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

Should you visit Moscow or Palermo?

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 Palermo. 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 Palermo?

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.

Palermo

Located on its north coast, Palermo is the capital city of Sicily. The city has a lot to offer visitors who decide to venture to this often overlooked part of Italy. There is an interesting history, some unique and delicious food, and a fascinating culture. Prices in Sicily are generally cheaper than elsewhere in Italy. There are a handful of budget accommodation options and plenty of mid range hotels that are spread throughout the city. The rooms are usually comfortable and clean but as always, read reviews before making your reservation.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Palermo 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 Palermo is $99. 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 Palermo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Palermo $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Palermo $120
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Palermo

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Palermo? 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 Palermo


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: Palermo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Palermo $6.04
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 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 Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Sidomulyo Barat: $40
  • Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kedungsari: $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Delima: $43
  • Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Harjosari: $43
  • Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Cinta Raja: $43

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palermo

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Palermo:


  • Bus to Monreale
    $3.21
  • Bus From Airport
    $6.43
  • 90 Minute Bus Pass
    $1.39
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palermo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palermo:

  • Transfers From / to Palermo Airport: $108
  • Transfer from Palermo Airport to Verdura Resort: $214
  • Transfer from Palermo Airport to Palermo: $131
  • Quintocanto Hotel & Spa to Palermo Airport, Private Transfer: $37
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to ibis Styles hotel or vice versa: $37
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Verdura Resort Sciacca or vice versa: $233
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Palazzo Brunaccini or vice versa: $37
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to NH Palermo Hotel or vice versa: $42
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Marsala port or vice versa: $109
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Hotel Tonic or vice versa: $37
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Hotel Politeama or vice versa: $44
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Bio Hotel Palermo or vice versa: $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Palermo?

Prices for flights to both Palermo 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
    Palermo $31
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 Palermo

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


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $34
  • Fast Food Lunch
    $5.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palermo

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

  • Street Food Tour: $42
  • Street Food Tour: $65
  • Explore Palermo's with a Food Tour & Pizza Making Class: $68
  • Small Group Night Street Food Tour: $68
  • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine: $74
  • Palermo Traditional Food Tour: $74
  • Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making: $75
  • Night Street Food Tour of Palermo : $75
  • Secret Food Tours Palermo: $85
  • Street Food Tour in Ballarò and Vucciria Markets: $86
  • Walking Street Food Tour with the Chef: $91
  • Sicilian Cooking Class: $101

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Palermo $18
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Palermo

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


  • Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)
    $6.43
  • Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)
    $13
  • Theater Tickets (for Two)
    $53

Tours and Activities in Palermo

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

  • 4 Hours Private Architectural Tour in Palermo: $165
  • Agrigento - Private Tour to the Valley of the Temples from Palermo: $295
  • Agrigento Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale Tour from Palermo: $133
  • Ballaro 'street food market tour & Santa Rosalia Sanctuary: $208
  • Cappella Palatina and Palazzo dei Normanni Tour: $91
  • Captivating Agrigento Sunset Tour of Valle dei Templi: $43
  • Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral Private Tour: $192
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Palermo: $152
  • Discover the Charm of A 3-Hour UNESCO Sites Walking Tour: $38
  • Eating Street Food & Market Tour: $117
  • English or Spanish tour to immersive museum + lunch: $37
  • Entrance ticket to the Radici Piccolo Museo Della Natura: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Palermo $12

Typical Alcohol Prices in Palermo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Palermo:


  • Beer
    $2.74
  • Bottle of Quality Wine
    $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Palermo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Palermo:

  • Pub Crawl Palermo: $16
  • Wine Tasting with Snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $41
  • Natural Local Wine Tasting & Sicilian Tapas: $49
  • Natural Wine Tasting with snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $53
  • Eating Palermo Food & Wine Tour: $82
  • 2-Hour Sicilian Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour: $128
  • From Erice and Marsala Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Wine Tasting for Small Groups in the Palermo Countryside: $196


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Palermo?

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

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 Palermo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Palermo. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Palermo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Moscow is generally cooler than Palermo. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Palermo. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Palermo 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Palermo in the Autumn?

Both Palermo and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Palermo this time of year.

Moscow is much colder than Palermo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Palermo fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In October, Moscow usually receives around the same amount of rain as Palermo. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Palermo 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Palermo in the Winter?

Both Palermo and Moscow during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Palermo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Moscow in the winter. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than Palermo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Palermo averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Palermo. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Palermo 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Palermo in the Spring?

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

In April, Moscow is generally much colder than Palermo. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In April, Moscow usually receives more rain than Palermo. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Palermo 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Palermo and Moscow

Moscow Palermo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 22°C (71°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 25°C (76°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)