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

Should you visit Moscow or Santiago?

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 Santiago. 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 Santiago?

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.

Santiago

Santiago is the capital city of Chile. It is centrally located in the long and narrow country, making it a good jumping off point to explore everywhere else. It's convenient location means that you can go skiing in the Andes one day, and hang out at the beach the next.

Santiago has a cool semi-arid climate that is similar to Mediterranean climates. The summers, which are between November and March, are warm and dry. The temperatures climb to around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The winters, between June and August, are humid with cold mornings. The daily highs are around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows stay a few degrees above freezing. Rain is more common in the winter months and the dry season is between December and March.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago 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 Santiago is $141. 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 Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Santiago $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Santiago $220
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Santiago? 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 Santiago


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: Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Santiago $5.41
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 Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Sidomulyo Barat: $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tangkerang Labuai: $40
  • Private Transfer from Tengkerang Tengah to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Cinta Raja to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Pekanbaru City: $42
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kota Baru: $42
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Wonorejo: $42
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Harjosari: $42
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Simpang Tiga: $42
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Cinta Raja: $42
  • Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:


  • Metro Ride
    $1.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • Visit Montes Winery (7th World Best Wine) & Transfer to Hotel: $300
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Santiago APT-HTL (SCL): $51
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Santiago de Chile City - Santiago Airport (SCL): $50
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Santiago Airport (SCL) - Santiago de Chile City: $49
  • Transfer from or to the airport in Santiago, Chile: $60
  • Transfer from Valparaiso or San Antonio Port + Condor Watching Tour: $230
  • Transfer from Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski to Santiago: $83
  • Transfer from Santiago to Portillo Ski Center: $160
  • Transfer from Santiago To Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski: $83
  • Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago Centro Commune: $52
  • Transfer To Valle Nevado Private for small groups: $250
  • Transfer Santiago to Cruise Port in Valparaiso or San Antonio: $250

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago 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
    Santiago $13
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 Santiago

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


  • Empanada
    $1.89
  • Hamburger
    $2.50
  • Dinner
    $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago

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

  • Sunset Winery Tour with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $45
  • Sunset at Alyan Family Wines Winery with Dinner: $95
  • Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
  • Sunset Alyan + 6 wines + savory board + rustic dinner + dessert: $119
  • Small-Group Night City Tour: San Cristobal Hill and Dinner Show: $120
  • San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
  • Private Tour: Santiago at Night with Dinner and Show: $131
  • Private Night City Tour with San Cristobal Hill And Dinner Show: $131
  • 4-Hour Private Night Tour with Dinner and Show: $150
  • Private Dinner and Show with Transfers: $158
  • Traditional Chilean Cooking Class with a Local in Her Santiago Countryside Home: $168

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Santiago $47
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:

  • 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250

Tours and Activities in Santiago

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

  • Private Adventure at 4200 meters above sea level in the Chilean Andes Cerro Pintor: $300
  • Private Half-Day Guided Tour of the City of Santiago.: $280
  • 4 Hour Santa Rita Winery All inclusive Tour for Wine Lover: $269
  • 4-hour city tour of Santiago in small groups: $80
  • Adventure and Viewpoints in Cajón del Maipo: $255
  • Andean Horse Ride Yerba Loca Sanctuary - Private tour from Santiago: $240
  • Andean Tour: $158
  • Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago: $120
  • Andes Half-Day Private Tour with Wine and Cheese Tasting: $190
  • Andes Sunset: shared tour with Asado in the mountain: $90
  • Andes Tour to Portillo Inca Lagoon with San Esteban Vineyard Empanada & Wine: $119
  • Andes Whitewater Rafting Adventure plus Winery Tour and Tasting: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Santiago $8.41

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago

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

  • Premium Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Spanish official: $37
  • Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $50
  • Concha y Toro Ticket and Tour with Wine Tasting: $50
  • Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $62
  • Undurraga Wine tour: $63
  • Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Santiago de Chile: $77
  • From Concha y Toro Marqués Half-Day Wine Tasting: $89
  • Private Tour: Undurraga Vineyard Experience with Premium Wine Tasting: $92
  • From Maipo Valley Wine Tour: $99
  • Concha y Toro semi-private tour with 3 wine tastings: $99
  • Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $99


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Santiago?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Santiago. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Santiago, 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 Santiago?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Santiago is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Moscow has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Moscow or Santiago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Santiago.

In the summer, Moscow is around the same temperature as Santiago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Santiago averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.

Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Santiagoin January. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Santiago in the Autumn?

Both Santiago and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Santiagoin April. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In October, Moscow usually receives more rain than Santiagoin April. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Santiago in the Winter?

Both Santiago and Moscow during the winter are popular places to visit.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Moscow. Moscow is much colder than Santiago in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F)in July.

Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Santiagoin July. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Santiago in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Santiago.

In the spring, Moscow is much colder than Santiago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in October.

In April, Moscow usually receives more rain than Santiagoin October. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Moscow

Moscow Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)