Which place is cheaper, Nagano or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Nagano?
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 Nagano. 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 Nagano?
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.
Nagano
Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $63Nagano $90
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $63, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $90. 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 Nagano in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $40Nagano $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $80Nagano $122
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Nagano
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Nagano? 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: Nagano Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.18Nagano $9.80
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 Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
- Private Transfer from Tanjung Alam to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sungai Asam to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from 8 ILIR to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Karya Baru: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Talang Jambe: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Kebun Bunga: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Duku: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Palembang: $93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagano
Also for Nagano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $687
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Nagano?
Prices for flights to both Nagano 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 $14Nagano $22
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Nagano $8.17
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 Nagano
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nagano.
- 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $809
- Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $88
- Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $183
- Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $101
- Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $49
- Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,381
- Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour: $556
- Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.94Nagano -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Nagano, we can see that Nagano 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 Nagano 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 Nagano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagano 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 Nagano Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Nagano?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Nagano, 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 Nagano?
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 Nagano in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Nagano. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Moscow is cooler than Nagano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Nagano averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Nagano receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Moscow usually receives less rain than Nagano. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Nagano 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Nagano in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Nagano. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.
In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite rainy in Nagano. Moscow usually gets less rain in October than Nagano. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Nagano 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Nagano in the Winter?
Both Nagano and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Nagano. It's quite cold in Moscow in the winter. Moscow is much colder than Nagano in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In January, Moscow usually receives less rain than Nagano. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Nagano 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Nagano in the Spring?
Both Nagano and Moscow during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nagano in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Moscow is much colder than Nagano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Nagano averages at about 11°C (52°F).
Moscow usually gets less rain in April than Nagano. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Nagano 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Nagano and Moscow
| Moscow | Nagano | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 446 mm (17.5 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 275 mm (10.8 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 222 mm (8.8 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 227 mm (9 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 339 mm (13.3 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 440 mm (17.3 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.