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

Should you visit Moscow or Utrecht?

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 Utrecht. 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 Utrecht?

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.

Utrecht

Utrecht is both a province and a city in the Netherlands. The city is a unique university city with a lively atmosphere. Imagine Amsterdam but smaller, and with fewer tourists. Utrecht has the same underlying historical/magical feel as Amsterdam, but is full of locals rather than crowds of tourists. It has a population of about 300,000 making it the fourth largest city in the Netherlands.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Utrecht 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 Utrecht is $202. 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 Utrecht in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Utrecht $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Utrecht $228
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Utrecht

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Utrecht? 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 Utrecht


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: Utrecht Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Utrecht $24
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 Tangkerang Labuai to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Barat: $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Tengah: $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Sidomulyo Barat: $40
  • Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kedungsari: $40
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Delima: $43
  • Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Harjosari: $43
  • Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Cinta Raja: $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Utrecht

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Utrecht:

  • Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Rotterdam: $15
  • Private taxi transfer from Utrecht to Amsterdam: $101
  • Private transfer from Utrecht to AMS Schiphol Airport: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Utrecht?

Prices for flights to both Utrecht 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
    Utrecht $62
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 Utrecht

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Utrecht.

  • City Boat Tour & Balkan Restaurant Lunch OR Dinner: $31
  • Vegan Food Tour like a local. Eat, walk, enjoy.: $70
  • Vegan Food Tour by bike in get of the beaten track! : $71
  • Vegan Food Tour like a Local: eat, walk, enjoy Utrecht: $71
  • Guided Food Tour: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Utrecht $47
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 Utrecht

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Utrecht are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Utrecht Family Walking Tour: $163
  • Captivating Utrecht Family Walking Tour: $321
  • Castles, Canals and Good Folk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Utrecht: $8.99
  • Christmas Joy in Utrecht Walking Tour: $448
  • Christmas Joy in Utrecht Walking Tour: $210
  • Cultural and Historical Audio Guided Walking Tour of Utrecht: $11
  • Cultural and Historical Audio Guided Walking Tour of Utrecht: $13
  • Discover Utrecht with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour: $27
  • Discover Utrecht’s Zocherpark in this Outside Escape game tour!: $27
  • Discover Utrecht’s city center in this Outside Escape game tour!: $22
  • Explore Gems of Utrecht Walking Tour for Couples: $341
  • Explore Gems of Utrecht Walking Tour for Couples: $174

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Utrecht $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Utrecht

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Utrecht:

  • Utrecht Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12
  • Utrecht Private Self-Guided Pub Crawl Pub Quiz: $21


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Utrecht?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Utrecht. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Utrecht, 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 Utrecht?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Moscow or Utrecht in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Utrecht. Also, many travelers come to Utrecht for the family-friendly experiences.

Moscow is a little warmer than Utrecht in the summer. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Utrecht fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Utrecht. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Utrecht 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Utrecht in the Autumn?

Both Utrecht and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Utrecht in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Moscow is much colder than Utrecht. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Moscow in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Utrecht averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Utrecht. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Utrecht 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Utrecht in the Winter?

Both Utrecht and Moscow during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Utrecht for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Utrecht can be very cold during winter. Moscow can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Moscow is generally much colder than Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around -8°C (17°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Utrecht. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Utrecht 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Utrecht in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Utrecht. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the natural beauty.

Moscow is around the same temperature as Utrecht in the spring. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Utrecht fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Utrecht. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Utrecht 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Utrecht and Moscow

Moscow Utrecht
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)