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

Should you visit Moscow or Warsaw?

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 Warsaw. 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 Warsaw?

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.

Warsaw

Warsaw is the capital city of Poland. It has a population of 1.7 million, making it the country's largest city. Located on the Vistula River, it is a popular tourist destination for its interesting architecture and culture. The right bank of the river was the first area to become populated in the 9th or 10 century. Today, however, the city's central district is on the left bank of the river. The Old Town, where you will find many sights and attractions, is fully contained within the city center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow.


Which place is cheaper, Warsaw 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 Warsaw is $93. 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 Warsaw in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Warsaw $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Warsaw $102
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Warsaw

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Warsaw? 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 Warsaw


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: Warsaw Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Warsaw $4.67
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): $168
  • Private Transfer from Rangkiang Luluih to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
  • Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
  • Private Transfer from Solok to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
  • Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
  • Private Transfer from Bukit Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to 8 ILIR: $93
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Duku: $93
  • Private Transfer from Talang Jambe to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Karya Baru: $93
  • Private Transfer from Kelurahan Sail to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $68
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Sri Meranti: $68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Warsaw

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

  • from Warsaw to Krakow private transfer: $495
  • Wilanow Palace and Gardens with Guide, Tickets and Transfers: $211
  • Private Transfer to/from Krakow: $446
  • Private Economy Transfer Airport -City 1-3 person: $59
  • Gun Shooting Experience with Transfers: $83
  • Extreme Shooting Range Experience with Transfers: $175
  • Extreme Shooting Range Experience with Transfer: $175
  • Economy Private Warsaw Okecie Airport Transfer: $57
  • Chopin Airport Private Transfer: $82
  • Chopin & Modlin Airport Transfers: $64
  • Bus Transfer to/from Vilnus: $35
  • Warsaw to Krakow or Krakow Airport Transfer Best Value: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Warsaw?

Prices for flights to both Warsaw 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
    Warsaw $27
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 Warsaw

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $13
  • Lunch for Two
    $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Warsaw

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

  • Lunch or Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with Skip-the-Line: $17
  • Warsaw's No 1 cooking class-Polish dumplings with liqueur tasting: $61
  • Polish Dumplings Cooking Class: $62
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class in Warsaw: $79
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class with liquor tasting in Warsaw: $89
  • Polish Food Tour: $92
  • Taste of Poland - Old Town food tour and guided walk in one: $94
  • 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $109
  • The 10 Tastings of Warsaw With Locals: Private Food Tour : $117
  • EVERYDAY Warsaw Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
  • Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Warsaw $7.00
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 Warsaw

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

  • 2 Hour Super Segway City Tour of Warsaw: $67
  • 2-Hour Breakfast Experience in a Home from Warsaw: $49
  • 3 Hour VIP Warsaw Guided City Tour: $207
  • 3-Hour Guided Cycling Tour of Warsaw: $37
  • 6 Hour Private Car Tour to Treblinka With Hotel Pickup: $305
  • Architecture Walking Tour in Warsaw: $76
  • BIKE ADVENTURE : 4-hour sightseeing tour of Warsaw /inc. Pick-up/: $97
  • Best of Warsaw - private tour by retro minibus with hotel pickup: $131
  • Best of Warsaw Full-Day Private Tour with Private Transport: $154
  • Best of Warsaw Full-Day Private Tour with Private Transport: $154
  • Chopin's Warsaw - guided tour in a minivan with evening piano concert: $67
  • Chopin’s Warsaw - City tour in the footsteps of Frédéric Chopin: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Warsaw $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Warsaw

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Warsaw:

  • The Original Pub Crawl: $16
  • #1 Pub Crawl Warsaw with Premium Open Bar: $20
  • Pub Crawl with 1-Hour Open Bar: $20
  • Warsaw Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $176


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Warsaw?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Warsaw. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Warsaw, 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 Warsaw?

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 Warsaw in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Warsaw. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Moscow is around the same temperature as Warsaw in the summer. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Warsaw fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In July, Moscow usually receives more rain than Warsaw. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Warsaw 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Warsaw in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Warsaw. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year.

In the autumn, Moscow is much colder than Warsaw. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Moscow in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Warsaw averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in October than Warsaw. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Warsaw 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Warsaw in the Winter?

Both Warsaw and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Warsaw for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Warsaw. It's quite cold in Moscow in the winter. In January, Moscow is generally much colder than Warsaw. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around -8°C (17°F), and Warsaw fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In January, Moscow usually receives more rain than Warsaw. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Warsaw -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Warsaw in the Spring?

Both Warsaw and Moscow during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Warsaw in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Moscow is cooler than Warsaw in the spring. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Warsaw fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in April than Warsaw. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Warsaw 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Warsaw and Moscow

Moscow Warsaw
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -3°C (27°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) -1°C (30°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (47°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) -0°C (31°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)