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

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Should you visit Moscow or Tokyo?

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 Tokyo. 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 Tokyo?

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.

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.

Which city is cheaper, Tokyo or Moscow?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $75, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $183. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Moscow and Tokyo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $47
    Tokyo $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $94
    Tokyo $172
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Tokyo

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo


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: Tokyo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $7.32
    Tokyo $22
Typical Local Transportation prices in Moscow

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


  • Two Metro Passes
    $1.75

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow

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

  • Private Tour to Russia's Largest Aviation Museum (with roundtrip train transfer): $398
  • The Kremlin & Cathedrals Private Tour (with roundtrip transfer): $299
  • Transfer from Moscow to the Golden Ring (Ideal for Backpackers On a Shoestring!): $167
  • Yellow Drive - Vnukovo - Moscow - Vnukovo Transfers: $157
  • Sergiev Posad private tour with transfer from Moscow: $143
  • Yellow Drive - Domodedovo Airport Transfers: $135
  • Moscow Airport Transfers : Moscow City to Domodedovo Airport DME in Luxury Car: $134
  • Moscow Airport Transfers : Moscow City to Sheremetyevo Airport SVO in Luxury Car: $133
  • Moscow Airport Transfers : Vnukovo Airport VKO to Moscow City in Luxury Car: $133
  • Moscow Airport Transfers : Moscow City to Vnukovo Airport VKO in Luxury Car: $126
  • Moscow Airport Transfers : Moscow City to Domodedovo Airport DME in Business Car: $125
  • Arrival Private Transfer Moscow Domodedovo DME to Moscow City by Luxury Car: $124

Typical Local Transportation prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Tokyo:


  • Metro from Airport
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo

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

  • Yokohama Private Arrival Transfer : Tokyo Hotels to Yokohama Port or Hotels: $230
  • Yokohama Port Shared Transfer : from Yokohama Port to Tokyo Hotels: $133
  • Yokohama Port Shared Transfer : from Tokyo Hotels to Yokohama Port: $133
  • Private Transfers from Tokyo City, Yokohama or Port: $211
  • Private Transfer to/from Narita Itl. Airport (NRT): $187
  • Haneda Airport Private Transfer: $114
  • Tokyo to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) - Departure Private Car Transfer: $141
  • Tokyo to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Departure Private Car Transfer: $80
  • Tokyo hotel/address to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
  • Tokyo Private Transfer from Tokyo central to Narita Airport (NRT): $261
  • Tokyo Private Transfer from Tokyo central to Haneda Airport (HND): $194
  • Tokyo Disneyland Shared Transfer : from Tokyo to Disneyland (One Way): $51

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Tokyo?

Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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 $17
    Tokyo $43
Typical Food prices in Moscow

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $7.11
  • Lunch in the Center Market
    $3.88
  • Breakfast for 2
    $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Moscow

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

  • Virtual Home Cooking with Russian Family: $22
  • Moscow Food Tour: $67
  • An evening at the monastery with dinner: $80
  • An Evening at the Monastery with Dinner: $85
  • Traditional Russian Cooking Class and Meal in Moscow with a Friendly Local: $91
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Russian Cooking Class in Moscow: $101
  • Food Tour: $102
  • Traditional Russian Cooking Class and Meal in a Local Home in Moscow: $117
  • Traditional French-Russian Dinner in a Local's Home: $118
  • Moscow Metro and Russian Dinner Private tour: $127
  • Moscow River Cruise with Dinner and Lively Firework with a Private Guide: $133
  • Private food tour: Russian culinary culture: $144

Typical Food prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.89
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.89
  • Meal at Airport
    $7.68

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo

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

  • 1-Hour Tsukiji Fish Market Food Tour with Local Guide: $26
  • Unique Private Cooking Class with a Tokyo Local Emi: $78
  • Local Food Tour on Sunamachi Ginza Street: $83
  • West-Side Walking & Street Food Tour: $95
  • Private Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class from Central Tokyo: $108
  • Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $120
  • Tokyo Food Tour: 3-Hour Culinary Adventure: $129
  • Gyoza Cooking Classes in Tokyo: $135
  • Private Dining: Wagyu and sake pairing dinner in Shinjuku: $136
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Japanese Cooking Class in Asakusa: $142
  • Tokyo Private Food Tour: From Ramen Bars, Vending Machines To Cat Cafes: $174
  • 3-Hour Food Tour of Shinbashi at Night: $182

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $19
    Tokyo $80
Typical Entertainment prices in Moscow

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


  • Theater Tickets
    $15
  • Kremlin Entry (2)
    $13

Tours and Activities in Moscow

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

  • "Moscow Versailles" Kuskovo estate Private Tour: $249
  • 'Communist Moscow' walking tour: $240
  • 1 Day City Tour in Moscow city: $300
  • 1-Day Tour of Moscow: $367
  • 1-day Moscow Tour (Top sights: Kremlin, Red Square, Arbat street, etc.): $357
  • 1-day Tour to Saint-Petersburg from Moscow (Hermitage Museum and Peterhof): $709
  • 1-day Tour to Saint-Petersburg from Moscow (Hermitage Museum and sights tour): $840
  • 1-hour scenic Moscow River Cruise: $18
  • 10-Day Climbing Tour to Elbrus Mountain the Highest in Europe: $1,649
  • 12-Day River Cruise on a 3-Star Ship from Moscow: $2,373
  • 14-Day River Cruise along the Volga from Moscow to Astrakhan: $3,029
  • 15-Day Altai Mountains Horse Riding Tour from Moscow: $2,201

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.

  • Akihabara: Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour: $67
  • Ancient Meets Ultra-Modern - Tokyo History Experience: $83
  • Christmas In Private Experience With A City Host: $83
  • Customize your 8-hours private tour with a local guide Tokyo: $81
  • Discover Japan Tour: 15-day Small Group: $8,972
  • Eat Like A Local - Sushi Experience: $146
  • Explore Japan Tour: 20-day Small Group: $12,049
  • Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Tour: $993
  • Geisha Encounter: Cultural Experience at Chaya in Tokyo: $78
  • Highlights of Japan Tour: 10-day Small Group: $5,639
  • Intro to Japan Tour: 8-day Small Group: $4,357
  • Introduction To Tokyo & Highlights Private Walking Tour With A Local: $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $9.40
    Tokyo $37

Sample the Local Flavors in Moscow

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Moscow:

  • Pub Crawl by Soviet Van: $76
  • Pub Crawl Moscow Guided Tour in Classic Soviet Van: $79
  • Private Wine Tour in Moscow with History, Architecture and Friendly Local Guide: $121

Typical Alcohol prices in Tokyo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:


  • Sake
    $4.42

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Moscow or Tokyo?

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 Tokyo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Tokyo. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Moscow is generally cooler than Tokyo. Temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Tokyo stays around 26°C (78°F).

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Moscow usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Tokyo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Tokyo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Tokyo. Additionally, many visitors come to Tokyo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Moscow is much colder than Tokyo in the autumn. The temperature in Moscow is usually 6°C (43°F) in October, and Tokyo stays around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Moscow usually gets less rain in October than Tokyo. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Tokyo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Tokyo in the Winter?

Both Tokyo and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Moscow can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than Tokyo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January are around -8°C (17°F), and Tokyo is about 5°C (42°F).

In January, Moscow usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tokyo. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Tokyo 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Tokyo in the Spring?

Both Tokyo and Moscow during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Moscow is generally much colder than Tokyo. Temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Tokyo stays around 14°C (58°F).

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Moscow usually gets less rain in April than Tokyo. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Tokyo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Moscow

Moscow Tokyo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 22°C (71°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)


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Moscow vs. Tokyo Travel Comparison

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