Which place is cheaper, Vilnius or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Vilnius?
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 Vilnius. 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 Vilnius?
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.
Vilnius
Vilnius is the capital and largest city in the country of Lithuania. It has a population of more than 500,000 residents and is located in the valley between the Neris River and the Vilnia River in the southeastern part of the country. Visitors come to the city for its beautiful Old Town, impressive architecture, and fascinating culture. In 2009 it was named the European Capital of Culture along with the city of Linz, in Austria.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $62Vilnius $101
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, while the average daily cost in Vilnius is $101. 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 Vilnius in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $39Vilnius $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $78Vilnius $90
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Vilnius
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Vilnius? 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: Vilnius Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.06Vilnius $8.89
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 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 Vilnius
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vilnius:
- Jewish Heritage Sites Private Tour with Transfer: $214
- Hot Air Balloon Ride with Hotel Transfer: $214
- Airport Bus Transfer to/from Central Bus Station: $3.21
- Vilnius Private 1-Way Airport Transfer: $53
- Vilnius Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Warsaw: $35
- Vilnius Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Riga: $24
- Vilnius Airport Transfer: $51
- Vilnius Airport (VNO): Bus Transfer to/from Gdansk: $51
- Transfer from Kaunas Airport to Vilnius: $214
- Riga: Bus Transfer to/from Vilnius: $20
- Riga / Tallinn / Vilnius. Transfer Between Baltic States: $641
- Private Vilnius Airport Arrival Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Vilnius?
Prices for flights to both Vilnius 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 $14Vilnius $43
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
Typical Food Prices in Vilnius
Some typical examples of dining costs in Vilnius are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vilnius
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vilnius.
- Private National Dinner with Folk Show: $60
- Dinner in local family: $74
- Flavors of Vilnius - Private Walking Food Tour: $191
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Vilnius $10
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Vilnius
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Vilnius are as follows:
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Walking Tour$6.21
Tours and Activities in Vilnius
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vilnius are as follows:
- “Ghostly Tales of Vilnius” Walking Tour: $86
- "Ghostly Tales of Vilnius" Walking Tour: $170
- (Post) Soviet Vilnius Private Walking Tour: $107
- 1-Day Pilgrim Tour from Vilnius: $385
- Automuseum Entry Ticket: $21
- Automuseum Entry Ticket: $21
- Bachelorette Party Adventure's Organization: $33
- Bike Tour of Vilnius Highlights "Iconic Landmarks & Hidden Gems": $32
- Day tour out of Paneriai holocaust park,Trakai castle, medieval Kernave: $208
- Discover Vilnius Tour: $267
- Dzukija National Park and Grutas Park: Full-Day Tour: $214
- Explore Old Town and Uzupis Guided Walking Tour: $76
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.79Vilnius $6.83
Typical Alcohol Prices in Vilnius
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Vilnius from other travelers:
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Beer$4.66
Sample the Local Flavors in Vilnius
Also in Vilnius, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Beer degustation at Bear & Boar Brewery Taproom: $43
- Vilnius Private Pub & Bar Crawl Tour & Hidden Gems: $46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Vilnius, we can see that Vilnius 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 Vilnius would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vilnius 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 Vilnius Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Vilnius?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vilnius. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Vilnius, 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 Vilnius?
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 Vilnius in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Vilnius. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year.
In the summer, Moscow is around the same temperature as Vilnius. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Vilnius averages at about 18°C (65°F).
Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Vilnius. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Vilnius 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Vilnius in the Autumn?
Both Vilnius and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Moscow is generally cooler than Vilnius. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Vilnius fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
In October, Moscow usually receives more rain than Vilnius. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Vilnius 8°C (46°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Vilnius in the Winter?
Both Vilnius and Moscow during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Vilnius in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Vilnius can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Moscow. Moscow is much colder than Vilnius in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Vilnius fluctuates around -5°C (23°F).
Moscow usually gets more rain in January than Vilnius. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Vilnius -5°C (23°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Vilnius in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Vilnius. Also, most visitors come to Vilnius for the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Moscow is around the same temperature as Vilnius. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Vilnius averages at about 7°C (45°F).
In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Vilnius. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Vilnius 7°C (45°F)
Typical Weather for Vilnius and Moscow
| Moscow | Vilnius | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -5°C (23°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 55 mm (2.2 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.