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

Should you visit Moscow or Kiel?

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 Kiel. 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 Kiel?

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.

Kiel

Kiel is a port city on Germany's Baltic Sea coast. Much of the city center it was obliterated during WWII by bombing raids on its U-boat pens. In the old town, the rebuilt, medieval St. Nikolai Church hosts classical concerts and Holstenstrasse and Danische Strasse are streets lined with shops. The city also has several indoor malls linked by pedestrian bridges. Along the Kiel Fjord, the Maritime Museum displays model ships and nautical instruments in a former fish auction hall. Nearby, cruise ships dock at the Ostseekai Terminal in Germania Harbor. This grand harbor in Kiel continues on as it has for centuries and should be the focus of your visit. Huge ferries transport millions of passengers to and from Scandinavia, while summer sees locals strolling the long waterfront promenade.

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


Which place is cheaper, Kiel 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 Kiel is $148. 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 Kiel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Kiel $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Kiel $144
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Kiel

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Kiel? 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 Kiel


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: Kiel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Kiel $58
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiel:

  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Port to Hamburg Airport: $79
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg city: $79
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg: $645
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $235
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $118
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM) - Departure Private Transfer: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Kiel?

Prices for flights to both Kiel 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
    Kiel $41
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Kiel $20
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 Kiel

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

  • Bicycle tour to Friedrichshafen with a visit to the Zeppelin & Dornier Museum: $141
  • Bike Tour of Lubeck with Top Attractions and Private Guide: $244
  • Boat Cruise and a Private Walking Tour of Lubeck's Old Town: $205
  • Christmas Stories of Lubeck – Private Walking Tour: $256
  • City Sightseeing Kiel Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • Discovering Lubeck – Private Walking Tour for Couples: $202
  • Fascinating Pearls of Lubeck - Guided Walking Tour: $191
  • Kiel - Private Historic Walking Tour: $384
  • Kiel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Kiel Private Guided Walking Tour: $281
  • Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port: $12
  • Kiel's Historical Port: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Kiel $13


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Kiel?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Kiel, 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 Kiel?

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 Kiel in the Summer?

Both Kiel and Moscow during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Moscow is a little warmer than Kiel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Kiel averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kiel. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Kiel 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Kiel in the Autumn?

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

In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Kiel. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Moscow or Kiel in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Kiel. Additionally, most visitors come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kiel can be very cold during winter. Moscow can get quite cold in the winter. Moscow is much colder than Kiel in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

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


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

Should I visit Moscow or Kiel in the Spring?

Both Kiel and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kiel because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Moscow is around the same temperature as Kiel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Kiel averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Kiel. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Kiel 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Kiel and Moscow

Moscow Kiel
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) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 2°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)