Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Zurich?
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 Zurich. 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 Zurich?
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.
Zurich
Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $66Zurich $273
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $66, while the average daily cost in Zurich is $273. 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 Zurich in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $42Zurich $173
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $84Zurich $346
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Zurich
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Zurich? 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: Zurich Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.44Zurich $36
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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Two Metro Passes$1.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Tengkerang Tengah to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $41
- Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $41
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kedungsari: $41
- Private Transfer from Sidomulyo Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $41
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Barat: $41
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Tengah: $41
- Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Tanjung Rhu to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Pekanbaru City: $43
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kota Baru: $43
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Labuh Baru Barat: $43
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tanah Datar: $43
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:
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City Pass (2)$29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- Private Transfer to/from Zurich Airport: $110
- One-Way Private Airport Transfer: $135
- 1-Way Private Transfer from the airport to Zurich: $194
- Zurich Private Transfer to/from Zurich Airport: $80
- Zurich Private Airport and Hotels Transfer, One-way or Round-Trip: $153
- Zurich City to Zurich Airport one way Private Transfer : $106
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to/from Zurich City: $113
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to/from Lucerne: $259
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer Zurich Airport to Lucerne: $326
- Zurich Airport: Private Lucerne Transfer by Mercedes: $403
- Zurich Airport: Private 1-way Transfer to/from Interlaken: $484
- Zurich Airport to Zurich City one way Private Transfer : $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Zurich?
Prices for flights to both Zurich 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 $15Zurich $63
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$6.26
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.41
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Breakfast for 2$11
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
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Breakfast for 2$14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.
- Zürich Food Tour: $100
- Culinary Tour from Zurich with Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue Dinner: $165
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $17Zurich $36
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:
- Palembang - ONE DAY CITY TOUR & SUNGAI MUSI: $82
- 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour in Bengkulu: $145
- 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- 007-Elegance: Exclusive Private Tour Schilthorn from Zürich: $645
- 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $104
- Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Zürich: $668
- Alpine Majesty:Zürich to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $823
- Best Intro Tour of Zurich with a Local: $160
- Best of Zürich & Surroundings: Walking Tour, Cable Car and Ferry: $92
- Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.98
- Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride : $76
- Best of Zurich and Surroundings - Extended City Sightseeing Tour: $92
- Bike Private Tour with Pickup and Drop off From Zurich: $117
- Cascading Majesty: Rhine Waterfalls Private Tour from Zürich: $519
- City tour of Zurich with the city whisperer from CHF 21.00: $81
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $8.27Zurich $30
Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich
Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $34
- Informative wine tasting with Italian appetizers in the secure wine cellar: $160
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Zurich, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Zurich?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Zurich, 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 Zurich?
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 Zurich in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Zurich. Also, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.
In the summer, Moscow is around the same temperature as Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Zurich averages at about 21°C (70°F).
Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Zurich. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Zurich 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Zurich in the Autumn?
Both Zurich and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Zurich. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Zurich 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Zurich in the Winter?
Both Zurich and Moscow during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Moscow. Moscow is much colder than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Zurich. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Zurich 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Zurich in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Zurich. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Moscow is much colder than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).
In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Zurich. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Zurich 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Zurich and Moscow
| Moscow | Zurich | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.