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

Should you visit Moscow or Lyon?

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 Lyon. 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 Lyon?

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.

Lyon

Lyon, located within the region of Southeastern France, is France's third largest city in terms of population, with just over 500,000 inhabitants. This makes the city large, yet still small and personable enough to be explored properly in a short visit. Known as the gastronomic capital of Europe, your culinary needs are exceptionally well catered to here, and for those with historical and cultural interests, you will never be at a loss for new things to do and see.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Lyon 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 Lyon is $136. 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 Lyon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Lyon $57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Lyon $114
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Lyon

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Lyon? 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 Lyon


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: Lyon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Lyon $18
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 Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Sidomulyo Barat: $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tangkerang Labuai: $40
  • Private Transfer from Tengkerang Tengah to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Cinta Raja to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Pekanbaru City: $42
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kota Baru: $42
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Wonorejo: $42
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Harjosari: $42
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Simpang Tiga: $42
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Cinta Raja: $42
  • Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lyon

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Lyon:


  • Funiculaire
    $5.63
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus
    $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lyon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lyon:

  • Transfer Privé Lyon saint exupery airport to lyon : $119
  • Superior Private Transfer From Lyon City to Geneva City: $294
  • Private transfer from or to Lyon train stations - Lyon city by car or luxury van: $46
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Lyon (hotel OR airport pick-up): $176
  • Private Transfer: Saint Exupéry Airport(LYS) to Lyon City Center: $51
  • Private Transfer: Port of LYON to Lyon Airport LYS in Sedan Car: $97
  • Private Transfer: Port of LYON to Lyon Airport LYS in Luxury Van: $103
  • Private Transfer: Lyon to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS): $124
  • Private Transfer: Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS in Luxury Van: $103
  • Private Transfer: Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS in Business Car: $97
  • Private Transfer: Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City in Luxury Van: $102
  • Private Transfer: (LYS) Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport to Lyon: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Lyon?

Prices for flights to both Lyon 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
    Lyon $45
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 Lyon

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lyon are as follows:


  • Pastry
    $1.84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lyon

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

  • Croix-Rousse District Vegan Food Tour with Tastings: $64
  • Street Food Tour: $64
  • No Diet Club - Our best food tour in Lyon: $66
  • Afternoon Old Town Food tour: $76
  • Lyon 2.5-Hour Dinner Cruise: $80
  • Cultural Walking Food Tour in the Vieux Lyon District: $85
  • Walking Food Tour in Vieux Lyon: $86
  • Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch: $92
  • Old Town Food Tour: $96
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings and Wine: $101
  • Guided Evening Food Tour: $101
  • Lyon Evening Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $103

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Lyon $22
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:

  • 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lyon are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    $49

Tours and Activities in Lyon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lyon are as follows:

  • 1 or 2-Hour Pedicab tour of Lyon: $27
  • 1-hour tourist walk with guide: $38
  • Access to a Self-Guided Tour of the archaeological site of Lyon: $8.68
  • Access to a Self-Guided Tour to Traboules de Croix-Rousse: $8.68
  • Alternative Tour: Murals and Hidden Frescoes of Lyon: $46
  • An unusual city tour with sketches: $64
  • Audio-Guided Tour of the United States Quarter and Painted Walls: $11
  • Audio-guided tour of Old Lyon: $11
  • Audio-guided tour of the Fourvière and the Sacred Hill: $11
  • Beaujolais Crus Wines & Castles (9:00 am - 1:30 pm) - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $107
  • Beaujolais Wine Discovery - Half Day - Small group tour from Lyon: $107
  • Beaujolais Wine Discovery - Private Tour - Half Day: $250

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Lyon $26

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lyon

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lyon from other travelers:


  • Drinks for 2
    $7.37
  • Bottle of Wine
    $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Lyon

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

  • Lyon : Music & Wine tasting tour: $96
  • Guided tour of Beaujolais by electric bike and wine tasting: $98
  • Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour including a Bouchon Lyonnais : $98
  • Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tasting Trip from Lyon: $105
  • From Beaujolais Region Wine Tour with Tastings: $105
  • Beaujolais: Half-Day Wine Tour: $105
  • Half-Day Côte-Rotie Wine Tasting Tour: $105
  • Beaujolais 100% wine tour Small-Group Tour with Tasting from Lyon: $107
  • Beaujolais Half Day Wine Tasting Tour: $107
  • Golden stones Beaujolais Wine Tour with Tastings from Lyon: $107
  • Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley: $107
  • The Original Syrah Wine Tour (9:00 am - 1:30 pm) - Small Group Tours from Lyon: $107


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Lyon?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Lyon, 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 Lyon?

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 Lyon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Lyon. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Moscow is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Lyon averages at about 22°C (71°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Lyon. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Lyon 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Lyon. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Lyon 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Moscow during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lyon in the winter. The weather in Moscow can be very cold. Moscow is much colder than Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Lyon. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Lyon 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Lyon. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Moscow is much colder than Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Lyon. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Lyon 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Lyon and Moscow

Moscow Lyon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)