Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Moscow

Accommodation

$15-35 per night

Hostel dormitories, budget guesthouses, shared apartments, or basic hotels in outer districts

Food & Dining

$12-30 per day

Supermarket groceries, street food, local canteens, fast food chains, and occasional mid-range restaurants

Transportation

$3-8 per day

Metro system, public buses, trolleybuses, and extensive walking

Activities

$5-20 per day

Free walking tours, parks, some museum entries, budget cultural sites, and self-guided exploration

Use the extensive Moscow Metro system instead of taxis - typically 85-90% cheaper for getting around the city

Shop at local supermarkets and cook some meals rather than eating all restaurant meals - can reduce food costs by 50-70%

Visit museums on free or discounted days - many offer reduced admission once per month

Book accommodation in outer metro districts rather than city center - typically 30-50% cheaper with easy metro access

Use walking tours and self-guided exploration instead of private guided tours - saves $50-150 per day

Buy a multi-day metro pass instead of single tickets - reduces transport costs by 20-30%

Eat at business lunch specials during weekday afternoons - typically 40-60% cheaper than dinner prices

Taking taxis everywhere instead of using the excellent metro system - increases transport costs by 300-500%

Eating only in tourist areas near Red Square and major attractions - typically 100-200% markup over local neighborhoods

Booking last-minute accommodation during peak season or major events - can cost 200-400% more than advance booking

Not checking museum free days and paying full admission everywhere - missing potential savings of $20-40 per day