Which place is cheaper, Tallinn or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Tallinn?
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 Tallinn. 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 Tallinn?
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.
Tallinn
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. It has a population of more than 430,000 people and is a charming, yet cosmopolitan place to visit. The Old Town is at the center of the city's tourism, and the beauty and architecture is very impressive. The city's close proximity to Helsinki makes it a popular day trip from Finland, but cheap plane flights have also encouraged visitors from around Europe to spend several days in this city. In particular, summer months can become quite crowded.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $62Tallinn $102
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, while the average daily cost in Tallinn is $102. 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 Tallinn in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $39Tallinn $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $78Tallinn $100
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Tallinn
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Tallinn? 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: Tallinn Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.06Tallinn $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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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 Umban Sari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $50
- Private Transfer from Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Tangkerang Labuai to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Tanah Datar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Talang Jambe to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Sukajadi to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Sri Meranti to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $64
- Private Transfer from Solok to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
- Private Transfer from Singkarak to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
- Private Transfer from Rangkiang Luluih to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru City to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Umban Sari: $50
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tallinn
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Tallinn:
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Tram Around Town for Two$1.78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tallinn
Also for Tallinn, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport Transfer: $43
- Highlights Shore Excursion with Return Transfer: $48
- Beginner Archery Class with Transfer: $80
- Airport Transfer Service: $48
- Tallinn hotels to Tallinn Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $16
- Tallinn Limo Airport Transfer: $75
- Tallinn Lennart Meri Airport (TLL): Transfer to Tallinn Port: $102
- Tallinn Highlights Shore Excursion With Port Return Transfer: $51
- Tallinn Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Tallinn hotels: $102
- Tallinn Cruise Port to Tallinn hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $16
- Tallinn Arrival Private Airport Transfer in Minivan: $118
- Tallinn Airport Transfer - Return: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Tallinn?
Prices for flights to both Tallinn 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
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Food Meals for one dayMoscow $14Tallinn $39
Typical Food Prices in Moscow
For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$5.89
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.21
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Breakfast for 2$11
Typical Food Prices in Tallinn
For Tallinn, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$8.23
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Dessert$1.23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tallinn
For Tallinn, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tallinn TV Tower evening dinner (2-course meal): $56
- Tallinn TV Tower evening dinner (3-course meal): $63
- Tallinn Russian Dinner: $84
- Tallinn Beer House Dinner: $96
- Tallinn Food Tour: $116
- Tallinn 3-Hour Estonian Food Tour: $127
- Tallinn Food Tour with Round-trip Transfer Port-City: $136
- Vegan Food Tours Tallinn: $213
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Tallinn $6.03
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Theater Tickets$12
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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 Tallinn
For Tallinn, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Legends and Landmarks: A Tallinn Walking Adventure": $21
- 120 Degrees daily guided walking tour: $27
- 2 Hour Tales of Tallinn Private Car Tour: $65
- 2 Hour Tallinn Old Town Walking Tour: $196
- 2-Day Guided Tour of Medieval Tallinn : $240
- 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Tallinn: $49
- 2-hour private tour of Tallinn with transport: $272
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Tallinn: $188
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Tallinn: $293
- 5 Hour Deluxe Shore Excursion in Tallinn from Cruise Port: $48
- 5 Hour Majestic Tallinn Tour from Cruise Port: $45
- Accessible tour in Tallinn: $738
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.79Tallinn $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Tallinn
Also in Tallinn, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Mad Monk’s Pub Crawl Tallinn: $21
- Tallinn Pub Crawl (Ex The Epic Bar Crawl): $27
- Tallinn Exclusive Pub & Bar Crawl - Free Drinks, Local Guide: $42
- Tallinn Brewery Fiesta: $72
- Tallinn Guided Bar Crawl: $123
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Tallinn, we can see that Tallinn 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 Tallinn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tallinn 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 Tallinn Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Tallinn?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Tallinn. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Tallinn, 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 Tallinn?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Moscow or Tallinn in the Summer?
Both Tallinn and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Moscow is a little warmer than Tallinn. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Tallinn averages at about 17°C (62°F).
In July, Moscow usually receives more rain than Tallinn. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Tallinn receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Tallinn 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Tallinn in the Autumn?
Both Tallinn and Moscow during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Moscow is generally around the same temperature as Tallinn. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Tallinn fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
Moscow usually gets less rain in October than Tallinn. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Tallinn receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Tallinn 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Tallinn in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Tallinn. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year.
It's quite cold in Tallinn in the winter. The weather in Moscow can be very cold. Moscow is much colder than Tallinn in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Tallinn fluctuates around -5°C (22°F).
In January, Moscow usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tallinn. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Tallinn receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Tallinn -5°C (22°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Tallinn in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Tallinn. Additionally, many travelers come to Tallinn for the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. In the spring, Moscow is much warmer than Tallinn. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Tallinn averages at about 4°C (39°F).
Moscow usually gets more rain in April than Tallinn. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tallinn receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Tallinn 4°C (39°F)
Typical Weather for Tallinn and Moscow
| Moscow | Tallinn | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -5°C (22°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | -6°C (22°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 55 mm (2.2 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.