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

Should you visit Moscow or Salzburg?

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 Salzburg. 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 Salzburg?

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.

Salzburg

Most people know of Salzburg from its roll in the infamous movie "The Sound of Music." Every child who fell in love with this movie knows the gazebo scene in the rain, or could sing "My Favorite Things" as they skip down the Salzach River, but once you get past the obvious cliches, you can see that Salzburg is a city with a lot of depth and culture aside from the movie.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Salzburg 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 Salzburg is $166. 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 Salzburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Salzburg $98
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Salzburg $196
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Salzburg

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Salzburg? 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 Salzburg


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: Salzburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Salzburg $21
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 Tangkerang Labuai to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Barat: $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Tengah: $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Sidomulyo Barat: $40
  • Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kedungsari: $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Delima: $43
  • Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Harjosari: $43
  • Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Cinta Raja: $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salzburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salzburg:

  • Salzburg Train Station Arrival Transfer: $109
  • Salzburg Private Transfer from Salzburg Airport to City centre: $55
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Luxury Van: $93
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Luxury Car: $108
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Luxury Van: $93
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Business Car: $90
  • Salzburg Airport SZG to Saalbach Hinterglemm Round Trip Transfer: $131
  • Salzburg Airport SZG to Kitzbühel Arrival Private Transfer: $147
  • Salzburg Airport Private Departure Transfer: $109
  • Salzburg Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $65
  • Salzburg Airport (SZG) to SkiWelt - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Private transfer: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport (SZG): $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Salzburg?

Prices for flights to both Salzburg 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
    Salzburg $44
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 Salzburg

Some typical examples of dining costs in Salzburg are as follows:


  • Lunch Salad
    $9.64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salzburg

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

  • Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Class Including Lunch: $59
  • Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg: $60
  • Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner: $81
  • Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $83
  • Mozart Concert with Dinner: $83
  • Dinner Cooking Class and Music: $84
  • Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg: $85
  • Dinner Cooking Class - Prezels, Dumplings, Apple Strudel & Music: $86
  • Dinner and Classical Concert at Mirabell Palace: $94
  • Cruise, Dinner & Fortress Concert: $106
  • Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Salzburg with River Cruise: $111
  • Best of Mozart Concert and GOLDEN VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $133

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Salzburg $32
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 Salzburg

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Salzburg are as follows:

  • 2-Hour Private Salzburg City Highlights Tour: $272
  • 3 hour private walking tour - Salzburg: $176
  • 3-Night Salzburg Winter Package with City Highlights Tour: $240
  • 3D Exclusive VR-Tour: $321
  • 3D Unique VR-Tour: $29
  • A day in the life of Salzburg - Private tour with a local: $230
  • A taste of An audio tour through the birthplace of Mozart: $7.47
  • Amphibious Splash Tour on the Water and on the Land in Salzburg: $45
  • Austrian Lakes and Salzburg Private Tour from Vienna: $1,123
  • Best of Mozart Concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg with Amphibious Splash Tour: $94
  • Best of Mozart Concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg with River Cruise: $71
  • Best of Salzburg 1-Hour Private Sightseeing Tour: $163

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Salzburg $28

Typical Alcohol Prices in Salzburg

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


  • Beer
    $3.96

Sample the Local Flavors in Salzburg

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

  • Stiegl Brewery Museum Entry Ticket & Beer Tasting: $16
  • Stiegl Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $24
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Hidden Wine Bar: $36
  • Private Austrian Wine Tasting with a Pro-Sommelière: $185


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Salzburg?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Salzburg, 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 Salzburg?

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 Salzburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Salzburg. Also, most visitors come to Salzburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Moscow is generally around the same temperature as Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Salzburg. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Salzburg 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Salzburg in the Autumn?

Both Salzburg and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Moscow is much colder than Salzburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In October, Moscow usually receives more rain than Salzburg. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Salzburg 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Salzburg in the Winter?

Both Salzburg and Moscow during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Salzburg in the winter. The weather in Moscow can be very cold. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than Salzburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Salzburg averages at about -0°C (31°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Salzburg. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Salzburg -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Salzburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Salzburg. Furthermore, many travelers come to Salzburg for the natural beauty.

In April, Moscow is generally cooler than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Salzburg. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Salzburg 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Salzburg and Moscow

Moscow Salzburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -0°C (31°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 93 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 1°C (35°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)