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

Should you visit Moscow or San Sebastian?

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 Sebastian. 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 Sebastian?

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 Sebastian

San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian is $96. 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 Sebastian in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    San Sebastian $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    San Sebastian $86
Compare Hotels in Moscow and San Sebastian

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or San Sebastian? 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 San Sebastian


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 Sebastian Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    San Sebastian $15
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 San Sebastian

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:

  • San Sebastián-Bilbao city or airport private transfer: $273
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to San Sebastian City: $84
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Vitoria: $291
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Bilbao: $268
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $245
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Bilbao Airport: $268
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $247

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or San Sebastian?

Prices for flights to both San Sebastian 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
    San Sebastian $33
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 San Sebastian

Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    $59
  • Lunch for 2
    $11
  • Lunch for 2
    $34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian

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

  • San Sebastian Walking and Food Tour: $104
  • Insider Best Culinary Gems Guided Food Tour in San Sebastian: $109
  • Basque Cuisine Cooking Class with Market Visit: $148
  • Full Day San Sebastian Food Tour : $150
  • I travel for Food Tour in San Sebastian: $152
  • Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Old Town: $152
  • Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $158
  • Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $213
  • Food tour in San Sebastian and Visit to a Gastronomical Club: $224
  • History and flavors of San Sebastian for Dinner with Eskerne Falcón: $235

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    San Sebastian $36
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • Valle de los Caídos Monument
    $6.43

Tours and Activities in San Sebastian

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

  • Biarritz & La Côte Basque Private tour: $246
  • Biarritz and French Coast Small Grop Tour from San Sebastian: $86
  • Bilbao city and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $164
  • Chef-Led Market Tour & Pintxo Lunch: $163
  • Chef-Led Walking Pintxo Tour of San Sebastián : $272
  • Cider House Experience From San Sebastian: $120
  • City tour, bike ride: $45
  • City tour, by electric bicycle: $50
  • Coastal "Winery Camino Trail" Walking Tour from San Sebastian: $186
  • Electric scooter city tour: $45
  • Evening Pintxo-Tapas Tour with Discover San Sebastian: $191
  • Exclusive Private Pintxos Adventure with Premium Spanish Wines": $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    San Sebastian $21

Sample the Local Flavors in San Sebastian

Also in San Sebastian, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening): $141
  • Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian: $148
  • Best quality food & wine tasting tour in San Sebastian. : $191
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $240
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $251
  • Full Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch from San Sebastian Private Tour: $298


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or San Sebastian?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and San Sebastian, 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 Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Moscow as well as San Sebastian. Additionally, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Moscow is around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 20°C (68°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in July than San Sebastian. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Moscow or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

Both San Sebastian and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the shopping scene.

In October, Moscow is generally much colder than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Moscow or San Sebastian in the Winter?

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

The weather in Moscow can be very cold. Moscow is much colder than San Sebastian in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Moscow usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Moscow or San Sebastian in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and San Sebastian. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches.

In the spring, Moscow is much colder than San Sebastian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 12°C (54°F).

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Moscow

Moscow San Sebastian
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)