Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Kyoto?
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 Kyoto. 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 Kyoto?
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.
Kyoto
Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $63Kyoto $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $63, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $96. 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 Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $40Kyoto $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $80Kyoto $126
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Kyoto? 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: Kyoto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.18Kyoto $7.56
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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Two Metro Passes$1.47
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 Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $69
- Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kansai International Airport: $69
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $80
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $110
- Osaka City to/from Kyoto City Private transfer: $229
- Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $141
- Osaka (Itami) Airport ITM Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $220
- One-Way Private Transfer to/from Itami Airport: $327
- Customizable Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $505
- Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $72
- Kansai Intl. Airport KIX Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $230
- Kansai Int Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $274
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto 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 $14Kyoto $24
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$6.00
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.27
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Breakfast for 2$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $41
- Japanese Washoku Bento Cooking Class with Lunch: $46
- Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour: $47
- Japanese Home Cooking Lesson with Local Hosts in Peaceful Kyoto Suburb Otsu: $49
- Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $58
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $59
- Morning Japanese Bento Cooking Class: $61
- Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class: $61
- Japanese Cooking Class: $62
- Sushi - Authentic Japanese Cooking Class - the best souvenir from Kyoto!: $64
- Japanese Udon and Sushi Cooking Class with Tastings: $64
- Wagashi(Japanese sweets) Cooking :Kyoto near Fushimiinari: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Kyoto $13
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$13
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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:
- 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hour Walking Historic Gion Tour in Kyoto Geisha Spotting Area: $300
- Bar Hopping Private Tour in Kyoto: $48
- Kyoto Private Full-day Walking Tour from Kyoto Station: $154
- Osaka Kyoto Experience Japanese Homogi: $134
- "Unlock Kyoto's Charm: Government-Certified Group Tour: $90
- 1 Day Hiking Tour in the Mountains of Kyoto: $174
- 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto: $39
- 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $66
- 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $588
- 2 Hour Night Walking Tour Throughout Gion in a Small Group: $67
- 2 Hours Shared Kendo Experience In Kyoto Japan: $120
- 2-Hour Shopping Tour Plan / private: $131
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.94Kyoto $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Japanese Sake Brewery and Fushimi Inari Sightseeing Tour: $18
- Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area: $40
- Sake Brewery &Great Yakitori Experience: $78
- Sake Brewery and Tasting Tour in Fushimi: $82
- Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour: $84
- Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Sake and Food Pairing: $85
- Rural Brewery Town Walk: Half-Day Private Tour Near Kyoto: $100
- Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: $159
- Rural Villages & Brewery Town: Private 1-Day Cycling Near Kyoto: $187
- Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $195
- Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $196
- Private Guided Local Bar Crawl Experience in Kyoto: $223
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto 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 Kyoto is in Asia, 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 Kyoto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kyoto 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 Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Kyoto?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?
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 Kyoto in the Summer?
Both Kyoto and Moscow during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Moscow is cooler than Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).
Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Moscow usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Kyoto in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Kyoto. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.
In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Kyoto in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Kyoto. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Kyoto. It's quite cold in Moscow in the winter. Moscow is much colder than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Kyoto. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Kyoto in the Spring?
Both Kyoto and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Moscow is much colder than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Moscow
| Moscow | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 7°C (45°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.