Kiev is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Kiev?
You should plan to spend around $29 (₴1,215) per day on your vacation in Kiev. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $12 (₴493) on meals
- $0.97 (₴41) on local transportation
- $32 (₴1,334) on hotels
A one week trip to Kiev for two people costs, on average, $409 (₴17,010). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$205
₴8,505
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$409
₴17,010
-
One Month
Per person
$877
₴36,450
-
One Week
For a couple
$409
₴17,010
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$819
₴34,020
-
One Month
For a couple
$1,754
₴72,900
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Kiev cost?
A one week trip to Kiev usually costs around $205 (₴8,505) for one person and $409 (₴17,010) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Kiev on average costs around $409 (₴17,010) for one person and $819 (₴34,020) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Kiev will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Kiev on average costs around $877 (₴36,450) for one person and $1,754 (₴72,900) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Kiev expensive to visit?
Kiev is a small yet captivating destination that lures visitors with differing travel styles, spending levels, and budgetary preferences. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.
You may find Kiev to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $12 (₴503) per day, mid-range travelers spend $29 (₴1,215) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $66 (₴2,765) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Kiev.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Kiev is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Europe for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Kiev.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Kiev Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Kiev?
The average Kiev trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Kiev travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Kiev cost?
Kiev on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$7
(₴274)
|
$16
(₴667)
|
$37
(₴1,533)
|
Local Transportation1
|
$0
(₴15)
|
$1
(₴41)
|
$3
(₴113)
|
Food2
|
$5
(₴205)
|
$12
(₴493)
|
$26
(₴1,101)
|
Entertainment1
|
$1
(₴35)
|
$2
(₴80)
|
$4
(₴152)
|
Alcohol2
|
$1-3
(₴48-144)
|
$3-9
(₴126-377)
|
$8-25
(₴341-1,024)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Kiev on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $12 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
So, are you average?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Many visitors to Kiev are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $29 per person, per day.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If a complete vacation with all amenities and a higher level of service is what you want, expect to allocate around $66 per day. To stay in nicer hotels, dine at award-winning establishments, treat yourself to extravagant excursions, and hire taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination, a luxury budget will be necessary. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as 2 hours Private Walking Tour in Ancient Kiev - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Kiev
In Kiev, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $, but during peak season they jump to an average of $. You can find budget options starting at $ up to luxury rates at $. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Kiev for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $32 (₴1,334). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $16 (₴667) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Kiev? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
If you plan your trip for the shoulder or low season and avoid , you'll enjoy reduced accommodation costs and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Kiev
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $0.97 (₴41) per person, per day, on local transportation in Kiev. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Kiev is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$0.97
₴41
Kiev can be somewhat overwhelming to western tourists because many of the signs are in Cyrillic script and few locals speak much English. The metro is one of the best ways to get around the city. It is clean and fast and relatively easy to navigate. There are three lines, each of which goes through the city center. As recently as 2012, many of the signs and maps have names written in English to assist foreign travelers.
Buses and trolleybuses can be caught at any of the marked stops. They can be crowded, particularly during rush hours, so you may have to push your way on. Also available are route taxis that travel specific routes. You can wave these buses down from their stops and you pay the driver directly. You have to tell the driver when you reach your stop.
There are also two types of taxis in Kiev; official company taxis and gypsy cabs. Gypsy cabs are unmarked vehicles that will offer you a ride. Make sure you negotiate the price hard. Prices can vary dramatically depending on the day, weather, traffic conditions, and, of course, your negotiating skills. You can wave down official taxis or call them by phone. You can usually reach someone who speaks English on the phone.
If you're driving, it's essential to check if your hotel offers convenient parking.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer from Kyiv Boryspil Airport for $32 details
- Private Arrival Transfer: International Airport Kyiv Zhuliany to Kiev hotel for $37 details
- Private Departure Transfer: Kyiv Boryspil International Airport from Kyiv Hotel for $37 details
How much does it cost to go to Kiev? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Kiev will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Kiev
Tasting the local cuisine is a key reason for travel, so be sure to sample the unique dishes offered in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Kiev can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Kiev is $12 (₴493) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$12
₴493
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Kiev is around $12 (₴493) per person, with previous travelers spending from $5 to $26. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Kiev are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $4
- Lunch: $2 to $5
- Dinner: $4 to $8
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
Eating out can be very cheap in Kiev, particularly by European standards. It is best to avoid places that cater specifically to tourists. Popular dishes you should try while you're in town include borscht, chebureki, chicken Kiev, and Mlyntzi. You can also find plenty of delicious, cheap baked goods around town.
Budget restaurant options around town include fast food chains such as Domashnia kukhnia, Mister Snack, Two Geese, and Olivie. In addition to traditional Ukrainian food, you can also find Mexican, Italian, and even sushi around town.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Fill a water bottle rather than purchasing drinks constantly. It's a smart and eco-friendly choice.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Kiev, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Kyiv Restaurant Food Tour: Ukrainian Cuisine Tasting for $118 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Kiev
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Kiev typically cost an average of $1.93 (₴80) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$1.93
₴80
There are many museums, restaurants, and sights in the area that are worth checking out. Khreschatyk Street is the main entertainment street through the middle of town. It sometimes closes to vehicular traffic on weekends and you can often see street performers or musicians along it. It's a great place for some people watching and a nice spot to take in every day life in Kiev.
Popular sights in Kiev include Kiev Pechersk Lavra, St. Sophia's Cathedral, St. Michael's Golden Domed Monastery, and Motherland Statue and War Memorials, among many others. Popular museums include the Chornobyl Museum, the open air Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life, and the State Aviation Museum.
There are many different activities that you can enjoy in Kiev. These include visiting Hidropark Island, walking around Podil and people watching on Kreshchatyk. It's also interesting to visit an Orthodox Church while you're in town.
There are also two water parks in town. Dream town aqua park is on the left bank of the city and is one of the biggest indoor water parks in Europe. Aqua park Terminal is a large water park with plenty of slides and pools, including a wave pool.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Kiev. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Kiev Private 6-Hour Tour - Best Sights for $84 details
- Kiev One Day 6-Hour Tour for $148 details
- Private Full Day Tour Of Kyiv with Hotel Pickup Walking or By Car for $86 details
Nightlife Budget in Kiev
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $6.05 (₴251) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Kiev per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$6.05
₴251
The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Kiev. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Private Pub Crawl - Beer Tasting for $74 details
- Kiev Bar Crawl - Private Nightlife Tour for $51 details
Travel cost data last updated: Apr 4, 2025
Traveling in Kiev
Kiev, Ukraine
Kiev is the capital city and also the largest city in the Ukraine, with a population of almost 3 million in the metropolitan area. It is situated on the Dnieper River in the north central part of the country and is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, dating back to the fifth century. The people in Kiev are quite friendly and welcoming, and are happy to have you in their city. It can, however, be difficult to communicate and get around if you don't speak at least a little Russian. It is doable with a little sign language and the help of a guide book with translations though.
The climate in Kiev is humid continental and the warmest months are between June and August when the average temperature can range from 13 to 25 degrees Celsius. The winter months between December and February have an average temperature that ranges from -5 to -1 degrees Celsius. You can expect snow on the ground between mid November and the end of March.
Neighborhoods & Around
Administratively, Kiev is divided into raions, or districts. The reions include Darnytsia, Desna, Dnipro, Holosiiv, Obolon, Pechersk, Podil, Shevchenko, Solomianka, and Sviatoshyn.
Informally, the city is divided into the Right Bank and the Left Bank by the Dnieper River. The islands in the river belong to the left bank raions. The oldest parts of the city are found on the Right Bank, or western side of the river. This is also where you'll find most of the city's businesses and governmental institutions. The Left Bank, or eastern side of the river, is mostly residential. There are some large green areas as well.
Related:
Traveling alone to Moscow, St Petersburg, Stockholm or Riga and need a hostel?
Looking for a party in Copenhagen or Tallinn?
Looking for budget hostels in Scandinavia?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.