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

Should you visit Moscow or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii. 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 Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii

Pompeii was once a 160-acre Roman port city, called home by more than 20,000 residents. In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted and after burying the entire city 16 feet deep in ash, the debris destroyed everything in its path, killing thousands of people and affecting more than 200 square miles around the area.

However, the phenomenon is that the ash preserved everything as it was in that time and to this day, you can visit and observe life as it was nearly two thousand years ago, as figures of people running from the explosion have been burned permanently into history.

The best time to visit Pompeii is during spring, after the rains of March and before the scorching heat of June and July. On the downside, this is the beginning of the busy season for tourists, so while you'll enjoy pleasant weather, you won't be likely to avoid crowds. Conversely, November starts the low-season for travel, so you can easily skip the crowds, though you may have to compromise on weather, as the rains return this time of year. Rain and crowds won't be an issue if you visit during winter, but be warned, temperatures drop down to the 50's during the day, accompanied by winds.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Pompeii 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 Pompeii is $161. 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 Pompeii in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Pompeii $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Pompeii $150
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Pompeii

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Pompeii? 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 Pompeii


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: Pompeii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Pompeii $57
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 Tangkerang Labuai to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Tanah Datar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Talang Jambe to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
  • Private Transfer from Sukajadi to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Sri Meranti to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $64
  • Private Transfer from Solok to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
  • Private Transfer from Singkarak to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
  • Private Transfer from Rangkiang Luluih to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru City to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Umban Sari: $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pompeii

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

  • Transfers from Naples to Sorrento Positano Amalfi Ravello Maiori: $97
  • Transfers Ravello - Naples: $207
  • Transfer from Pompeii to Naples or viceversa: $66
  • Transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Transfer Private from Ravello to Naples: $239
  • Small Group Pompeii Wine Tasting with Lunch & Transfer Included : $97
  • Private transfer from Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Private transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Organic Wine Tasting & Lunch on Vesuvius with Transfer from Pompeii: $132

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Pompeii?

Prices for flights to both Pompeii 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
    Pompeii $38
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 Pompeii

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

  • Traditional Neapolitan Dinner in Pompei - Villa Franca - Family Restourant: $38
  • Cooking Class with Italian Mamma in Pompeii: $65
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Pompei: $93
  • Pompei tour with a 2000 years roman dinner: $112
  • Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Pompei: $142
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Pompei: $158
  • Private Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Pompei: $158
  • Private market tour and cooking class with lunch or dinner in Pompei: $206
  • guided tour of the ruins and cooking class fresh pasta : $272
  • Cooking class: Pasta Experience in Pompei, Italy: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Pompeii $82
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

Tours and Activities in Pompeii

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

  • Pompeii Archeological Site Fast Track Entry Ticket : $36
  • Pompeii Day Tour: $97
  • 2 Hour Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide in Pompeii: $251
  • 2 Hours Private Tour of Pompeii for Journey Through Time: $196
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Pompeii with an Archaeologist: $272
  • 2 days tour: Pompei & Naples center with underground: $207
  • 2 hours Pompeii Tour with local historian - ticket included: $60
  • 2-hour Private Guided Tour of Pompeii: $272
  • Best of Pompeii - 2 hour Private Tour with Alex: $271
  • Complete Pompeii Skip the Line Tour with Archaeologist Guide: $55
  • Discover Pompeii on this Guided Walking Tour of the Buried City: $63
  • Discover hidden secrets of Pompei on a Private tour with a local: $118

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Pompeii $7.84

Sample the Local Flavors in Pompeii

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

  • Wine Tasting Tour on the Slopes of Vesuvius: $46
  • Wine Tasting on Mt. Vesuvius: $55
  • Seafood Lunch with Wine Tasting & Tour on a golf cart: $87
  • Guided Tour of Pompeii Ruins with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $98
  • Private Wine Tour and Tasting in Pompeii with a Local: $124
  • Pompeii Guided Tour & Horse Riding on Vesuvius with Wine Tasting: $191
  • Pompeii, Herculaneum and scenic drive of the Mt. Vesuvius with wine tasting: $207


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



When is the best time to visit Moscow or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Pompeii in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Moscow is generally cooler than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In July, Moscow usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Pompeii 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Moscow during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Moscow is much colder than Pompeii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Moscow usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Pompeii 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Pompeii. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the museums.

Moscow can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than Pompeii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Pompeii averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Moscow usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Pompeii 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Pompeii.

In April, Moscow is generally much colder than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Pompeii 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Moscow

Moscow Pompeii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)