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

Should you visit Moscow or Zagreb?

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 Zagreb. 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 Zagreb?

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.

Zagreb

Zagreb, in central Croatia, is the country's capital. It has a wonderful old town that has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a great atmosphere. Many people travel to Croatia specifically for its beaches and coastal towns, but if you overlook this lovely capital city, you'll miss a large part of the culture and personality that is Croatia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Zagreb 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 Zagreb is $82. 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 Zagreb in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb


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: Zagreb Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.06
    Zagreb $9.69
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 Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $167
  • Private Transfer from Delima to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Kampung Bandar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Kampung Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Karya Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
  • Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Kelurahan Sail to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $67
  • Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Labuh Baru Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Limbungan Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
  • Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $133

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • private transfer from Trogir/Split to Zagreb via Plitvice: $1,747
  • Private Walking Tour with Funicular Ride & Transfers: $53
  • Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $27
  • Bus transfer from/to Rijeka: $6.93
  • Zagreb- Ljubljana. Private transfer: $194
  • Zagreb to Split Group Transfer with Plitvice Lakes guided Tour: $151
  • Zagreb to Rovinj private transfer or vice versa: $271
  • Zagreb to Budapest Private Transfer by Minivan: $532
  • Zagreb city to Zagreb Airport private transfer: $87
  • Zagreb Arrival Private Transfers from Zagreb Airport ZAG to Zagreb City: $62
  • Zagreb Airport: One-Way Private transfer To/From Airport: $41
  • Zagreb Airport(ZAG) to Moravske Toplice- Arrival Private Transfer: $43

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Zagreb?

Prices for flights to both Zagreb 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
    Zagreb $18
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagreb

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zagreb.

  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $74
  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $75
  • Croatian cuisine cooking class with Dolac market tour: $136
  • Private Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $144
  • Private Food Tour with Tastings: $173
  • Wine & Food tour of Plešivica near Zagreb: $948

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Zagreb $13
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
  • 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250

Tours and Activities in Zagreb

Here are a few actual costs in Zagreb for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private eclectic experience of Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes National Park: $163
  • Zagreb History Walking Tour: $31
  • (180min) Zagreb Leisure Tour-more ride up to the Mirogoj cemetery: $106
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in Zagreb City with Guide (up to 10): $152
  • 2-Hour Unveiling A Captivating History Tour: $107
  • 4 Day Touristic Adventure from Zagreb: $2,441
  • 4-hour Private Zagreb & the Mountain Tour in a Yugo car: $114
  • All-Inclusive Day Tour Zagreb-Rastoke-Plitvice Lakes-Split: $1,064
  • Back to Yugoslavia Private City Tour in Old-Timer Yugo Car: $92
  • Baroque Varaždin and Trakošćan Castle Private Tour: $190
  • Beautiful Christmas in Zagreb - Walking Tour: $198
  • Beautiful Christmas in Zagreb - Walking Tour: $430

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.79
    Zagreb $9.49

Sample the Local Flavors in Zagreb

Also in Zagreb, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Zagreb Pub Crawl: $16
  • Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $32
  • Zagreb Wine Tasting & Jarun Lake Tour: $75
  • Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $197
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour from Zagreb: $206
  • Plesivica Region Wine Tasting Half-day Tour : $271


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Zagreb?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Zagreb. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Moscow during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In the summer, Moscow is cooler than Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Zagreb averages at about 22°C (72°F).

Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Zagreb. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Zagreb 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Zagreb. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Zagreb. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Zagreb can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Moscow. Moscow is much colder than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Zagreb. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Zagreb 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Moscow is much colder than Zagreb. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Moscow

Moscow Zagreb
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)