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

Should you visit Moscow or Rome?

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 Rome. 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 Rome?

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.

Rome

Rome is the capital and largest city in Italy. It is also a common entry point for most visitors flying into the country. Rome has been a center of power, culture, and religion for the last millenium, making it one of the most famous and popular destinations in not only Europe, but the world. The influence of the Roman Empire can be seen across continents.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Rome 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 Rome is $184. 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 Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Rome $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Rome $192
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Rome

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Rome? 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 Rome


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: Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Rome $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 Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $167
  • Private Transfer from Delima to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Kampung Bandar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Kampung Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Karya Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
  • Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Kelurahan Sail to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $67
  • Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Labuh Baru Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Limbungan Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $133

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $2.17
  • Train to the Airport
    $16
  • Taxi to Airport
    $49
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • private transfer from Rome to Fiumicino airport: $54
  • Welcome in airport Transfer with welcome box: $88
  • Verona Airport (VRN) : One-Way Private Transfer to Ravenna: $703
  • VIP Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Rome or Vice Versa: $51
  • VIP Transfer from Civitavecchia Port to Rome or Vice Versa: $109
  • VIP Experience Private Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Rome: $76
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Rome HTL-APT (FCO): $160
  • Trieste Port: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Rome Hotels: $2,525
  • Transfers from Fiumicino airport: $76
  • Transfers from Airports to Rome city or Rome city to Airports: $63
  • Transfers From Fiumicino to Terracina: $153
  • Transfers Ciampino airport To Rome: $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Rome?

Prices for flights to both Rome 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
    Rome $51
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 Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $15
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    $3.24
  • Cafe e doce
    $4.33
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    $2.87
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    $34
  • Cheese and bread
    $11
  • Espresso
    $2.17
  • Dinner
    $63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.

  • Award-Winning Roman Food Tours: $15
  • Eat Pasta in Rome, Testaccio - Self-Guided Walking Food Tour: $16
  • Rome Food Tour with Wine Tasting and Farmers Market in Prati Area: $32
  • Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $32
  • Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $32
  • Guided Food Tour with Food and Drink Tastings: $32
  • Cooking Class with Wine - Become a Roman Master Chef: $36
  • Painting & Pizza Party with Unlimited Wine: $40
  • Pasta Making & Wine Tasting with Dinner in Frascati from Rome: $41
  • Campo dei Fiori & Jewish Ghetto area Street Food Tour: $42
  • Leonardo Da Vini, Wine and Pizza Painting Class: $42
  • Vatican Street Food Tour and Wine Experience with Local Guide: $42

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Rome $39
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
  • 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    $75
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    $36
  • Roma Pass
    $32
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    $22
  • Segway Tour
    $81

Tours and Activities in Rome

Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Appian Way and Aqueducts Electric Bike Tour: $82
  • Borghese Gallery Skip-the-Line Ticket & Golf Cart Ride: $56
  • Castel Sant Angelo Skip the Line Tickets: $39
  • Colosseum Arena Floor Guided Tour with Ancient Rome Access : $195
  • Colosseum Arena Floor with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour: $74
  • Colosseum Gladiator Arena Floor Complete Guided Tour : $206
  • Colosseum Tour With Kids: $195
  • Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill Professional Guided Tour: $161
  • Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour: $184
  • Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour Professional Guided Tour : $151
  • Cruise into Rome?! Full-Day Rome Discovery from Civitavecchia : $96
  • Electric Bike Tour of City Centre with Gelato Highlights of Rome: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Rome $20

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.04
  • Pint of Beer
    $6.87
  • Beer
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

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

  • Trionfale and Prati Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $31
  • Cabaret & Burlesque Show: $32
  • Vatican Street Food and Wine Tour with Farmers Market: $37
  • Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Drinks: $52
  • Rome's Ultimate Party aka the Spanish Steps Pub Crawl: $52
  • Tipsy Tour: Fun Bar Crawl In Rome With Local Guide : $53
  • Roman Night Life and Burlesque Show Tour: $53
  • Guided Wine Tasting Experience in a Roman Vineyard: $53
  • Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $54
  • Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $60
  • Pasta Making Class & Wine Tasting in a Trasteve Villa: $67
  • E-Bike Night Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $68


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Rome?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Rome. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Moscow during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rome because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Moscow is generally cooler than Rome. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Rome. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Rome 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Rome. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

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

In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Rome. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Moscow or Rome in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Rome. Also, many travelers come to Rome 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 Rome. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Rome averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Rome. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Moscow or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Rome in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Moscow is generally much colder than Rome. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Rome. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Rome 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Rome and Moscow

Moscow Rome
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 22°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)