A Travel Price Comparison for Russia Nizhny Novgorod vs. Moscow for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nizhny Novgorod or Moscow?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nizhny Novgorod and Moscow can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Nizhny Novgorod or Moscow?

Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod, commonly referred to as simply Nizhny, is the fifth largest city in Russia. It has a population of over 1.2 million and it is the primary economic and cultural center for the Volga region. The city dates back to 1221 and it sits at the intersection of the Volga and Oka Rivers. It became popular with tourists back in 1817 when the Makaryev Monastery Fair was moved to the city. The city continued to grow in popularity and by the middle of the 19th century it was a major trade center for the country. During the Soviet Union times the city became an industrial center as trade connections were abandoned.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Moscow or Nizhny Novgorod?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nizhny Novgorod is $30, while the average daily cost in Moscow is $62. 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 Nizhny Novgorod and Moscow in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nizhny Novgorod $20
    Moscow $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nizhny Novgorod $40
    Moscow $78
Compare Hotels in Nizhny Novgorod and Moscow

Looking for a hotel in Nizhny Novgorod or Moscow? 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 Nizhny Novgorod


Hotels in Moscow


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nizhny Novgorod $1.19
    Moscow $6.06

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 Singkarak to Padang Airport (PDG): $167
  • Private Transfer from Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $167
  • Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
  • Private Transfer from Padang Panjang to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
  • Private Transfer from Nagari Sungai Asam to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Sei Selayur: $92
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Palembang: $92
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to 8 ILIR: $92
  • Private Transfer from Palembang to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
  • Private Transfer from Sei Selayur to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Bukit Baru: $92
  • Private Transfer from Karya Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Nizhny Novgorod or Moscow?

Prices for flights to both Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod 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
    Nizhny Novgorod $9.51
    Moscow $14

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nizhny Novgorod $1.69
    Moscow $16

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:

  • 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
  • Custom Private Tour in Palembang with English Speaking Driver: $85

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nizhny Novgorod $2.35
    Moscow $7.79


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nizhny Novgorod and Moscow, we can see that Moscow is more expensive. And not only is Nizhny Novgorod much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nizhny Novgorod would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nizhny Novgorod 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 Moscow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Moscow than you might in Nizhny Novgorod.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nizhny Novgorod Expensive? and Is Moscow Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nizhny Novgorod or Moscow?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Nizhny Novgorod. When comparing the sizes of Nizhny Novgorod and Moscow, 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 Nizhny Novgorod or Moscow?

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 Nizhny Novgorod or Moscow in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nizhny Novgorod and Moscow.

In July, Nizhny Novgorod is generally around the same temperature as Moscow. Daily temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod average around 20°C (68°F), and Moscow fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In July, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives less rain than Moscow. Nizhny Novgorod gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nizhny Novgorod 20°C (68°F) 
    Moscow 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Moscow in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nizhny Novgorod as well as Moscow.

Nizhny Novgorod is cooler than Moscow in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nizhny Novgorod averages around 5°C (41°F) in October, and Moscow fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Nizhny Novgorod usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Moscow. Nizhny Novgorod gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nizhny Novgorod 5°C (41°F) 
    Moscow 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Moscow in the Winter?

Both Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Moscow can be very cold during winter. Nizhny Novgorod can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Nizhny Novgorod is cooler than Moscow. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod in January average around -10°C (13°F), and Moscow averages at about -8°C (17°F).

In January, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives less rain than Moscow. Nizhny Novgorod gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nizhny Novgorod -10°C (13°F) 
    Moscow -8°C (17°F)

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Moscow in the Spring?

Both Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Nizhny Novgorod is generally around the same temperature as Moscow. Daily temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod average around 7°C (44°F), and Moscow fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Nizhny Novgorod usually gets less rain in April than Moscow. Nizhny Novgorod gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nizhny Novgorod 7°C (44°F) 
    Moscow 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod Moscow
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -10°C (13°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb -8°C (17°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 76 mm (3 in) 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 5°C (41°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov -2°C (29°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec -7°C (19°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in)