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

Should you visit Moscow or Oslo?

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 Oslo. 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 Oslo?

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.

Oslo

Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Oslo 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 Oslo 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 Oslo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Oslo $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Oslo $162
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Oslo

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Oslo? 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 Oslo


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: Oslo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Oslo $23
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 Tangkerang Labuai to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kedungsari: $40
  • Private Transfer from Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Barat: $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Tengah: $40
  • Private Transfer from Sidomulyo Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tangkerang Labuai: $40
  • Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kota Baru: $42
  • Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kampung Baru: $42

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo

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


  • Tram Ticket
    $6.59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:

  • Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD) to Trondheim- Round-Trip Transfer: $80
  • Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD) to Trondheim - Arrival Transfer : $40
  • Trondheim Private Transfer from Trondheim (TRD) Airport to City centre: $213
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Business Car: $227
  • Private Transfer:Oslo Gardermoen Airport(OSL) to Oslo City Center: $70
  • Private Transfer from Oslo Airport to Oslo Cruise Port: $89
  • Private Transfer from Oslo Airport to Oslo City Centre: $153
  • Private Transfer Oslo Lufthavn Airport OSL to Hemsedal: $294
  • Private Oslo Airport and City Transfers: $163
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer (Oslo Airport To/From Oslo): $88
  • Private Direct Transfer From Oslo to Drammen: $83
  • Transfer Between Oslo City Center & Gardermoen Airport: $254

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Oslo?

Prices for flights to both Oslo 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
    Oslo $30
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo

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

  • Oslofjord Cruise with Seafood Dinner: $58
  • Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour: $74
  • Christmas Street Food Tour with Akevitt and Christmas beer : $112
  • 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $117
  • Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Oslo $19
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:

  • Custom Private Tour in Palembang with English Speaking Driver: $85
  • 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250

Tours and Activities in Oslo

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

  • 2 Hour Sea Kayak Tour on Oslofjord from Central Oslo: $93
  • 2-Hour Private Tour in Oslo, Norway: $196
  • 2.hr Oslo Kayak Tour “Fjord City”: $91
  • 2hr Retro Motorcycle Sidecar Oslo Highlights Tour: $214
  • 3- Hour Kayak Tour on the Oslofjord: $107
  • 4 Hours Island Hopping Tour in Oslo: $48
  • 4 hours Winter View of the Oslofjord Walk Tour : $188
  • Akerselva River Kayak Tour; An Urban Paddling Adventure: $91
  • Akerselva River Tour : $93
  • An Oslo Waterfront Stroll: Self-paced Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Authentic Oslo bike tour: $44
  • BIKING OSLO PRIVATE EXPERIENCE Upto 8 Participants Max: $209

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Oslo $11


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Oslo?

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

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 Oslo in the Summer?

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

Moscow is around the same temperature as Oslo in the summer. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Oslo. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Oslo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Oslo in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Moscow is cooler than Oslo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Moscow in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Oslo averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Oslo. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Oslo 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Oslo in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Oslo in the winter. The weather in Moscow can be very cold. In January, Moscow is generally much colder than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around -8°C (17°F), and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Oslo. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Oslo -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Oslo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Oslo. Also, many travelers come to Oslo for the activities around the city.

Moscow is a little warmer than Oslo in the spring. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In April, Moscow usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oslo. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Oslo 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Oslo and Moscow

Moscow Oslo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)