Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $62Seoul $107
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $107. 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 Seoul in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $39Seoul $54
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $78Seoul $108
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.
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: Seoul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.06Seoul $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 Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kedungsari: $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 Sidomulyo Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tangkerang Labuai: $40
- Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kota Baru: $42
- Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kampung Baru: $42
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
-
Subway Card$3.62
-
Short Taxi Ride$5.07
-
Metro Ride$0.98
-
Seoul City Pass Plus$7.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- Private Transfer l Airport to/from Seoul: $100
- Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport: $99
- Seoul to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Seoul to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Seoul Incheon International Airport to from Incheon Private Transfer: $85
- Seoul Airport: Private Departure Transfer from Seoul City Center: $87
- Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport (1-5 pax): $98
- Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Gimpo Airport (1-12 pax): $167
- Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-12 pax): $167
- Private Airport Transfer : Incheon airport to/from Seoul(~7 pax): $99
- Private Airport Transfer : Gimpo airport to/from Seoul (1~7pax): $95
- Private Airport Transfer * Incheon Airport <-> Seoul (1-5 people): $100
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 dayMoscow $14Seoul $30
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 Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
-
Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.34
-
Waffle$0.72
-
Dippin' Dots$1.45
-
Chicken Fried Rice$3.98
-
Chicken Stick$1.45
-
Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.38
-
Lunch Buffet$4.34
-
Donut$0.72
-
Mushroom Burger$3.76
-
Green Tea Ice Cream$2.39
-
Udon & Sushi$5.07
-
Fresh Burger$3.48
-
Soba Noodles Lunch$3.26
-
Bibimbap Lunch$3.62
-
Fried Rice$3.98
-
Vietnamese Dinner$6.88
-
Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.88
-
Donut$1.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace : Tour, dinner and coffee: $36
- Seoul Mangwon Market Social Night Food Tour: $44
- Namdaemun Market: the Largest Traditional Market Food Tour: $46
- Namdaemun Market Street Food Tour: $47
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $47
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $53
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $54
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $57
- Seoul Ultimate Food Tour: $65
- HalfDay Seoul Afternoon Food Tour and visit 3 land Marks of Seoul: $67
- Night Market Food Tour: $70
- Energizing Korean Cooking Class in a Local Home in Seoul: $71
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Seoul $26
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
- 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
-
Palace Tickets$5.79
-
Movie Ticket$5.79
-
Kimchi Museum$2.17
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- Full Day Tour Jeonju Hanok Village, Wansan Park and Gakwonsa: $72
- Private Tour Nami Island with Petite France 'and/or' The Garden of Morning Calm: $98
- 1 Day Private Full DMZ Tour in Seoul with Crystal Gondola: $220
- 2-Hour Makgeolli Tasting Experience in Seoul: $37
- 2-Hour Private Kayaking and Paddleboarding Experience in Hanriver: $30
- 2D 1N Phoenix Pyeongchang Reseot Stay + Trout Ice-Fishing Festival Tour: $144
- 3 Hour Walking Tour in Songpa Seoul: $48
- 3-Hour Self-guided Sokcho Tour with Private Transportation: $33
- 365-day DMZ Special Tour including Monday & National Holiday: $55
- ARMY must visit BTS tour in Seoul: $55
- Activity - Mt. Bukhan Hiking Guided Tour: $150
- Afternoon Half Day Seoul City Tour, visit Queen's dorm: $67
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.79Seoul $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $10
- Seoul Pub Crawl by Absolute: $20
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $21
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $25
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - story of 3 pigs: $42
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - Story of Three Pigs: $42
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Moscow Expensive? and Is Seoul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Seoul?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Seoul. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Seoul, 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 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 average around 19°C (67°F), and Seoul averages at 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 JulyMoscow 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. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Seoul fluctuates 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 OctoberMoscow 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 daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Seoul fluctuates 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 JanuaryMoscow -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 average around 7°C (45°F), and Seoul averages at 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 AprilMoscow 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) |
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.