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

Should you visit Moscow or Plovdiv?

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 Plovdiv. 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 Plovdiv?

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.

Plovdiv

Located in a large, hilly plain between the Rhodope Mountains in the south of Bulgaria and the Balkan Range in the central part of the country, Plovdiv sits uniquely spread across six hills. It is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, dating back roughly 8,000 years. Some of its best features are its ancient ruins and historic architecture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, and The Best Adventure Tours to Bulgaria.


Which place is cheaper, Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv is $80. 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 Plovdiv in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Plovdiv $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Plovdiv $88
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Plovdiv

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Plovdiv? 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 Plovdiv


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: Plovdiv Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Plovdiv $22
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 Umban Sari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $50
  • Private Transfer from Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Tanjung Rhu to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Tangkerang Labuai to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Tanah Datar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Sri Meranti to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $64
  • Private Transfer from Singkarak to Padang Airport (PDG): $167
  • Private Transfer from Simpang Tiga to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Sidomulyo Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Sei Selayur to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru City to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Tengah: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plovdiv

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

  • Varna: Private Transfer from Varna to Plovdiv: $376
  • Transfer from Plovdiv to Stara Zagora: $87
  • Transfer from Plovdiv to Sofia: $103
  • Transfer from Plovdiv to Burgas city/airport with sedan/minivan/minibus: $190
  • Transfer from Plovdiv to Bansko: $134
  • Transfer from Pamporovo to Sofia: $98
  • Transfer Plovdiv to Sofia airport/city with a car 3+1: $98
  • Sofia: Private Transfer from Sofia to Plovdiv OR vice versa: $147
  • Private Transfer from Pamporovo to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $160
  • Private One-way Transfer Plovdiv Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $42
  • Private Transfer from Plovdiv to Varna: $354
  • Private Transfer from Plovdiv to Sofia / vice versa: $147

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Plovdiv?

Prices for flights to both Plovdiv 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
    Plovdiv $21
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Plovdiv $15
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

Tours and Activities in Plovdiv

For Plovdiv, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Private Superb Buggy Adventure: $194
  • 5-Day Guided Tour to Sofia, Plovdiv and Istanbul: $486
  • Bachkovo Monastery & Asen's Fortress - day tour from Plovdiv: $81
  • Communist Heritage Tour- Buzludzha and The Might of the East Block Aviation: $98
  • Day Tour from Plovdiv full with History, Nature & Forgotten Village Experiences: $144
  • Exclusive Private Tour in the Thracian Valley from Sofia: $93
  • Food Walk: Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour in Plovdiv: $38
  • From Bachkovo Monastery & Asen’s Fortress Tour: $81
  • From Musala Peak Full-Day Trekking Tour: $130
  • From Sofia - A Story of an Ancient State Day Tour: $95
  • Full Day Eco Private Tour in Koprivshtitsa and Plovdiv: $134
  • Full Day Eco Private Tour in Plovdiv: $91

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Plovdiv $9.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Plovdiv

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plovdiv:

  • Chateau Copsa Wine Tasting Tours & Activities: $21
  • Old Town Exploring Guide Roman Ruins & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Thracian Valley wine tasting - private day tour from Plovdiv: $91
  • Private Day Trip From Plovdiv To Wine Cellars And Wine Tasting: $108
  • From Sofia: Plovdiv and Perushtitsa Tour With Wine Tasting: $133


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Plovdiv?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Plovdiv. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Plovdiv, 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.