. It offers easy transportation to most major Swiss cities by train or car.

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


Which place is cheaper, Interlaken 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 Interlaken is $231. 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 Interlaken in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Interlaken $133
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Interlaken $266
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Interlaken

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Interlaken? 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 Interlaken


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: Interlaken Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Interlaken $13
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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Interlaken

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:


  • Cable Cars (for 2)
    $66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken

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

  • Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240
  • Private Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312
  • Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Interlaken?

Prices for flights to both Interlaken 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
    Interlaken $64
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 Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Tea at Interlaken
    $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken

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

  • Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $143
  • Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $733

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Interlaken $104
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 Interlaken

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

  • Hidden gems e-bike tour with picnic at Lake Brienz : $212
  • Iseltwald, Aare Gorge and Lake Brienz Experience in Switzerland: $290
  • 007 Elegance: Private Tour to Schilthorn from Interlaken: $480
  • A Day at Lake Brienz and Lauterbrunnen Tour from Zurich: $1,260
  • Alpine Heights Jungfraujoch Small Group Tour from Interlaken: $529
  • Alpine Majesty: Bern to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $835
  • Bern: Grindelwald First & Bachalpsee Hiking Private Tour: $709
  • Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
  • Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
  • Canyoning Experience Grimsel from Interlaken : $200
  • From Grimsel Gorge Canyoning Tour: $196
  • From Gruyères, Cheese Factory & Cailler Tour: $290

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Interlaken $17


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Interlaken?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 2050 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Interlaken, 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 Interlaken?

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 Interlaken in the Summer?

Both Interlaken and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Interlaken in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Moscow is around the same temperature as Interlaken in the summer. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In July, Moscow usually receives around the same amount of rain as Interlaken. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Interlaken 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Interlaken in the Autumn?

Both Interlaken and Moscow during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Moscow is much colder than Interlaken. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Moscow in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Interlaken averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in October than Interlaken. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Interlaken 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Interlaken in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Interlaken. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the skiing and the cuisine.

The weather in Interlaken can be very cold. Moscow can be very cold during winter. In January, Moscow is generally much colder than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around -8°C (17°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Moscow usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Moscow or Interlaken in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Interlaken. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

Moscow is much colder than Interlaken in the spring. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in April than Interlaken. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Interlaken 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Moscow

Moscow Interlaken
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)