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

Should you visit Moscow or Paris?

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 Paris. 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 Paris?

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.

Paris

Paris is a dream destination for many people. It's location on the river Seine contributes to its stunning beauty and you can spend many days wandering through its wonderfully diverse neighborhoods. It's known as a city of culture, fashion, food and fun. There is never a shortage of entertainment and activities around town and a highlight of many people's trips to Paris is to explore the city at night, when it truly comes to life. It is not hard to see why this city has received the nickname as the "City of Lights."

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Paris 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 Paris is $252. 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 Paris in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Paris $164
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Paris $328
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Paris

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Paris? 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 Paris


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: Paris Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Paris $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 Singkarak to Padang Airport (PDG): $167
  • Private Transfer from Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $167
  • Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
  • Private Transfer from Padang Panjang to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
  • Private Transfer from Nagari Sungai Asam to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Sei Selayur: $92
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Palembang: $92
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to 8 ILIR: $92
  • Private Transfer from Palembang to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
  • Private Transfer from Sei Selayur to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Bukit Baru: $92
  • Private Transfer from Karya Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Paris

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


  • Metro
    $6.93
  • Train from Airport
    $9.75
  • Metro tickets
    $7.37
  • Train
    $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

Also for Paris, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • transfer from CDG/ORLY airport to Paris ,multilingual driver: $41
  • Versailles: Skip-the-Line Day Tour & Transfer from Paris: $2,554
  • Versailles Round-Trip Transfers: Multiple Departures: $52
  • Versailles Palace Guided Tour with Coach Transfer from Paris: $75
  • VIP VAN driver Transfer to Disneyland Paris: $239
  • VERSAILLES CASTLE Round-Trip Transfer from Paris by Luxury Van: $188
  • VERSAILLES CASTLE Private Round-Trip Transfer from Paris by Sedan: $185
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Paris HTL-APT (CDG): $121
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Paris APT-HTL (CDG): $104
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Orly HTL-APT (ORY): $104
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Orly APT-HTL (ORY): $104
  • Transfert Privé Aéroport Charles de Gaulle vers Paris: $95

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Paris?

Prices for flights to both Paris 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
    Paris $45
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 Paris

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:


  • Ice Cream
    $8.67
  • Breakfast
    $7.58
  • Breakfast for 2
    $32
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    $93
  • Dinner
    $62
  • Cheese
    $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

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

  • 1h30 Cooking Activity in English: $22
  • Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $43
  • Authentic Indian Dinner in Paris : $49
  • Paris : Seine River Bistronomic Dinner Cruise: $52
  • Seine River Panoramic Views Dinner Cruise: $56
  • Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $57
  • Seine Cruise Departure from Pont Alexandre III with Dinner Included: $64
  • No Diet Club - Paris : Night food tour - Montmartre: $67
  • 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise with Bistro Dinner: $67
  • Paris : No Diet Club Food Tour - Best Spots in Le Marais: $68
  • Eat, play, love Montmartre: 3H Walking Food Tour -Kids friendly-: $70
  • Dinner with Customized Wine Selection: $74

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Paris $84
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
  • Custom Private Tour in Palembang with English Speaking Driver: $85

Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris

For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    $19
  • Admission to Pantheon
    $5.42
  • Catacombs (2)
    $25

Tours and Activities in Paris

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.

  • A Day at Parc Saint-Paul Ticket and Transport Included: $207
  • Guided Tour to Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Chronicles: $48
  • Musée d'Orsay Skip-the-Line Fully Guided Tour: $56
  • Napoleon Walking Tour From Empire to Exile : $38
  • Paris Boat River Seine Cruise Sightseeing TICKETS: $22
  • Paris Christmas Market Tour: $294
  • Paris Sightseeing Tour with Seine River Cruise from Disneyland®: $93
  • Private Tour in Medieval Paris with Latin Quarter and Panthéon: $248
  • Small Group Tour of An Artistic Odyssey at the Louvre : $146
  • Versailles Palace Skip the Line Small Group Guided Tour: $74
  • Île de la Cité – Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie Tour: $242
  • Île de la Cité, Latin Quarter & Seine River Cruise: Private Tour: $155

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Paris $26

Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:


  • Wine
    $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • Original Paris Pub Crawl : $16
  • Daily Paris Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $20
  • Latin Quarter Guided Pub Crawl to Bars and Clubs: $21
  • Paris Bar Crawl: $24
  • Paris Latin Quarter Pub Crawl Bars and Clubs: $24
  • Paris Pub Crawl: $25
  • Audio guided tour and wine tasting at Caves du Louvre: $31
  • Wine Museum Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $38
  • Paris Nation wine tasting: $42
  • Paris St Germain Wine Tasting: $42
  • Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise & l'Atelier des lumières: $49
  • Vegan Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise: $49


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Paris?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Paris. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Paris, 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 Paris?

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 Paris in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Paris. Furthermore, many travelers come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Moscow is around the same temperature as Paris in the summer. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Moscow usually receives more rain than Paris. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Paris 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Paris. Additionally, many visitors come to Paris in the autumn 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 Paris. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Moscow in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Paris averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Paris. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Paris 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Paris in the Winter?

Both Paris and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Paris can be very cold during winter. Moscow can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Moscow is generally much colder than Paris. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around -8°C (17°F), and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In January, Moscow usually receives less rain than Paris. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Paris 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris and Moscow during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Paris because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

Moscow usually gets less rain in April than Paris. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Paris 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Paris and Moscow

Moscow Paris
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)