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

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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.

Which city is cheaper, Zurich or Moscow?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $77, while the average daily cost in Zurich is $205. 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 Zurich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $48
    Zurich $129
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $96
    Zurich $258
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.

Hotels in Moscow


Hotels in Zurich


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 Zurich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $7.48
    Zurich $28
Typical Local Transportation prices in Moscow

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


  • Two Metro Passes
    $2.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow

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

  • Ultra - Moscow Private Airport Transfer - City Center to Domodedovo Intl Airport: $8.71
  • Ultra - Moscow Private Airport Transfer City Centre to Sheremetyevo Airport SVO: $9.41
  • Moscow Train Stations Private Arrival/Departure Transfer: $22
  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer One Way: Moscow Airports to City Center: $23
  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Moscow Airports to Moscow City Center: $30
  • Private Airport Transfer: Moscow to Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO): $30
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Moscow to Vnukovo International Airport (VKO): $30
  • Moscow DME/SVO/VKO Airports Private Arrival/Departure Transfer: $32
  • Private transfer from the Moscow center hotel to Sheremetyevo Airport: $34
  • Moscow to Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Departure Private Transfer Moscow City to Moscow Train Station by Business Car: $38
  • Private Business Transfer from Vnukovo Airport (VKO) to Moscow City Center: $40

Typical Local Transportation prices in Zurich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:


  • City Pass (2)
    $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • Private Transfer to/from Zurich Airport (ZRH): $96
  • Airport and City Private Transfer: $93
  • Zurich to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Private Car Transfer: $73
  • Zurich Departure Private Transfers from Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH: $100
  • Zurich Departure Private Transfers from Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH: $87
  • Zurich Arrival Private Transfers from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City: $95
  • Zurich Airport Transfers : Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH in Luxury Van: $100
  • Zurich Airport Transfers : Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH in Luxury Car: $133
  • Zurich Airport Transfers : Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH in Business Car: $91
  • Zurich Airport Transfers : Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City in Luxury Van: $100
  • Zurich Airport Transfers : Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City in Luxury Car: $126
  • Zurich Airport Transfers : Zurich Airport ZRH to Lucerne City in Luxury Van: $207

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Moscow $17
    Zurich $47
Typical Food prices in Moscow

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $9.09
  • Lunch in the Center Market
    $4.96
  • Breakfast for 2
    $17

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 Zurich

Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich

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

  • Culinary Tour from Zurich with Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue Dinner: $154
  • Overnight Mount Titlis including 4-course dinner: $545

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $19
    Zurich $28
Typical Entertainment prices in Moscow

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


  • Theater Tickets
    $19
  • Kremlin Entry (2)
    $17

Tours and Activities in Moscow

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

  • Moscow classical tour: $6.38
  • Admission ticket to Kolomenskoye Historical and Architectural Museum and Reserve: $7.02
  • Tsaritsyno Museum entrance ticket: $8.14
  • Admission ticket to the The Museum of Cosmonautics: $11
  • The Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center Admission Ticket: $12
  • Admission ticket to the State Museum of GULAG's History, Moscow: $13
  • The Museum of Victory Admission Ticket: $13
  • Guided Metro Tour by Night: $14
  • Admission ticket to the Tochka-G Museum of Erotic Art, Moscow: $14
  • Admission ticket to Gallery of the European and American XIX-XX centuries art: $14
  • Tretyakov Gallery Admission Ticket: $16
  • Admission ticket to the New Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow: $17

Tours and Activities in Zurich

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:

  • 2-Day Alps Tour from Mt Pilatus and Mt Titlis: $592
  • 2-Day Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Tour from Interlaken or Grindelwald: $557
  • 2-Day Mt Rigi Tour from Zurich Including Mineral Baths and Lake Lucerne Cruise: $474
  • 2-Day Switzerland Tour from Zurich to Geneva: Mt.Titlis,Interlaken,Bern,Gruyères: $693
  • 2-Day Winter Tour from Mt Pilatus and Mt Titlis: $592
  • 2-hour Private Guided Zurich Downtown Tour: $225
  • 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $98
  • 3-Day Glacier Express Self-Guided Tour from Zurich: $556
  • 3-Day GoldenPass Line Self-Guided Tour from Zurich: $439
  • 4-Day Glacier and Bernina Express Self-Guided Tour from Zurich: $768
  • 4-Day Switzerland Tour from Zurich Including Mt. Titlis Cable Car: $1,662
  • 5-Day Famous Mountain Peaks Self-Guided Tour from Zurich: $982

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $9.61
    Zurich $23

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

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 Zurich: $29

About these numbers

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.


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 are around 19°C (67°F), and Zurich is 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 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. Temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Zurich stays 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 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 temperature in Moscow is usually -8°C (17°F) in January, and Zurich stays 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -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 are around 7°C (45°F), and Zurich is 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 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)


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Moscow vs. Zurich Travel Comparison

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