Which place is cheaper, Vienna or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Vienna?
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 Vienna. 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 Vienna?
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.
Vienna
Vienna is the largest city and capital of Austria. It has a population of over 1.7 million and is a cultural, political and economic center for the country. The historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and some complain that it feels more like a museum than a real city. Outside of the historical center though, is a young and vibrant city with a huge music scene, many street performers, and eclectic and fun restaurants and nightclubs.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $62Vienna $162
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, while the average daily cost in Vienna is $162. 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 Vienna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $39Vienna $100
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $78Vienna $200
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Vienna
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Vienna? 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: Vienna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.06Vienna $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vienna
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Vienna:
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Bus to Airport$32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vienna
Also for Vienna, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zoo with Private Flexible Transfers and Tickets: $122
- Zoo with Private Flexible Transfers and Tickets: $125
- Private One-Way Transfer to Cesky Krumlov: $629
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Vienna Airport: $75
- Melk Abbey and Salzburg Trip with Private Transfer: $922
- Airport Transfer to/from Bratislava: $86
- Vienna to Prague - Private Transfer with 2 hours of Sightseeing: $273
- Vienna Private Transfer from Vienna city centre to Vienna Airport: $76
- Vienna Private Transfer from Vienna Airport to City centre: $76
- Vienna Private Airport Transfer: $71
- Vienna International Airport Business Transfer to Vienna City: $141
- Vienna International Airport (VIE) to Vienna Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Vienna?
Prices for flights to both Vienna 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
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Food Meals for one dayMoscow $14Vienna $36
Typical Food Prices in Moscow
For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$5.89
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.21
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Breakfast for 2$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vienna
For Vienna, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
- Performance Of The Lipizzans At Spanish Riding School: $43
- Naschmarkt Food Tour: $64
- Vienna Naschmarket Food Tour: $65
- Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner With Folk Music: $68
- Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner with Folk Music: $70
- Naschmarkt Guided Food Tour: $74
- Vienna Evening Sightseeing Cruise With Music and Dinner: $74
- 3-Course Evening Dinner Cruise: $76
- Traditional Dinner Show at the Wiener Rathauskeller: $84
- Kursalon New Year's Day Concert with optional Dinner: $87
- Schnitzel cooking class with Nicole: $98
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Vienna $41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Theater Tickets$12
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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 Vienna
For Vienna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private themed Tour of the Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum):"The Saviour, the Ruler, and Simply a Beauty: Women in Art": $164
- "Girls just want to have Wine" - TUK TUK Sightseeing Tour: $152
- "The Third Man" Film Location Tour: $28
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Vienna with Photography: $98
- 2-Hour Alpine Private Hiking Tour along Luckerte Wand Mountain from Vienna: $168
- 2-Hour Private Hiking Tour Helenental Castles Hike from Vienna: $168
- 2-Hour Private Hiking Tour to Meet History at Braunsberg Mountain from Vienna: $168
- 2-hour Private Alpine Hiking Tour on Seekopf Mountain, Wachau Valley from Vienna: $168
- 3 hour private walking tour - Vienna: $138
- 3-Hour Private Hiking Tour to historic places around Spitz in Wachau Valley: $252
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Vienna: $164
- 3-Hour Walking Tour of Vienna Central Cemetery: $320
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.79Vienna $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Vienna
Also in Vienna, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Vienna: $16
- Vienna Nights Pub Crawl: $16
- City Center Pub Crawl: $27
- Local Pub Crawl Vienna: $27
- Wine Tasting at Traditional Cellar: $34
- Guided Wine Tasting in a Private Wine Cellar: $39
- Viennese Wine Tasting in a Private Hidden Wine Cellar: $39
- Wine Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace: $48
- Austrian Wine Tasting Experience: $63
- Vienna Historical Highlight City Tour + Wine Tasting: $74
- Skip-the-Line Schönbrunn Palace Entry & Wine Tasting: $82
- Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $91
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Vienna, we can see that Vienna 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 Vienna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vienna 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 Vienna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Vienna?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Vienna. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Vienna, 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 Vienna?
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 Vienna in the Summer?
Both Vienna and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Moscow is cooler than Vienna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Vienna averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In July, Moscow usually receives more rain than Vienna. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Vienna 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Vienna in the Autumn?
Both Vienna and Moscow during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Vienna because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Moscow usually gets more rain in October than Vienna. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Vienna 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Vienna in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Vienna. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.
It's quite cold in Vienna in the winter. The weather in Moscow can be very cold. Moscow is much colder than Vienna in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Vienna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
In January, Moscow usually receives more rain than Vienna. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Vienna 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Vienna in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Vienna. Additionally, many travelers come to Vienna for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Moscow is much colder than Vienna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Vienna averages at about 13°C (55°F).
Moscow usually gets less rain in April than Vienna. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Vienna 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Vienna and Moscow
| Moscow | Vienna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.