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

Should you visit Moscow or Rotterdam?

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 Rotterdam. 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 Rotterdam?

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.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.

Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.

There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam is $162. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Rotterdam $82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Rotterdam $164
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Rotterdam

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam


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: Rotterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Rotterdam $28
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 Singkarak to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
  • Private Transfer from Rangkiang Luluih to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
  • Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
  • Private Transfer from Solok to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
  • Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
  • Private Transfer from Bukit Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to 8 ILIR: $93
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Duku: $93
  • Private Transfer from Talang Jambe to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Karya Baru: $93
  • Private Transfer from Kelurahan Sail to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $68
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Sri Meranti: $68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

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

  • Rotterdam to Rotterdam Airport (RTM) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Rotterdam Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport & Amsterdam City: $148
  • Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car: $81
  • Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM by Luxury Van: $83
  • Rotterdam Airport(RTM) to Rotterdam - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam in Sedan Car: $77
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam by Luxury Van: $83
  • Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Amsterdam: $160
  • Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to AMS Schiphol: $160
  • Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.: $167

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Rotterdam?

Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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
    Rotterdam $58
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 Rotterdam

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

  • Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
  • 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
  • Guided Food Tour: $79
  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $84
  • Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
  • Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
  • WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Food Tour by Bike: $91
  • Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
  • Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $160
  • Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Rotterdam $34
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 Rotterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.

  • "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $27
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $19
  • 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda: $21
  • All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $220
  • Best of small-group walking tour: $96
  • Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $97
  • Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $32
  • Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • Discover Breda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover Dordrecht with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover Gouda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover Rotterdam during this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam

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

  • Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.02
  • Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.02
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Rotterdam?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?

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 Rotterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Rotterdam. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

In July, Moscow is generally a little warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In July, Moscow usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Rotterdam. Additionally, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Moscow is much colder than Rotterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in October than Rotterdam. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Moscow. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than Rotterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In January, Moscow usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and Moscow during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Moscow is generally around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in April than Rotterdam. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Moscow

Moscow Rotterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)