Which place is cheaper, San Diego or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or San Diego?
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 San Diego. 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 San Diego?
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.
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $63San Diego $202
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $63, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $202. 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 San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $40San Diego $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $80San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Moscow and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or San Diego? 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: San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.18San Diego $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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Two Metro Passes$1.47
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): $168
- Private Transfer from Tanjung Alam to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sungai Asam to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from 8 ILIR to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Karya Baru: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Talang Jambe: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Kebun Bunga: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Duku: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Palembang: $93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in San Diego HTL-APT(SAN): $47
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Downtown to San Diego Airport (SAN): $68
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $68
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $241
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $121
- Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tijuana hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- San Diego Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Diego: $70
- San Diego Airport - Private Round Trip Transfer: $70
- San Diego Airport (SAN): Private Transfer to San Diego: $190
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Marcos, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego 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 $14San Diego $45
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$6.00
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.27
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Breakfast for 2$11
Typical Food Prices in San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $85
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
- San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
- Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $103
- Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
- San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16San Diego $48
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$13
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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:
- 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $24
- "Drink, Ride, Sing, & Dance!" Bar Tour (4 bars included): $33
- 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
- 1-Hour Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour in San Diego: $99
- 1-Hour Voodoo Escape Room Experience in San Diego: $35
- 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
- 1Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $63
- 4 Hour Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour or Rental: $87
- A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- All Day San Diego Scenic Tour: $125
- Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Balboa Park Puzzling Adventure: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.94San Diego $21
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $133
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
- Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. And not only is Moscow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Moscow is in Europe and San Diego is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or San Diego?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of San Diego. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and San Diego, 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 San Diego?
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 San Diego in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and San Diego. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.
In the summer, Moscow is cooler than San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).
In July, Moscow usually receives more rain than San Diego. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Moscow or San Diego in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Moscow as well as San Diego. Additionally, many travelers come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Moscow is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
Moscow usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Moscow or San Diego in the Winter?
Both San Diego and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Moscow. Moscow is much colder than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
In January, Moscow usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Diego. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Moscow or San Diego in the Spring?
Both San Diego and Moscow during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Moscow is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).
Moscow usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Moscow
| Moscow | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
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.