Which place is cheaper, Krakow or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Krakow?
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 Krakow. 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 Krakow?
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.
Krakow
Krakow is Poland's second largest city. It sits on both sides of the Wisla River at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. There are more than 1.4 million residents in the metropolitan area. Krakow is known as a historical and beautiful city that is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Tourism makes up a large part of the city's economy, but there is also a university and several local colleges which are major employers as well. Technology has grown in recent years and the city has some notable employees including Google, IBM and Motorola. Other important industries include steel, pharmaceuticals and tobacco.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $62Krakow $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, while the average daily cost in Krakow is $64. 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 Krakow in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $39Krakow $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $78Krakow $84
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Krakow
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Krakow? 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: Krakow Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.06Krakow $6.40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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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 Krakow
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Krakow:
- Zakopane to Chocholow Thermal Pools 3h Ticket with Hotel Transfer: $93
- Zakopane and Sleigh Ride with Transfers and Lunch Option: $186
- Zakopane Tour from Krakow with Transfers and Lunch Option: $65
- Zakopane Private Transfer from to Krakow or Krakow Airport: $253
- Wroclaw: Private Transfer from/to Krakow: $248
- Wooden Architecture Museum Private Transfer Round Trip: $153
- Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour with Hotel Transfers: $65
- Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow with Hotel Transfer: $77
- Warsaw to Luxury Private Transfer: $747
- Warsaw - Premium-Class Private Airport Transfer: $288
- VAN Private transfer: Krakow Airport - Krakow City: $43
- Two Krakow Airport Transfers, Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine: $161
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Krakow?
Prices for flights to both Krakow 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
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Food Meals for one dayMoscow $14Krakow $13
Typical Food Prices in Moscow
For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$5.89
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.21
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Breakfast for 2$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krakow
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Krakow.
- Walking Street Food Tour: $22
- From Polish Folk Show with All-You-Can-Eat Dinner: $32
- Polish Folk Show and Dinner From Krakow: $40
- Folk Show & 3-Course Dinner at Jama Michalika Café: $44
- Romantic Dinner with a Cruise on the Vistula River: $47
- Brewery Dinner -center of Krakow : $49
- Krakow : Folk Show Dinner Drinking and Fun ! Book Now!: $59
- Folk Show Dinner Drinking and Fun in Krakow: $63
- Cabaret Show with Optional Dinner: $69
- Half-Day Krakow Food Tour in Old Town and Kazimierz: $83
- 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $88
- Polish Pierogi Cooking Class with Farmer's Market Shopping: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Krakow $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Theater Tickets$12
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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 Krakow
Here are a few actual costs in Krakow for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Guided Tour from Krakow: $64
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Wieliczka Salt Mine 1-Day Tour: $141
- Rynek Underground Museum Guided Tour: $25
- Rynek Underground Museum, Old Town and St. Mary's Basilica Tour: $50
- 1 Day Auschwitz Birkenau Museum Guided Tour Hotel Pick up: $44
- 1 Day Trip Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Guided Tour from Krakow: $34
- 1-Hour Tour to Krakow's Old Town by Electric Golf Cart: $21
- 120 min Old Town Segway Tour in Krakow: $49
- 2 Days Tour in Wawel Hill, Jewish Quarter and Wieliczka with Guide and Lunch: $187
- 2 Hour Private Pinball and Arcade Museum Tour from Krakow: $273
- 2 Hours Old Town Guided Bike Tour in Krakow: $27
- 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in The Old Town of Krakow: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.79Krakow $6.75
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krakow
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Krakow:
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Vodka$13
Sample the Local Flavors in Krakow
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Krakow:
- Pub Crawl with 1 Hour of Unlimited Alcoholic Drinks: $22
- Kazimierz Pub Crawl with 1-Hour of Unlimited Drinks: $22
- Pub Crawl - 1-hour Open Bar then Vip to 5 Clubs - Krakow: $24
- Halloween Pub Crawl - Krawl Through Krakow: $24
- Pub tour in Old Town with 1 hour open bar with a guide.: $25
- Kazimierz Pub Crawl + 1-hour Open Bar: $25
- Pub Crawl with Shots, Drinks & Skip-the-Line Entry: $25
- Pub Crawl of Kazimierz Jewish Quarter with a Local Guide : $25
- Three-Hour Pub Crawl: $39
- Wieliczka Vineyard: Wine tasting with local snacks: $44
- Hoppy tours - Krakow brewery tour : $56
- Krakow Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $176
When comparing the travel costs between Moscow and Krakow, we can see that Krakow is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Moscow Expensive? and Is Krakow Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Krakow?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Krakow. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Krakow, 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 Krakow?
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 Krakow in the Summer?
Both Krakow and Moscow during the summer are popular places to visit.
In July, Moscow is generally around the same temperature as Krakow. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Krakow fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Krakow. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Krakow 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Krakow in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Krakow.
Moscow is much colder than Krakow in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Krakow fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In October, Moscow usually receives more rain than Krakow. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Krakow 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Krakow in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Krakow.
Krakow can be very cold during winter. Moscow can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than Krakow. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Krakow averages at about -2°C (29°F).
Moscow usually gets more rain in January than Krakow. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Krakow -2°C (29°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Krakow in the Spring?
Both Krakow and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In April, Moscow is generally cooler than Krakow. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Krakow fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Krakow. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Krakow 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Krakow and Moscow
| Moscow | Krakow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.