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

Should you visit Moscow or Krakow?

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 Krakow. 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 Krakow?

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.

Krakow

Krakow is Poland's second largest city. It sits on both sides of the Wisla River at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. There are more than 1.4 million residents in the metropolitan area. Krakow is known as a historical and beautiful city that is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Tourism makes up a large part of the city's economy, but there is also a university and several local colleges which are major employers as well. Technology has grown in recent years and the city has some notable employees including Google, IBM and Motorola. Other important industries include steel, pharmaceuticals and tobacco.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Poland, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow.


Which place is cheaper, Krakow or Moscow?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $82, while the average daily cost in Krakow is $82. 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 Krakow in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $44
    Krakow $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $88
    Krakow $92
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Krakow

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Krakow? 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 Krakow


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: Krakow Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.77
    Krakow $7.10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow

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


  • Two Metro Passes
    $1.62

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): $105
  • Private Transfer from Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $184
  • Private Transfer from Bukit Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $105
  • Private Transfer from Cinta Raja to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $47
  • Private Transfer from Delima to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $47
  • Private Transfer from Duku to Palembang Airport (PLM): $105
  • Private Transfer from Kampung Dalam to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $47
  • Private Transfer from Karya Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $105
  • Private Transfer from Kebun Bunga to Palembang Airport (PLM): $105
  • Private Transfer from Kelurahan Sail to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $75
  • Private Transfer from Limbungan Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $47
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to 8 ILIR: $105

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krakow

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Krakow:

  • Zakopane: Private Transfer to Krakow: $214
  • Zakopane: Private Transfer from Krakow: $214
  • Zakopane to Chocholow Thermal Pools 3h Ticket with Hotel Transfer: $102
  • Zakopane Tour from Krakow with Transfers and Lunch Option: $90
  • Zakopane Private Transfer from to Krakow or Krakow Airport: $274
  • Zakopane Private Transfer from Krakow or Krakow airport: $119
  • Zakopane Private Transfer: $162
  • Zakopane NIGHT Snowmobiles Bonfire and Transfers from Krakow : $92
  • Zakopane Krakow private transfer, private driver service: $119
  • Wooden Architecture Museum Private Transfer Round Trip: $167
  • Wieliczka Salt mine private transfer-Krakow Balice Airport: $11
  • Wieliczka Salt Mine Private Transfer : $239

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Krakow?

Prices for flights to both Krakow 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 $27
    Krakow $25
Typical Food Prices in Moscow

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $6.58
  • Lunch in the Center Market
    $3.59
  • Breakfast for 2
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krakow

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

  • Small-Group Online Cooking Class Polish Pierogi : $30
  • Krakow Tipsy Polish Food Tour with History Pierogi and Shots: $39
  • Pierogi Cooking Class with Market Shopping and Local Snacks: $82
  • Eat Like a Local in Krakow - Food Tour with BeMyGuest: $99
  • Krakow Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting and Dinner: $105
  • Krakow Bites and Sights Food Tour: $114
  • Polish Pierogi Cooking Class with Farmer's Market Shopping: $114
  • Deluxe Polish Food Tour Experience in Krakow: $121
  • Private Food Tour in Krakow Poland: $198
  • Go Karting Experience with Pizza and Drinks in Krakow: $299

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $18
    Krakow $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow

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


  • Theater Tickets
    $14
  • Kremlin Entry (2)
    $12

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: $97
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour in Bengkulu: $157
  • 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250

Tours and Activities in Krakow

Here are a few actual costs in Krakow for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Wieliczka Salt Mine 1-Day Tour: $185
  • Energylandia Theme Park Ticket and Transportation From Krakow: $82
  • Magic Christmas tour in Wieliczka: $167
  • The Footsteps of John Paul II & Divine Mercy Private Tour: $161
  • Wawel Castle and Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour in Krakow with Lunch: $154
  • 1 DAY Tours - Auschwitz and Salt Mine - Shared transport+tickets: $155
  • 1 Hour Tour in Kraków Old Town: $94
  • 1,5-Hour Jewish Quarter Kazimierz Walking Guided Tour in Krakow: $24
  • 1-Hour Tour to Krakow's Old Town by Electric Golf Cart: $19
  • 2 Hour Bottomless Brunch Experience with 3 Course Meal And Drinks: $71
  • 2 Hour Private Pinball and Arcade Museum Tour from Krakow: $299
  • 3-Day Krakow Guided Tour: Jewish Heritage with Wieliczka and Auschwitz: $262

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $8.70
    Krakow $7.49

Typical Alcohol Prices in Krakow

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Krakow:


  • Vodka
    $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Krakow

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Krakow:

  • 1 Hour of Open Bar Pub Crawl + Karaoke + VIP Entry to Best Clubs : $28
  • Pub Crawl Krawl Through Krakow: $28
  • Krakow Pub Crawl with 1 Hr of unlimited alcohol & 4 clubs/pubs: $29
  • Pub Crawl 1hr Unlimited Beer + Vodka then Clubs in Katowice: $31
  • Tyskie Brewery Tour from Katowice: $131


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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Krakow?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Krakow. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Krakow, 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 Krakow?

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 Krakow in the Summer?

Both Krakow and Moscow during the summer are popular places to visit.

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

Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Krakow. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Krakow 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Krakow in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Krakow.

Moscow is much colder than Krakow in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Krakow fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Moscow usually receives more rain than Krakow. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Krakow 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Krakow in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Krakow.

Krakow can be very cold during winter. Moscow can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than Krakow. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Krakow averages at about -2°C (29°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in January than Krakow. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Krakow -2°C (29°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Krakow in the Spring?

Both Krakow and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Moscow is generally cooler than Krakow. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Krakow fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Krakow. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Krakow 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Krakow and Moscow

Moscow Krakow
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -2°C (29°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 0°C (32°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)