Which place is cheaper, Moscow or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Moscow?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Moscow? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Saint Petersburg or Moscow?
Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg is a beautiful city that sits on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea. Its historical city center is threaded with canals and architecturally impressive buildings, leaving little doubt as to why this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the second largest city in Russia, but perhaps a favorite among travelers. The metropolitan area has a population of over 5 million as well as an impressive culture with fascinating museums, restaurants, and architecture. The city has no shortage of sights and attractions, and many days can be passed while you wander its intricate streets.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $63Moscow $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, 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 Saint Petersburg and Moscow in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $36Moscow $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $72Moscow $78
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Moscow
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg 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.
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.Saint Petersburg $7.29Moscow $6.06
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:
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Metro Passes$1.34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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Two Metro Passes$1.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Umban Sari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $50
- Private Transfer from Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Tanjung Rhu to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Tangkerang Labuai to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Tanah Datar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Sri Meranti to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $64
- Private Transfer from Singkarak to Padang Airport (PDG): $167
- Private Transfer from Simpang Tiga to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Sidomulyo Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Sei Selayur to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru City to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Tengah: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Moscow?
Prices for flights to both Moscow and Saint Petersburg 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 daySaint Petersburg $18Moscow $14
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg
For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$4.61
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$5.89
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.21
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Breakfast for 2$11
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Moscow $16
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$12
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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
- Custom Private Tour in Palembang with English Speaking Driver: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.68Moscow $7.79
When comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Moscow, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint Petersburg Expensive? and Is Moscow Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Moscow?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg or Moscow in the Summer?
Both Moscow and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In July, Saint Petersburg is generally around the same temperature as Moscow. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Moscow fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Moscow. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Moscow 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Moscow in the Autumn?
Both Moscow and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Moscow in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Moscow fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in October than Moscow. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Moscow 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Moscow in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Moscow.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Moscow. It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Moscow. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Moscow averages at about -8°C (17°F).
In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Moscow. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Moscow -8°C (17°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Moscow in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Moscow.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Moscow. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Moscow fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Moscow. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Moscow 7°C (45°F)
Typical Weather for Moscow and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Moscow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 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.