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

Should you visit Moscow or Thessaloniki?

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 Thessaloniki. 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 Thessaloniki?

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.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and serves as the capital city of the Central Macedonia region. It also has a rich history dating back more than 3,000 years. As a visitor, you'll find that the city has been touched by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, all of which left their mark. In particular, the many Byzantine churches are quite impressive, with some of them listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

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


Which place is cheaper, Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki is $144. 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 Thessaloniki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Thessaloniki $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Thessaloniki $170
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Thessaloniki

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Thessaloniki? 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 Thessaloniki


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: Thessaloniki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Thessaloniki $14
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 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki

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

  • Transfer from Thessaloniki to Ikos Oceania: $153
  • Bus Transfer to/from Kavala: $18
  • Thessaloniki to Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) - Departure Transfer: $21
  • Thessaloniki Cruise Port: Transfer to Thessaloniki city: $142
  • Thessaloniki Airport to TUI Blue Lagoon Hotels Private Transfer: $93
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Hotels Private Transfer: $98
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Portes Lithos Luxury Resort Private Transfer: $82
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Ikos Olivia Hotel Private Transfer: $98
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Ikos Oceania Hotel Private Transfer: $87
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Alia Palace Hotel Private Transfer: $131
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Afitis Boutique Hotel Private Transfer: $109
  • Thessaloniki Airport or Cruise Port Private Departure Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Thessaloniki?

Prices for flights to both Thessaloniki 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
    Thessaloniki $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 Thessaloniki

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

  • Open Market Food Tour with Tasting: $48
  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $49
  • Cooking & Dining Experience with Greek Family: $63
  • Guided Food Tour: $70
  • Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $71
  • Private Walking Tour Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $87
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $95
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $95
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $95
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $97
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $97
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market visit and Lunch: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Thessaloniki $28
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 Thessaloniki

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

  • 4-Hour Thessaloniki Jewish Heritage Private Guided Tour: $207
  • Archery Odyssey Traditional Archery Experience: $65
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $218
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $192
  • Charming pearls of Thessaloniki – Romantic Tour: $153
  • City Sightseeing Thessaloniki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
  • Daily Cruise:Discover Thessaloniki in a different way: $1,069
  • Daily Sailing Cruise Olympus Riviera Highlights: $122
  • Day Tour at Royal Tombs of Aigai and Museum of Pella with pickup: $93
  • Dion and Palaios Panteleimon Myth and History Tour: $153
  • Dion-Olympus Private Tour from Thessaloniki: $96
  • Discover Olympus from Paralia in Jeep Safari Shared Tour: $76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Thessaloniki $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki

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

  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
  • From Pella-Edessa wine tasting: $64
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $81
  • Thessaloniki Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $83
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $91
  • Wine Tasting Experience from Thessaloniki: $93
  • Thessaloniki to Naoussa, Wine Tasting Tour – Private Day Trip: $207


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Thessaloniki?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Thessaloniki, 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 Thessaloniki?

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 Thessaloniki in the Summer?

Both Thessaloniki and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Moscow is cooler than Thessaloniki. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In July, Moscow usually receives more rain than Thessaloniki. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Thessaloniki in the Autumn?

Both Thessaloniki and Moscow during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in October than Thessaloniki. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Thessaloniki in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Thessaloniki. Also, most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Moscow can get quite cold in the winter. Moscow is much colder than Thessaloniki in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In January, Moscow usually receives more rain than Thessaloniki. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Thessaloniki in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Thessaloniki. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Moscow is much colder than Thessaloniki. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in April than Thessaloniki. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Thessaloniki and Moscow

Moscow Thessaloniki
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)