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

Should you visit Moscow or Sintra?

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 Sintra. 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 Sintra?

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.

Sintra

Located just 28 kilometers from Lisbon, Sintra is a town that was, for a long time, home to Portuguese royalty leading up to the 1910 revolution. In town you will find a Royal Palace and in the surrounding area there is a Moorish Castle, and the Pena Palace, which dates back to the 19th century. The town is on the Estoril Coast near the Sintra Mountains, making its setting very dramatic, beautiful and picturesque. The surrounding hills are actually designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because they offer a great combination of both cultural importance and natural beauty.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Sintra 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 Sintra is $124. 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 Sintra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Sintra $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Sintra $122
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Sintra

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Sintra? 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 Sintra


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: Sintra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Sintra $22
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 Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Sintra: $53
  • Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
  • Tours and Transfers: $89
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
  • Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
  • Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
  • Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
  • Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Sintra?

Prices for flights to both Sintra 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
    Sintra $45
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra

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

  • Private Portuguese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Lisbon Local: $220

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Sintra $25
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

Tours and Activities in Sintra

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

  • E-Bike Rental Self Guide Tour in Sintra and Cabo da Roca : $64
  • Half Day Private Wine and Traditional Tile Making Tour: $157
  • 1h sight seeing - Sintra Mountain Tour (price per car) - max 4persons: $119
  • 2 Hour Private Picnic and Photoshoot Experience in Lisbon area: $149
  • 2 Hours Romantic experience for two by sailboat in Cascais: $297
  • 2 hours Private Sailing Experience in Cascais: $297
  • 3 Hour Sintra Village and Beaches Tuktuk Tour: $125
  • 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $171
  • 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $153
  • 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $153
  • Amazing Sintra tour: $91
  • Cascais Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $260

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Sintra $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Sintra

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sintra:

  • Half-Day Tour in Cascais / Sintra with Brunch and Wine Tasting: $60
  • Hiking and Wine Tasting Experience: $71
  • Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $82
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $82
  • Private tour wine tasting in Setubal: $96
  • Excursion from Lisbon to Setúbal: Nature, Beach and Wine Tasting: $125
  • Private Tour Sétubal, Palmela, Arrábida with wine tasting: $175
  • Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • From Lisbon Private Tour to Porto with Port Wine Tasting: $235


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Sintra?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 400 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Sintra, 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 Sintra?

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 Sintra in the Summer?

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

Moscow is cooler than Sintra in the summer. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Sintra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Sintra. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Sintra 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Sintra in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Moscow is much colder than Sintra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Moscow in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Sintra averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Sintra. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Sintra 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Sintra in the Winter?

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

Moscow can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Moscow is generally much colder than Sintra. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around -8°C (17°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Sintra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Sintra. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Sintra 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Sintra in the Spring?

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

Moscow is much colder than Sintra in the spring. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Sintra fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Sintra. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Sintra 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Sintra and Moscow

Moscow Sintra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)