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

Should you visit Sochi or Moscow?

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

Should I visit Sochi 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: Sochi or Moscow?

Sochi

Located on the coast of the Black Sea, Sochi is one of the southernmost major cities in Russia. It is especially busy in the summer when native Russians and international visitors alike come to enjoy the mountainous coastline and sunny beaches. Sochi is also known as the host of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, and many of the Olympic venues can still be visited today.

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 Sochi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sochi is $61, while the average daily cost in Moscow is $63. 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 Sochi and Moscow in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sochi $15
    Moscow $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sochi $30
    Moscow $80
Compare Hotels in Sochi and Moscow

Looking for a hotel in Sochi 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 Sochi


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.
    Sochi -
    Moscow $6.18

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow

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


  • Two Metro Passes
    $1.47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow

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

  • Private Transfer from 8 ILIR to Palembang Airport (PLM): $94
  • Private Transfer from Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $171
  • Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $136
  • Private Transfer from Bukit Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $94
  • Private Transfer from Cinta Raja to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Delima to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Duku to Palembang Airport (PLM): $94
  • Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Kampung Bandar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Kampung Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Kampung Dalam to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Karya Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $94

Is it cheaper to fly into Sochi or Moscow?

Prices for flights to both Moscow and Sochi 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
    Sochi $18
    Moscow $14

Typical Food Prices in Moscow

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $6.00
  • Lunch in the Center Market
    $3.27
  • Breakfast for 2
    $11

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sochi $114
    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
    $13
  • 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-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour in Bengkulu: $145
  • 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sochi -
    Moscow $7.93


When comparing the travel costs between Sochi and Moscow, we can see that Moscow 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 Sochi Expensive? and Is Moscow Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sochi or Moscow?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Sochi. When comparing the sizes of Sochi 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 Sochi or Moscow?

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 Sochi or Moscow in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sochi as well as Moscow.

In July, Sochi is generally a little warmer than Moscow. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 23°C (73°F), and Moscow fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Sochi usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Moscow. Sochi gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sochi 23°C (73°F) 
    Moscow 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Moscow in the Autumn?

Both Moscow and Sochi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

Sochi is much warmer than Moscow in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Moscow fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Sochi. In October, Sochi usually receives more rain than Moscow. Sochi gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sochi 16°C (60°F) 
    Moscow 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Moscow in the Winter?

Both Moscow and Sochi during the winter are popular places to visit.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Moscow. In the winter, Sochi is much warmer than Moscow. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sochi in January average around 6°C (44°F), and Moscow averages at about -8°C (17°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sochi. Sochi usually gets more rain in January than Moscow. Sochi gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sochi 6°C (44°F) 
    Moscow -8°C (17°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Moscow in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sochi and Moscow.

In April, Sochi is generally much warmer than Moscow. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 13°C (55°F), and Moscow fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Sochi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sochi usually receives more rain than Moscow. Sochi gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Moscow and Sochi

Sochi Moscow
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 202 mm (8 in) -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in)