Which place is cheaper, San Francisco or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Moscow or San Francisco?
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 Francisco. 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 Francisco?
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 Francisco
San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $63San Francisco $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $63, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $222. 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 Francisco in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $40San Francisco $130
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $80San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Moscow and San Francisco
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or San Francisco? 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 Francisco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.18San Francisco $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
-
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 Palembang Airport (PLM) to Duku: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Karya Baru: $93
- Private Transfer from 8 ILIR to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Kebun Bunga: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Talang Jambe: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Palembang: $93
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:
-
Taxi to SFO$45
-
Golden Gate Bridge Toll$6.00
-
Alcatraz Tour$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco
Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in San Francisco HTL-APT (SFO): $119
- Transfer in private vehicle from San Francisco Airport to City: $35
- Sedan Airport Transfer from Vallejo to SFO (one way): $259
- Sedan Airport Transfer from SFO to East Bay (one way): $262
- SFO Airport Private Transfer to Downtown: $120
- San Francisco to/from Yosemite National Park: 1-Way Transfer: $169
- San Francisco to Yosemite One-Way Transfer: $169
- San Francisco to San Francisco Airport (SFO) - Departure Private Transfer: $110
- San Francisco Airport 1-Way Transfer to/from the City: $150
- San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to San Francisco: $346
- San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to Cruise Terminal: $561
- San Francisco Airport (SFO) to San Francisco - Arrival Private Transfer: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or San Francisco?
Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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 dayMoscow $14San Francisco $46
Typical Food Prices in Moscow
For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch for Two$6.00
-
Lunch in the Center Market$3.27
-
Breakfast for 2$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco
For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- San Francisco Virtual Food Tour with Local Guide: $19
- North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $79
- Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay: $82
- Secret Food Tours San Francisco: $84
- Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $85
- Farmers' Market & Ferry Building Food Tour: $87
- Mission District Walking Food Tour: $89
- Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco North Beach Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco North Beach and Chinatown - Secret Food Tours: $89
- San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16San Francisco $46
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Theater Tickets$13
-
Kremlin Entry (2)$11
Tours and Activities in San Francisco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.
- 2hr - SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- Private Walking Tour in Muir Woods and Tickets : $20
- "Summer of Love" tour in Haight-Ashbury in French: $63
- 1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $73
- 2-Hour Double Decker City Tour of San Francisco: $73
- 2HR Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Loop GoCar Tour: $172
- 2hr - INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr - INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr - SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr PRIVATE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay 6 Guests: $695
- 3 in 1 Tour: Muir Woods, Sausalito & Half Day Wine Country Visit: $189
- 3-Hour Private Group San Francisco Open Top Jeep Tour: $249
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.94San Francisco $22
Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:
- Chinatown San Francisco’s Bar Crawl: An Audio Tour: $4.99
- SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $27
- San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- 2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco: $49
- Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
- Private Wine Tour Napa or Sonoma from $99 per person up to 7 & Concierge Service: $99
- Small Group: The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $109
- Big Bus Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour: $125
- Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings: $126
- From The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
- The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 Francisco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or San Francisco?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and San Francisco, 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 Francisco?
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 Francisco in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and San Francisco. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Moscow is generally a little warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
In July, Moscow usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Moscow or San Francisco in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Moscow as well as San Francisco. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Moscow is much colder than San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
Moscow usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Moscow or San Francisco in the Winter?
Both San Francisco and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.
The weather in Moscow can be very cold. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).
In January, Moscow usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)San Francisco 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Moscow or San Francisco in the Spring?
Both San Francisco and Moscow during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Moscow is generally much colder than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
Moscow usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)San Francisco 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for San Francisco and Moscow
| Moscow | San Francisco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 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.