Which place is cheaper, Phoenix or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Phoenix?
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 Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?
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.
Phoenix
The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $63Phoenix $238
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $63, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $238. 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 Phoenix in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $40Phoenix $144
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $80Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Phoenix
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Phoenix? 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: Phoenix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.18Phoenix $39
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 Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
- Private Transfer from Tanjung Alam to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sungai Asam to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from 8 ILIR to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Karya Baru: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Talang Jambe: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Kebun Bunga: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Duku: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Palembang: $93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
- Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $90
- Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
- Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $41
- One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
- Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $140
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $90
- Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $110
- Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Phoenix?
Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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 $14Phoenix $52
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
Typical Food Prices in Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
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Nice Lunch (for 2)$36
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $75
- Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
- Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
- Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
- Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Phoenix $40
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
Tours and Activities in Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
- 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
- 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
- 2 Hour Segway Tour - Sunsets, Segways & City Lights: $89
- 2-Hour Arizona Desert Guided E-Bike Tour: $135
- 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $100
- 3 Cities & Nature Tour. Shop, Art, History, Food. Scottsdale, Phoenix, & Tempe.: $168
- 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Tour in Sonoran Desert: $219
- Adventure Yoga Experience on Camelback Mountain: $75
- Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour: $160
- Black Ops Experience: $259
- Boat Cruise in Lake Pleasant Arizona: $89
- Box Canyon ATV Tour in Florence, Arizona: $235
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.94Phoenix $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
- Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
- Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
- Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $155
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Phoenix?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Phoenix. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?
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 Phoenix in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Phoenix. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. In July, Moscow is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).
In July, Moscow usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Phoenix 98°F (36°C)
Should I visit Moscow or Phoenix in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Phoenix. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.
Moscow is much colder than Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
Moscow usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Phoenix 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Moscow or Phoenix in the Winter?
Both Phoenix and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Phoenix 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 Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).
In January, Moscow usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Phoenix 58°F (14°C)
Should I visit Moscow or Phoenix in the Spring?
Both Phoenix and Moscow during the spring are popular places to visit.
In April, Moscow is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
Moscow usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Phoenix 74°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Phoenix and Moscow
| Moscow | Phoenix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 92°F (34°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 98°F (36°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 96°F (35°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 90°F (32°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) |
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.