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

Should you visit Moscow or New York City?

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 New York City. 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 New York City?

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.

New York City

The most populated city in the United States, New York City, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River and encompasses both the island of Manhattan as well as the surrounding land on Long Island, most of which is known as Brooklyn. It's a cultural, culinary, theatrical, and art center that has much to offer domestic and international travelers alike. The city covers an area of 305 square miles and has a population of about 8.2 million people in the city proper with 18.7 million in the metropolitan area.

Which place is cheaper, New York City or Moscow?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $63, while the average daily cost in New York City is $326. 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 New York City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $40
    New York City $175
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $80
    New York City $350
Compare Hotels in Moscow and New York City

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or New York City? 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 New York City


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: New York City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.14
    New York City $49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:


  • 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 Tengkerang Tengah to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $41
  • Private Transfer from Tanjung Rhu to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Tanjung Alam to Padang Airport (PDG): $136
  • Private Transfer from Tangkerang Utara to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Tangkerang Labuai to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $41
  • Private Transfer from Tanah Datar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Sukajadi to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Suka Mulia to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $170
  • Private Transfer from Sri Meranti to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $65
  • Private Transfer from Singkarak to Padang Airport (PDG): $170
  • Private Transfer from Sidomulyo Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $41
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Tengah: $41

Typical Local Transportation Prices in New York City

Some typical examples of transportation costs in New York City are as follows:


  • Subway
    $4.50
  • Taxi Ride
    $8.00
  • Subway
    $2.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in New York City

Also for New York City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer in New York HTL-APT (JFK,EWR,LGA): $119
  • Transfer in private Minivan from New York (Manhattan) Airport to City: $122
  • Skip-the-line Tickets to Bronx Zoo with Private Transfers: $410
  • Skip-the-line One World Observatory Tour with Transfers: $296
  • Skip-the-line Metropolitan Museum of Art Tour with Transfers: $276
  • Private transfer: LGA Airport to New York City: $82
  • Private transfer from New York JFK Airport to New York City: $64
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in New York (hotel OR airport pick-up): $291
  • Private Transfers between LGA Airport and New York City: $106
  • Private Transfer: between Manhattan and Philadelphia: $529
  • Private Transfer: Newark Airport EWR to New York in Luxury SUV: $197
  • Private Transfer: Newark Airport EWR to New York in Business Car: $157

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or New York City?

Prices for flights to both New York City 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
    New York City $50
Typical Food Prices in Moscow

For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $5.97
  • Lunch in the Center Market
    $3.26
  • Breakfast for 2
    $11

Typical Food Prices in New York City

For New York City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Gelato
    $7.50
  • Snacks for Two at Yankees Game
    $34
  • Coffee
    $6.53
  • Smoothie
    $6.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New York City

For New York City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • New York City Pizza Crawl: Best of Manhattan route: $37
  • Lower East Side and Essex Market Multicultural Food Tour: $39
  • Half-Day Private Pizza Crawl in Manhattan: $40
  • Shared Food Tour Bohemian Greenwichvillage: $45
  • New York Walking and Food Tour in Flushing : $56
  • East Village Food Tour: $60
  • Ultimate Greenwich Village NYC Food Tour: $63
  • NYC: Greenwich Village Guided Food Tour: $63
  • Greenwich Village Pizza Walk: $65
  • East Village Pizza Walk: $65
  • Pizza Walking Tour of Downtown Brooklyn: $65
  • West Village Pizza Walk: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    New York City $180
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 New York City

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New York City's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Comedy Show Tickets
    $56
  • City Map
    $8.00
  • Broadway Musical
    $111
  • Broadway Show Program
    $10
  • Magazine
    $6.99

Tours and Activities in New York City

For New York City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Days Niagara Falls USA, Watkins Glen and Scenic Hotel Tour : $257
  • 3 Hour Session at Williamsburg's Adventure Park Area 53: $42
  • 9/11 Memorial Tour with Skip-the-Line Museum Ticket: $55
  • BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Amish FarmNHouse Tour from NY: $114
  • Classic 1-Hour Central Park Pedicab Tour : $69
  • Downtown NYC Walking Tour & One World Observatory Standard Admission Ticket: $164
  • Grand Central Terminal Walking Tour: $35
  • Official Central Park Pedicab Tours: $50
  • Tasting Tour of Brooklyn Spirits and Distilleries : $185
  • & Juliet on Broadway Ticket : $110
  • & Juliet on Broadway Ticket with VIP Experience and Lunch: $299
  • 1 Day Tour to Philadelphia and Hershey's Chocolate World: $179

For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Things to do in New York City with Kids, Things to Do in Central Park in NYC, and The Best Museums in New York City.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.89
    New York City $29

Sample the Local Flavors in New York City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New York City:

  • NYC West Village Pub Crawl: $21
  • NYC: Brooklyn Nightlife Pub Crawl: $34
  • New York: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • The Bar Crawl and History Experience! : $36
  • NYC: Manhattan's Only Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting: $42
  • Greenwich Village Literary Pub Crawl: $49
  • Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl: $49
  • Little Italy Prohibition Pub Crawl: $64
  • East Village Gangster Ghost Pub Crawl: $64
  • Broadway Prohibition Pub Crawl: $64
  • Lower East Side Prohibition Pub Crawl: $74
  • Guided Brooklyn Craft Brewery Tour: $99


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or New York City?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of New York City. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and New York City, 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 New York City?

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 New York City in the Summer?

Both New York City and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

Moscow is cooler than New York City in the summer. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New York City. In July, Moscow usually receives less rain than New York City. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    New York City 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Moscow or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City and Moscow during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Moscow is much colder than New York City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Moscow in October average around 6°C (43°F), and New York City averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Moscow usually gets less rain in October than New York City. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    New York City 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Moscow or New York City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and New York City. Also, many visitors come to New York City in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

New York City can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Moscow. In January, Moscow is generally much colder than New York City. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around -8°C (17°F), and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

In January, Moscow usually receives less rain than New York City. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    New York City 31°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Moscow or New York City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Moscow as well as New York City. Also, most visitors come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Moscow is much colder than New York City in the spring. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Moscow usually gets less rain in April than New York City. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    New York City 52°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for New York City and Moscow

Moscow New York City
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 31°F (-1°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 33°F (1°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 42°F (6°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 77°F (25°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 76°F (24°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 57°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 47°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 36°F (2°C) 3.4 inches (88 mm)