Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Xi'an?
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 Xi'an. 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 Xi'an?
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.
Xi'an
Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $63Xi'an $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $63, while the average daily cost in Xi'an is $94. 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 Xi'an in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $40Xi'an $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $80Xi'an $120
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Xi'an
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Xi'an? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.18Xi'an $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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Two Metro Passes$1.47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from 8 ILIR to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
- Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Cinta Raja to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Delima to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Kampung Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Labuh Baru Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Meranti Pandak to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sungai Asam to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Private Departure Transfer: $40
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $57
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian City - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $64
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
- Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer: $176
- Xian Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour with Airport Transfer: $184
- Xian Best Day Tour with Airport / Railway Station Transfer: $132
- Xi’an Terracotta Warriors Private Round-Trip Transfer from City Area : $69
- Xi’an Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
- Xi'an Xianyang Airport Transfer Hotels: $38
- Xi'an Terracotta Army Tickets with Optional Guide/Transfer: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Xi'an?
Prices for flights to both Xi'an 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 $14Xi'an $12
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$6.00
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.27
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Breakfast for 2$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
- Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
- Private Home Cooking Class:Dumpling Cooking Class Tour in Xi'an: $50
- Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
- Xi'an Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $62
- Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
- Private Xi’an Night & Food Tour by Tuk Tuk and Public Transportation: $67
- Private Old Xi'an Authentic Local Beer Dinner Tour: $68
- Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk: $69
- 4 Hours Food Tours in Xi'an: $72
- 3-Hour Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class in Xi'an: $75
- Authentic Old Xi'an Back Street Food Tour : $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Xi'an $35
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$13
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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:
- 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Group Tour to the Terra-cotta Warriors Museum & Lunch : $65
- #1 Bestselling Private Terracotta Army Tours + Customized Xian Tours: $109
- 1 Day Xian Group Tour: Terracotta Warriors & City Wall: $138
- 1-Day Private Tour: Mount Huashan With the Lunch from Xi'an: $190
- 1-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Museum and Banpo Neolithic Village Museum Tour: $100
- 1-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors,Wild Goose Pagoda and Banpo Village Museum Tour: $100
- 1-Day Xi'an Tour with Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum and City Wall : $100
- 1-Day Xi'an Tour with the Terracotta Warriors, Cave Dwelling and City Wall : $236
- 2 Days Beijing Xian Tour by Bullet Train with Hotel: $287
- 2-Day Classic Xi'an Tour Combo Package: Terracotta Warriors and Downtown Sightseeing: $234
- 2-Day Highlights Xi'an Private Tour Combo Package: Terracotta Warriors and City Sightseeing: $240
- 2-day Most Flexible Private Xian Complete Tour: $296
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.94Xi'an $7.23
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Xi'an, we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. And not only is Moscow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Moscow is in Europe and Xi'an is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Xi'an would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xi'an 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 Xi'an Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Xi'an?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Xi'an. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Xi'an, 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.
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.