Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or San Jose?
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 Jose. 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 Jose?
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 Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $63San Jose $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $63, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $89. 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 Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $40San Jose $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $80San Jose $96
Compare Hotels in Moscow and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or San Jose? 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 Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.18San Jose $19
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 Wonorejo to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Tanjung Rhu to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Tanjung Alam to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Tangkerang Utara to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Tampan to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Simpang Tiga to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Tengah: $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tanjung Rhu: $43
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tangkerang Labuai: $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Sukajadi: $43
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Sri Meranti: $68
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
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Taxi from SJO$25
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Local Bus$2.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers to Occidental Papagayo - Secrets Resort, Round-Trip: $130
- Transfer to Los Sueños Marriot Playa Herradura from San Jose or Airport: $215
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport to SanJose City: $39
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Transfer from Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) to Quepos Cruise Port: $72
- Transfer TO & FROM SJO Airport to Esterillos - Bejuco Not Shared.: $180
- Transfer SJO Airport TO & FROM Dominical OR Uvita (One Way): $290
- Transfer Costa Rica SJO Airport To OR From Hotels nearby Private : $45
- Transfer Airport area to Manuel Antonio Hotels Private One Way: $185
- Transfer Airport Area to Jaco Hotels Private One Way Transport: $150
- Shuttle & transfer rides to Jaco beach: $137
- Shared transfer to Manuel Antonio: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose 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 Jose $18
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Jose
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose, Costa Rica: $34
- San Jose By Night Tour: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class: $57
- San Jose Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and visit Gold Museum : $60
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $76
- Explore San Jose By Night: Food and Culture Tour with Local Dinner: $80
- Dinner + Typical Show in the best viewpoint of the City: $99
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16San Jose $21
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
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Explore San Jose on Foot: Food Delights and Sights Tour: $47
- Street Food Walking Tour in Downtown San Jose: $60
- 3 in 1 Eco Tour Rain Forest Aerial Tram, River Cruise & Nature Walk Private Tour: $299
- 6 in 1 RainForest Adventure From San Jose: $189
- A taste of Aquiares - 2 hours Coffee Tour: $42
- AERIAL TRAM TOUR - HALF DAY PASS Rainforest Adventures Braulio Ca: $78
- AWA Water Museum - Waterfall Adventure (Organic Food Experience): $98
- Arenal Volcano Eco Tour & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose: $159
- Arenal Volcano Hanging Bridges & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Hike and Hot Springs Tour from San Jose: $142
- Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.94San Jose $16
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $38
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $85
- Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and San Jose, we can see that San Jose 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 Jose is in Central 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 Jose would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Jose 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 Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or San Jose?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and San Jose, 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 Jose?
Moscow has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Jose experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Moscow or San Jose in the Summer?
Both San Jose and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Moscow is cooler than San Jose in the summer. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In July, Moscow usually receives less rain than San Jose. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Moscow or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Moscow during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
In the autumn, Moscow is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Moscow in October average around 6°C (43°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).
San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Moscow usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Moscow or San Jose in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and San Jose. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Moscow can be very cold. In January, Moscow is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around -8°C (17°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In January, Moscow usually receives more rain than San Jose. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Moscow or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Moscow as well as San Jose. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
Moscow is much colder than San Jose in the spring. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Moscow usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Moscow
| Moscow | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
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.