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

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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.

Which city 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 $66, while the average daily cost in Warsaw is $68. 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 city. 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 $41
    Warsaw $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $82
    Warsaw $82
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: Moscow Hotel Prices and Warsaw Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.40
    Warsaw $3.48
Typical Local Transportation prices in Moscow

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:


  • Two Metro Passes
    $1.91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow

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

  • Private Tour to Russia's Largest Aviation Museum (with roundtrip train transfer): $398
  • The Kremlin & Cathedrals Private Tour (with roundtrip transfer): $299
  • Transfer from Moscow to the Golden Ring (Ideal for Backpackers On a Shoestring!): $167
  • Yellow Drive - Vnukovo - Moscow - Vnukovo Transfers: $157
  • Sergiev Posad private tour with transfer from Moscow: $143
  • Yellow Drive - Domodedovo Airport Transfers: $135
  • Moscow Airport Transfers : Moscow City to Domodedovo Airport DME in Luxury Car: $134
  • Moscow Airport Transfers : Moscow City to Sheremetyevo Airport SVO in Luxury Car: $133
  • Moscow Airport Transfers : Vnukovo Airport VKO to Moscow City in Luxury Car: $133
  • Moscow Airport Transfers : Moscow City to Vnukovo Airport VKO in Luxury Car: $126
  • Moscow Airport Transfers : Moscow City to Domodedovo Airport DME in Business Car: $125
  • Arrival Private Transfer Moscow Domodedovo DME to Moscow City by Luxury Car: $124

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Warsaw

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

  • Private Transfer to/from Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW): $28
  • Private Transfer to/from Krakow: $246
  • Extreme Shooting Range Experience with Transfers: $99
  • Chopin & Modlin Airport Transfers: $40
  • Warsaw/Gdansk: Deluxe Private Transfer Service: $225
  • Warsaw to Krakow VIP private transfer. Luxury car with driver & iPad.: $255
  • Warsaw Private Transfer from Warsaw city centre to Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI): $85
  • Warsaw Private Transfer from Warsaw city centre to Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW): $46
  • Warsaw Okecie Airport: Premium Private Transfer: $39
  • Warsaw Modlin Airport: Private Economy Transfer: $79
  • Warsaw Modlin Airport Private Transfer 1-4: $53
  • Warsaw City / Warsaw Airports private Transfer-Krakow Balice Airport: $192

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 $15
    Warsaw $16
Typical Food prices in Moscow

For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $7.78
  • Lunch in the Center Market
    $4.24
  • Breakfast for 2
    $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Moscow

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

  • Virtual Home Cooking with Russian Family: $22
  • Moscow Food Tour: $67
  • An evening at the monastery with dinner: $80
  • An Evening at the Monastery with Dinner: $85
  • Traditional Russian Cooking Class and Meal in Moscow with a Friendly Local: $91
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Russian Cooking Class in Moscow: $101
  • Food Tour: $102
  • Traditional Russian Cooking Class and Meal in a Local Home in Moscow: $117
  • Traditional French-Russian Dinner in a Local's Home: $118
  • Moscow Metro and Russian Dinner Private tour: $127
  • Moscow River Cruise with Dinner and Lively Firework with a Private Guide: $133
  • Private food tour: Russian culinary culture: $144

Typical Food prices in Warsaw

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $12
  • Lunch for Two
    $9.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Warsaw

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

  • Polish Food Tour: $56
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class in Warsaw: $64
  • Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $71
  • 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $90
  • Warsaw Food Tour small group tour by retro minibus: $91
  • Warsaw 6h Private Tour + Traditional Polish Dinner: $118
  • Nicolaus Copernicus Legacy: Private Tour from Warsaw to Torun + Polish Dinner: $274

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $17
    Warsaw $5.21
Typical Entertainment prices in Moscow

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Theater Tickets
    $16
  • Kremlin Entry (2)
    $14

Tours and Activities in Moscow

For Moscow, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "Moscow Versailles" Kuskovo estate Private Tour: $249
  • 'Communist Moscow' walking tour: $240
  • 1 Day City Tour in Moscow city: $300
  • 1-Day Tour of Moscow: $367
  • 1-day Moscow Tour (Top sights: Kremlin, Red Square, Arbat street, etc.): $357
  • 1-day Tour to Saint-Petersburg from Moscow (Hermitage Museum and Peterhof): $709
  • 1-day Tour to Saint-Petersburg from Moscow (Hermitage Museum and sights tour): $840
  • 1-hour scenic Moscow River Cruise: $18
  • 10-Day Climbing Tour to Elbrus Mountain the Highest in Europe: $1,649
  • 12-Day River Cruise on a 3-Star Ship from Moscow: $2,373
  • 14-Day River Cruise along the Volga from Moscow to Astrakhan: $3,029
  • 15-Day Altai Mountains Horse Riding Tour from Moscow: $2,201

Tours and Activities in Warsaw

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

  • 1-day tour from Warsaw to Kazimierz Dolny: $179
  • 12 Day Private Tour of Poland with Hotels: $3,390
  • 12-day tour around Poland by private car: $4,591
  • 12-day tour around Poland by train: $2,279
  • 13-Day Highlights of Poland Tour with Accommodation: $2,190
  • 3 Day Rail Tour - Kraków, Poznań & Wrocław (Warsaw Return): $710
  • 3 Hour VIP Warsaw Guided City Tour: $348
  • 5 Day Rail Tour - Kraków, Wrocław & Poznań (Warsaw Return): $840
  • 5 Hour Guided Warsaw Tour by Bike: $88
  • 6 Day Private Tour in Poland with Hotels: $1,950
  • 7 Day Rail Tour - Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław & Poznań: $970
  • 8-Day Highlights of Poland Tour with Accommodation: $1,490

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $8.22
    Warsaw $7.75

Sample the Local Flavors in Moscow

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Moscow:

  • Pub Crawl by Soviet Van: $76
  • Pub Crawl Moscow Guided Tour in Classic Soviet Van: $79
  • Private Wine Tour in Moscow with History, Architecture and Friendly Local Guide: $121

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Moscow and Warsaw, we can see that Warsaw is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.


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 temperature in Moscow is usually 19°C (67°F) in July, and Warsaw stays 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 are around 6°C (43°F), and Warsaw is 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. Temperatures in Moscow average around -8°C (17°F), and Warsaw stays 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 temperature in Moscow is usually 7°C (45°F) in April, and Warsaw stays 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)


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Moscow vs. Warsaw Travel Comparison

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