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

Should you visit Moscow or Tbilisi?

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 Tbilisi. 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 Tbilisi?

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.

Tbilisi

Tbilisi is the capital of the country of Georgia. Its cobblestoned old town reflects a long, complicated history, with periods under Persian and Russian rule. Its diverse architecture encompasses Eastern Orthodox churches, ornate art nouveau buildings and Soviet Modernist structures. Looming over it all are Narikala, a reconstructed 4th-century fortress, and Kartlis Deda, an iconic statue of the "Mother of Georgia." Tbilisi’s eternal charms of a dramatic setting in the deep valley of the swift Mtkvari River, picturesque architecture, an ever-lively arts and cultural scene, and the welcoming Georgian lifestyle have been added a whole new 21st-century dimension of inviting cafes and restaurants serving ever better food, up-to-date lodgings from backpacker hostels to international five-stars, interesting bars and clubs, spruced-up museums, galleries, parks, plazas and whole streets, modernized transport and a sprinkling of eye-catching contemporary architecture. The mix of modern and ancient elements makes Tbilisi the beating heart of the South Caucasus and it is well worth a visit.

Which place is cheaper, Tbilisi or Moscow?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $82, while the average daily cost in Tbilisi is $35. 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 Tbilisi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $44
    Tbilisi $12
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $88
    Tbilisi $24
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Tbilisi

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Tbilisi? 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 Tbilisi


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.77
    Tbilisi $6.12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow

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


  • Two Metro Passes
    $1.62

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): $44
  • Private Transfer from Tanjung Rhu to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $47
  • Private Transfer from Tangkerang Labuai to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
  • Private Transfer from Tanah Datar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $47
  • Private Transfer from Sukajadi to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $47
  • Private Transfer from Suka Mulia to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $212
  • Private Transfer from Sri Meranti to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $46
  • Private Transfer from Singkarak to Padang Airport (PDG): $174
  • Private Transfer from Rangkiang Luluih to Padang Airport (PDG): $184
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Wonorejo: $47
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Umban Sari: $57
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Barat: $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tbilisi

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

  • Transfer from airport to any place in Tbilisi: $33
  • Transfer from Tbilisi to Yerevan whith tour.: $190
  • Transfer from Tbilisi to Yerevan: $39
  • Transfer from Tbilisi to Gudauri ski resort: $105
  • Transfer from Tbilisi airport to hotel and from hotel to airport : $203
  • Transfer from Tbilisi Airport to the city: $35
  • Transfer from Tbilisi Airport to Tbilisi: $25
  • Transfer airport Tbilisi - Gudauri: $100
  • Transfer To Batumi from Tbilisi: $142
  • Transfer Tbilisi to Gudauri ski resort: $53
  • Transfer Tbilisi Batumi: $350
  • Tesla Private Transfer at Tbilisi Airport: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Tbilisi?

Prices for flights to both Tbilisi 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 $27
    Tbilisi $14
Typical Food Prices in Moscow

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $6.58
  • Lunch in the Center Market
    $3.59
  • Breakfast for 2
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tbilisi

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

  • Small-Group Khinkali and Khachapuri Cooking Class in Tbilisi: $28
  • Georgian Cooking Class with Khinkali and Khachapuri: $29
  • Left Bank Alternative Street Food Tour with Drinks: $37
  • Georgian Wine and Kachapuri & Pizza, with Tbilisi Tour bonus: $46
  • Tbilisi Private Dinner: Georgian BBQ & Fireplace: $49
  • Tbilisi Food Tour in a Local Family: $49
  • Cooking Class with a Local Family: $49
  • Tbilisi Street Food Tour (All-inclusive): $54
  • Georgian Feast with Wine and Cooking Class: $70
  • Georgian Dinner with Wine and Tamada (Toastmaster): $71
  • Guided tour Discover Armenia Hagpati Sanahin,Akhtala,Local dinner: $77
  • Eat Like a Local – Street Food Tour w/ 10 Tastings: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $18
    Tbilisi $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow

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


  • Theater Tickets
    $14
  • Kremlin Entry (2)
    $12

Tours and Activities in Moscow

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

  • 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour in Bengkulu: $157
  • Custom Private Tour in Palembang with English Speaking Driver: $97

Tours and Activities in Tbilisi

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

  • Borjomi Bus Tour from Tbilisi: $45
  • Full Day Private Tour in Vardzia, Rabati and Borjomi with Guide: $110
  • Tbilisi Chronicles Shared Group Tour: $23
  • 1 Day Horse Riding Adventure in Borjomi Mountains: $155
  • 1 Day Mtskheta-Uplistsikhe private Tour: $36
  • 1 Day Tour In Shiny Mountains of Kazbegi: $161
  • 1 Day Tour in Dashbashi Canyon: $50
  • 1 Day detour to Armenia from Tbilisi & Local family lunch : $75
  • 1 day Gudauri and Kazbegi private tour-By Travel master (Georgia): $169
  • 1 day Mtskheta Tour: $26
  • 1-Hour Horse Riding Tour at Palomino Ranch Near Tbilisi: $80
  • 13 km hike in Borjomi - Group tour from Tbilisi: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $8.70
    Tbilisi $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Tbilisi

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tbilisi:

  • Wine Tasting Experience: $7.20
  • 3 Hours GRAND Wine Tasting event of 20 Different Wines in Tbilisi: $10
  • From Tbilisi Kakheti Wine Tour to Bodbe Sighnaghi and Telavi: $14
  • Kakheti Wine Tasting Tour of Signagi and Bodbe: $14
  • Kakheti Wine Tour: Sighnaghi, Bodbe, Kindzmarauli Winery, Telavi: $17
  • Kakheti Wine Tour Bodbe Sighnaghi and Telavi Experience: $17
  • Afternoon Walking tour & wine tasting in Old Town: $18
  • Uforgatable Kakheti Tour with wine tasting - in Georgia: $18
  • Old Town Walking Tour & Wine Tasting with a Local Guide: $19
  • Tbilisi Walking Tour Including Wine Tasting Cable Car and Bakery: $19
  • Kakheti wine tour: $20
  • Tbilisi:Mtskheta,Jvari,Bazaar,wine tasting,Chronicles of Georgia: $20


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Tbilisi, we can see that Moscow is more expensive. And not only is Tbilisi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tbilisi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tbilisi 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 Moscow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Moscow than you might in Tbilisi.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Moscow Expensive? and Is Tbilisi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Tbilisi?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tbilisi. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Tbilisi, 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.