Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $62Tokyo $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $157. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $39Tokyo $76
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $78Tokyo $152
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.
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 $6.06Tokyo $17
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 Singkarak to Padang Airport (PDG): $167
- Private Transfer from Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $167
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
- Private Transfer from Padang Panjang to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sungai Asam to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Sei Selayur: $92
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Palembang: $92
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to 8 ILIR: $92
- Private Transfer from Palembang to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
- Private Transfer from Sei Selayur to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Bukit Baru: $92
- Private Transfer from Karya Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- [Private airport transfer]Haneda Airport (HND)⇔Tokyo City: $154
- Yokohama Private Arrival Transfer : Tokyo Hotels to Yokohama Port or Hotels: $155
- Yokohama Port: Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $336
- Yokohama Port Shared Transfer : from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Port: $68
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Toyko HTL-APT (NRT): $284
- Transfer in private vehicle from Tokyo Narita Airport to City Center: $90
- Transfer in private vehicle from Tokyo City Center to Narita Airport: $81
- Transfer in private minivan from Tokyo City Center to Narita Airport: $110
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Tokyo Narita Airport to City Center: $110
- Transfer between Tokyo Disney Resort and Tokyo City/Airport: $115
- Tokyo:Haneda Airport (HND) Private One-Way Transfer to Tokyo: $141
- Private transfer to/from Yokohama Osanbashi Port: $194
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 dayMoscow $14Tokyo $37
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
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
-
Late Night Noodles$5.22
-
Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.22
-
Meal at Airport$6.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $23
- Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $26
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $33
- 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $36
- Private Sushi Roll Cooking Class in Japan: $38
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $39
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $40
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji: $54
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $60
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $60
- Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $66
- Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class: $68
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Tokyo $68
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:
- 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
- Custom Private Tour in Palembang with English Speaking Driver: $85
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- 4 Hours Private Shibuya - Shinjuku Night Tour: $132
- Art Japanese Fan Crafting Experience in Tokyo Asakusa: $23
- Authentic Samurai Experience With Real Actors: $99
- Feel the History Walking Tour Starting from Imperial Palace: $51
- Mt. Fuji Majestic Tours : Shinjuku to Arakurayama and Beyond: $80
- The best of Tokyo Walking tour: $244
- Tokyo Full Day Tour With Guide and Foods Included: $220
- Walking Tour to Temple and Izakaya from the River: $116
- “Your name.” Going on an electric bicycle <Roppongi, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku> A 6-hour tour of a sacred place. (With support car): $136
- "Nippori Fabric Town" Walking Tour: $41
- *Starting / Ending at Your Hotel* 3hr Private E-bike Tour Tokyo: $138
- 1 Day Bus Tour To Mitsumine Shrine From Shinjuku: $89
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.79Tokyo $33
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
-
Sake$3.91
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
- Low-cost local pub & bar crawling: $30
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
- TOKYO | Temple, Shrine, Sake Bar Crawling: $62
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $84
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $91
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $103
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $106
- 【Harajuku】Night Pub Crawl with Local Japanese: $125
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $165
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Moscow Expensive? and Is Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Tokyo?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Tokyo. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Tokyo, 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 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. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Tokyo fluctuates 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 JulyMoscow 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 daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Tokyo fluctuates 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 OctoberMoscow 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 average around -8°C (17°F), and Tokyo averages at 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 JanuaryMoscow -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. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Tokyo fluctuates 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 AprilMoscow 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) |
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.