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

Should you visit Moscow or Marbella?

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 Marbella. 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 Marbella?

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.

Marbella

Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Marbella 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 Marbella is $170. 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 Marbella in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $44
    Marbella $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $88
    Marbella $144
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Marbella

Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Marbella? 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 Marbella


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: Marbella Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.77
    Marbella $28
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 Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
  • Private Transfer from Tanjung Rhu to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $47
  • Private Transfer from Tangkerang Labuai to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
  • Private Transfer from Tanah Datar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $47
  • Private Transfer from Sukajadi to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $47
  • Private Transfer from Suka Mulia to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $212
  • Private Transfer from Sri Meranti to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $46
  • Private Transfer from Singkarak to Padang Airport (PDG): $174
  • Private Transfer from Rangkiang Luluih to Padang Airport (PDG): $184
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Wonorejo: $47
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Umban Sari: $57
  • Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Barat: $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella

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

  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Marbella: $112
  • Vip One Way Transfer from Malaga Airport to Malaga City: $39
  • Vip Malaga Private Transfer to Marbella: $100
  • TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to MARBELLA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $120
  • Private Transfer from Torreblanca to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $258
  • Private Transfer from Las Chapas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $295
  • Private Transfer from La Quinta Golf Resort to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $171
  • Private Transfer from Alhaurín El Grande to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $223
  • Marbella to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $56
  • Costa del Sol: Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Malaga Airport: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Marbella?

Prices for flights to both Marbella 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
    Marbella $78
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 Marbella

For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Flamenco Show & Dinner in Fuengirola/Mijas - Tipi Tapa Restaurant: $34
  • Marbella Food Tour with Tapas & Drinks with a Local: $95
  • Explore Marbella Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour: $105
  • Marbella Food Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $106
  • Marbella Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour With Local Guide: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $18
    Marbella $23
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:

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

Tours and Activities in Marbella

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

  • Guided tour to Caminito del Rey from the Costa del Sol: $67
  • 2 Hour Private Picnic Brunch Experience: $82
  • 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
  • 2 hours Quad Tour Marbella - 170€ per Quad up to 2 people: $100
  • 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 170€: $101
  • 2-Hour Catamaran Tour along the Costa Tropical and Malaga Coast: $45
  • 3-Hour Private Guided Bicycle Tour in Marbella: $82
  • Active Sailing Experience in Marbella: $118
  • Authentic Andalusia - Jeep Eco Tour (pick up from Marbella - Estepona) : $138
  • Boat experience in Marbella: $576
  • Buggy Adventure with Incredible Views of the Sea and the Reservoir: $119
  • Caminito del Rey and Ardales Guided Tour from Costa del Sol: $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $8.70
    Marbella $6.70

Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella

Also in Marbella, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $816
  • From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $1,110


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Marbella, we can see that Marbella 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 Marbella would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marbella than you might in Moscow.

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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Marbella?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Marbella, 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 Marbella?

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 Moscow or Marbella in the Summer?

Both Marbella and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Moscow is cooler than Marbella. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Marbella averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In July, Moscow usually receives more rain than Marbella. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Marbella 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Marbella in the Autumn?

Both Marbella and Moscow during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Marbella. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Marbella. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Marbella 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Marbella in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Marbella. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.

The weather in Moscow can be very cold. Moscow is much colder than Marbella in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Marbella fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In January, Moscow usually receives less rain than Marbella. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Marbella 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Marbella in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Marbella. Additionally, many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Moscow is much colder than Marbella. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Marbella averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Marbella. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Marbella 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Marbella and Moscow

Moscow Marbella
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in)