Which place is cheaper, Potsdam or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Potsdam?
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 Potsdam. 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 Potsdam?
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.
Potsdam
Before you lays a treasure chest of historic beauties. From the glimmering Renaissance Orangery Palace that overlooks its sumptuous fountains to the neoclassical Charlottenhof Castle that is surrounded by lush England gardens, you find yourself in none other than Potsdam, Germany. The capital and largest city of the German federal state of Brandenburg, Potsdam borders the German capital Berlin and is located right on the bay of the River Havel. A home for Prussian kings until 1918 and a brainchild of the Enlightenment, Potsdam was constructed thoughtfully and carefully by its architects to create what many to believe as "a picturesque, pastoral dream" and a "balance between both nature and reason." From interconnected lakes to historic landmarks, Potsdam is a city that is bursting with life all year around. With its rich history, it was no wonder various parts of the city were named a World Heritage Site. With its landscape and cityscape rivaling in beauty, Potsdam is simply a breathtaking city that must be explored!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $62Potsdam $119
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, while the average daily cost in Potsdam is $119. 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 Potsdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $39Potsdam $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $78Potsdam $128
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Potsdam
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Potsdam? 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: Potsdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.06Potsdam $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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Two Metro Passes$1.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
- Private Transfer from Bukit Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Kampung Bandar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Kelurahan Sail to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $68
- Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Labuh Baru Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Limbungan Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to 8 ILIR: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Duku: $93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:
- Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160
- Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
- Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Potsdam?
Prices for flights to both Potsdam 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 $14Potsdam $33
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$5.89
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.21
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Breakfast for 2$11
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Potsdam $27
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$12
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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:
- Custom Private Tour in Palembang with English Speaking Driver: $85
Tours and Activities in Potsdam
Here are a few actual costs in Potsdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 hours: Private Harbor and Castle Sightseeing Cruise: $364
- 4 hours Private Romantic River Boat Cruise with Wine: $620
- 4h Private Havelland Discovery Boat Cruise with Skipper: $620
- 8h: Private Potsdam Islands Sightseeing Boat Cruise: $1,358
- AbenteuerPark Adventure Climbing in the Trees: $31
- Babelsberg Park Walking Tour: $152
- Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Christmas Walking Tour of Magical Potsdam: $502
- Christmas Walking Tour of Magical Potsdam: $257
- City Sightseeing Potsdam Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
- City and Palaces Tour Potsdam - Stadt- und Schloesserrundfahrt Potsdam: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.79Potsdam $7.18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Potsdam, we can see that Potsdam 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 Potsdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Potsdam 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 Potsdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Potsdam?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Potsdam, 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 Potsdam?
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 Potsdam in the Summer?
Both Potsdam and Moscow during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Potsdam in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Moscow is around the same temperature as Potsdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Potsdam averages at about 19°C (66°F).
Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Potsdam. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Potsdam 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Potsdam in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Potsdam. Furthermore, most visitors come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
In October, Moscow usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Potsdam 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Potsdam in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Potsdam. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Potsdam can be very cold. Moscow can be very cold during winter. Moscow is much colder than Potsdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).
Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Potsdam. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Potsdam -0°C (31°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Potsdam in the Spring?
Both Potsdam and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.
In the spring, Moscow is cooler than Potsdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Potsdam averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Potsdam. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Potsdam 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Potsdam and Moscow
| Moscow | Potsdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
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.