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

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Should you visit Moscow or Seoul?

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 Seoul. 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 Seoul?

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.

Seoul

With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.

Which city is cheaper, Seoul or Moscow?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $61, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $90. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Moscow and Seoul in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $38
    Seoul $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $76
    Seoul $90
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Seoul

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Seoul? 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 Seoul


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: Moscow Hotel Prices and Seoul Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $5.94
    Seoul $13
Typical Local Transportation prices in Moscow

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:


  • Two Metro Passes
    $1.77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow

Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ultra - Moscow Private Airport Transfer - City Center to Domodedovo Intl Airport: $8.71
  • Ultra - Moscow Private Airport Transfer City Centre to Sheremetyevo Airport SVO: $9.41
  • Moscow Train Stations Private Arrival/Departure Transfer: $22
  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer One Way: Moscow Airports to City Center: $23
  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Moscow Airports to Moscow City Center: $30
  • Private Airport Transfer: Moscow to Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO): $30
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Moscow to Vnukovo International Airport (VKO): $30
  • Moscow DME/SVO/VKO Airports Private Arrival/Departure Transfer: $32
  • Private transfer from the Moscow center hotel to Sheremetyevo Airport: $34
  • Moscow to Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Departure Private Transfer Moscow City to Moscow Train Station by Business Car: $38
  • Private Business Transfer from Vnukovo Airport (VKO) to Moscow City Center: $40

Typical Local Transportation prices in Seoul

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


  • Subway Card
    $3.79
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $5.30
  • Metro Ride
    $1.02
  • Seoul City Pass Plus
    $7.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:

  • Summer Activity in Korea: Water Leisure Tour at Gapyeong with Private Transfer: $360
  • Seoul ⇄ Alpensia / Yongpyong Ski Resort Private Van Transfers: $469
  • Private transfer in Korea along with a wide range of cars (3~28pax): $75
  • Private Transfer: Seoul to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN): $108
  • Private Transfer to Airport : Seoul to Incheon Airport ( up to 7pax): $79
  • Private Transfer from Seoul Hotels to Incheon Int'l Airport: $120
  • Private Departure Transfer from Seoul Hotels to Gimpo International Airport: $90
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Gimpo International Airport to Seoul Hotels: $90
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Seoul to Gimpo International Airport (GMP): $31
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN): $41
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport (1-9 pax): $120
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport (1-6 pax): $85

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Seoul?

Prices for flights to both Seoul 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
    Seoul $25
Typical Food prices in Moscow

For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $7.22
  • Lunch in the Center Market
    $3.94
  • Breakfast for 2
    $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Moscow

For Moscow, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Virtual Home Cooking with Russian Family: $22
  • Moscow Food Tour: $67
  • An evening at the monastery with dinner: $80
  • An Evening at the Monastery with Dinner: $85
  • Traditional Russian Cooking Class and Meal in Moscow with a Friendly Local: $91
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Russian Cooking Class in Moscow: $101
  • Food Tour: $102
  • Traditional Russian Cooking Class and Meal in a Local Home in Moscow: $117
  • Traditional French-Russian Dinner in a Local's Home: $118
  • Moscow Metro and Russian Dinner Private tour: $127
  • Moscow River Cruise with Dinner and Lively Firework with a Private Guide: $133
  • Private food tour: Russian culinary culture: $144

Typical Food prices in Seoul

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


  • Rice with Kimchi & Bacon
    $4.54
  • Waffle
    $0.76
  • Dippin' Dots
    $1.51
  • Chicken Fried Rice
    $4.16
  • Chicken Stick
    $1.51
  • Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew
    $1.44
  • Lunch Buffet
    $4.54
  • Donut
    $0.76
  • Mushroom Burger
    $3.94
  • Green Tea Ice Cream
    $2.50
  • Udon & Sushi
    $5.30
  • Fresh Burger
    $3.63
  • Soba Noodles Lunch
    $3.41
  • Bibimbap Lunch
    $3.79
  • Fried Rice
    $4.16
  • Vietnamese Dinner
    $7.19
  • Breakfast and Coffee for 2
    $7.19
  • Donut
    $1.89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul

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

  • Night Market Food Tour: $48
  • Traditional Korean Cooking Class (Kimchi) & market tour with chef Joungy: $51
  • Korean Cooking Class with Full-Course Meal & Local Market Tour: $56
  • Small-Group Korean Cooking Class in Seoul: $56
  • Traditional Cooking Experience in Korean Style House in Seoul: $58
  • Secret of Banchan (side dish) cooking!: $61
  • Traditional Korean cooking class and market visit in Seoul: $62
  • Private 3-Hour Korean Cooking Class in Seoul: $68
  • Local Flavors of Seoul at Night: Street Food Tour: $70
  • Eat like a local! Most authentic Seoul food tour: $79
  • Historic Jongro District Authentic Food Tour in Seoul: $81
  • Gwangjang Market Food Tour including Lunch: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $15
    Seoul $22
Typical Entertainment prices in Moscow

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Theater Tickets
    $15
  • Kremlin Entry (2)
    $13

Tours and Activities in Moscow

For Moscow, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Moscow classical tour: $6.38
  • Admission ticket to Kolomenskoye Historical and Architectural Museum and Reserve: $7.02
  • Tsaritsyno Museum entrance ticket: $8.14
  • Admission ticket to the The Museum of Cosmonautics: $11
  • The Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center Admission Ticket: $12
  • Admission ticket to the State Museum of GULAG's History, Moscow: $13
  • The Museum of Victory Admission Ticket: $13
  • Guided Metro Tour by Night: $14
  • Admission ticket to the Tochka-G Museum of Erotic Art, Moscow: $14
  • Admission ticket to Gallery of the European and American XIX-XX centuries art: $14
  • Tretyakov Gallery Admission Ticket: $16
  • Admission ticket to the New Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow: $17

Typical Entertainment prices in Seoul

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


  • Palace Tickets
    $6.06
  • Movie Ticket
    $6.06
  • Kimchi Museum
    $2.27

Tours and Activities in Seoul

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

  • "Nami Island" & "Petite France" or "Garden of Morning Calm" ※ Private Tour: $97
  • "Parasite" Filming Location Afternoon Tour with Free Jjapaguri(Ram-don): $44
  • 'My Love From The Star' TV Tour Including Petite France: $120
  • (Private) 9-Days Tasty Journey Around South Korea Tour: $3,475
  • 1 Day Seorak Mt. Private Tour: $314
  • 1 day Jeonju City tour by KTX Train from Seoul: $390
  • 10 Day Essential Korea Tour(Seoul, DMZ, Busan, Gyeongju, Andong, Jeju): $4,306
  • 1Day Customizable Private Daegu tour from Seoul by KTX train: $462
  • 2 Day Essential Tour-Nami Island,Petite Fr. and Mt.Seorak(Inc. Accom. & 4 Meals): $741
  • 2 Day Private: Rakkojae Korean Cultural Heritage Tour via Andong Hahoe Village: $654
  • 2 Day Tour for Seoul City/Nami, Petite,Garden of Morning Calm(Inc. Lun. & Din.): $555
  • 2 Days Gyeongju Private Tour from Seoul and Near Seoul: $490

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.63
    Seoul $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Moscow

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Moscow:

  • Pub Crawl by Soviet Van: $76
  • Pub Crawl Moscow Guided Tour in Classic Soviet Van: $79
  • Private Wine Tour in Moscow with History, Architecture and Friendly Local Guide: $121

Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul

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

  • Seoul Pub Crawl and Party with Free Shots: $24
  • Pub Crawl and Party at City's Best Bars and Clubs: $25
  • 3-Hour Small Group Korean Pub Crawl + Food Tasting in Hongdae: $86

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Moscow or Seoul?

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 Seoul in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Seoul. Also, many visitors come to Seoul in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Moscow is cooler than Seoul. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July are around 19°C (67°F), and Seoul is about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Seoul. Moscow usually gets less rain in July than Seoul. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Seoul 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Seoul in the Autumn?

Both Seoul and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Seoul. Temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Seoul stays around 15°C (59°F).

In October, Moscow usually receives more rain than Seoul. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Seoul 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Seoul in the Winter?

Both Seoul and Moscow during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Seoul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Seoul can be very cold. Moscow can be very cold during winter. Moscow is much colder than Seoul in the winter. The temperature in Moscow is usually -8°C (17°F) in January, and Seoul stays around -3°C (27°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in January than Seoul. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Seoul -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Seoul in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Seoul. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.

In the spring, Moscow is much colder than Seoul. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April are around 7°C (45°F), and Seoul is about 13°C (55°F).

In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Seoul. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Seoul 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Seoul and Moscow

Moscow Seoul
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -3°C (27°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 369 mm (14.5 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 26°C (80°F) 294 mm (11.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 0°C (33°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)


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Moscow vs. Seoul Travel Comparison

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