Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Osaka?
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 Osaka. 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 Osaka?
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.
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $63Osaka $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $63, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $88. 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 Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $40Osaka $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $80Osaka $90
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Osaka? 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: Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.18Osaka $14
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 Wonorejo to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Tanjung Rhu to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Tanjung Alam to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Tangkerang Utara to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Tampan to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Simpang Tiga to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Tengah: $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tanjung Rhu: $43
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tangkerang Labuai: $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Sukajadi: $43
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Sri Meranti: $68
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.84
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Universal Studios Japan Entry Pass & Shared 1-way Transfer: $100
- Transfer from Osaka to Universal Studios: $163
- Shared Departure Transfer: Osaka City to Osaka Itami Airport: $26
- Shared Departure Transfer : Osaka City to Kansai International Airport: $69
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Osaka City: $26
- Roundtrip Transfer from Osaka Airport ITM to Arima-Onsen Resorts: $110
- Private transfer service from Osaka to /from Wakayama.: $424
- Private transfer service from Osaka to /from Nara: $215
- Private departure transfer from central Osaka city to Itami airport (ITM): $129
- Private arrival transfer from Kansai airport to Kobe City & Arima Onsen: $95
- Private arrival Transfer from Osaka Itami Airport(ITM) to central Osaka city: $122
- Private Transfer from Osaka hotels to Osaka Cruise Port: $72
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka 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 $14Osaka $25
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 Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $23
- Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $26
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $27
- Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $37
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $47
- Nosatlgic Namba Osaka Street Food Tour.: $48
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $50
- Home Cooking Class: $51
- Homemade Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka: $51
- Enjoy artistic TEMPURA Cooking Class: $60
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $63
- Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Osaka $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$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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Dotonbori Nightscapes: Photoshooting tour in Dotonbori": $120
- "Experience Kyoto: A Full-Day Private Tour Adventure": $120
- 1-Day walking tour in Osakaļ¼Castle, temples and Ukiyoe: $139
- 150 mins Deep Samurai Experience near Osaka Castle: $184
- 2-Hour Kendo Experience with English Instructor In Osaka Japan: $120
- 2-Hour Osaka Go-Kart Experience with Local Guide from Namba: $142
- 3 Days Private Osaka Kyoto and Nara Tour with English Driver: $1,634
- 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $33
- 3-Hour Osaka Local food Hopping tour in Namba: $40
- 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $120
- 4-Day Private Kyoto Osaka Nara Sightseeing tour with Guide: $2,453
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $73
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.94Osaka $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Born & Raised Local Guide: $31
- Osaka Nights: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $33
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $39
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $40
- 3 Hour Osaka Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Namba : $52
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Osaka, we can see that Osaka 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 Osaka 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka 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 Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Osaka?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Osaka. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Osaka, 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 Osaka?
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 Osaka in the Summer?
Both Osaka and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Moscow is generally cooler than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. In July, Moscow usually receives less rain than Osaka. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Osaka in the Autumn?
Both Osaka and Moscow during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Moscow is much colder than Osaka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Moscow usually gets less rain in October than Osaka. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Osaka in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Osaka. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
The weather in Moscow can be very cold. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than Osaka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Osaka averages at about 6°C (42°F).
In January, Moscow usually receives around the same amount of rain as Osaka. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Osaka in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Osaka. Also, many travelers come to Osaka for the activities around the city.
In April, Moscow is generally much colder than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite rainy in Osaka. Moscow usually gets less rain in April than Osaka. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Moscow
| Moscow | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.