Which place is cheaper, Kiev or Bucharest?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bucharest or Kiev?
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 Bucharest and Kiev. 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: Bucharest or Kiev?
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.
Kiev
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBucharest $137Kiev $26
The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $137, while the average daily cost in Kiev is $26. 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 Bucharest and Kiev in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBucharest $63Kiev $17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBucharest $126Kiev $34
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Kiev
Looking for a hotel in Bucharest or Kiev? 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.
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: Bucharest Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bucharest $26Kiev $1.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:
- Therme Bucharest Express Shuttle Transfer: $7.63
- Bucharest Airport Transfer: $11
- Bucuresti: Transfer Therme Bucuresti different hours: $12
- Therme Bucuresti Transfer with Optional Ticket: $13
- Bucharest Transfer Service: $17
- Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Tecuci: $21
- Airport Transfer: $21
- Private Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP) Transfer: $22
- Bucharest Private Airport Transfer from or to City Center Hotel: $22
- Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Barlad: $24
- Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Vaslui OMV: $26
- Bucharest Otopeni Airport OTP to Bucharest City Center Hotel - private transfer: $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:
- Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City in Business Car: $60
- Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City in Luxury Van: $67
- Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev City to Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP in Business Car: $60
- Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV in Business Car: $55
- Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City in Luxury Van: $60
- Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City: $67
- Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $55
- Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $60
- Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Boryspil Airport KBP: $60
- Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $60
- Luxury Arrival Transfer From Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $80
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer from Kyiv Boryspil Airport: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Kiev?
Prices for flights to both Kiev and Bucharest 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
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Food Meals for one dayBucharest $58Kiev $7.23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.
- Dinner at the Museum of Communism - Traditional Food Tour: $53
- Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $60
- Cooking Class traditional food: $65
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $74
- Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $75
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $84
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $86
- Private Walking Food Tour - Culture, History & Traditions: $98
- Historical and Cultural Tour with Romanian Cuisine dinner: $141
- Cooking Class in Transylvania - Day Tour from Bucharest: $182
- 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $202
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kiev
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kiev.
- "Kiev Private Food Tour" - Taste the best Ukraine has to offer: $53
- Ukrainian cooking master class − the tastiest master class in Kyiv: $103
- Kyiv Restaurant Food Tour: Ukrainian Cuisine Tasting: $112
- Private Gastro/Food Tour In Kyiv : $144
- Cooking master class: $226
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bucharest $15Kiev $2.03
Tours and Activities in Bucharest
Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tour Reyes y Palacios Bucarest: $11
- Reptiland Bucharest Entry Ticket: $13
- Communism Walking Tour from Lenin to Ceausescu in Bucharest: $13
- A Tale of Bucharest Old Town Walking Tour: $16
- City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $17
- Bucharest Highlights Walking Tour: $17
- Calea Victoriei and Old Town Highlights Tour: $19
- Parliament Palace Skip-the-line Ticket: $20
- Palace of Parliament Bucharest 1 Hour Guided Tour: $21
- Virtual Reality Experience: $21
- Buchaest: Peles Castle, Bran Castle, & Brasov Old Town Tour: $21
- Guided Tour at museum Casa Storck: $21
Tours and Activities in Kiev
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kiev are as follows:
- Memories of a Revolution: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Kyiv: $6.22
- Custom Kyiv Walking Tour with Private Local Guide: $28
- 2 Hours Kyiv Street Art Tour : $32
- Underground Tunnels Exploration Tour: $34
- Kiev guided walking tour: discover highlights and hidden gems of the capital: $34
- Private Ukrainian Street Art Tour in Kiev: $35
- Sightseeing City Tour: $35
- Kyiv Podil District Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $38
- Kyiv Old Town Private Walking Tour: $38
- Panoramic Kyiv by Night Driving Tour with Private Guide: $38
- Kiev Open Tour - History & Modern Life in 3 hours: $42
- Kyiv Street Art Tour: $44
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBucharest $9.17Kiev $6.37
Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest
Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Weekend Pub Crawl: $24
- Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
- From Romanian Wine Tasting Tour: $26
- Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $37
- Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $43
- Private Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $43
- Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $47
- Romanian Wine Tasting: $49
- Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $51
- Bucharest Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $57
- Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $59
- Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $84
Sample the Local Flavors in Kiev
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kiev:
- Kiev Bar Crawl - Private Nightlife Tour: $49
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Kiev, we can see that Bucharest is more expensive. And not only is Kiev much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kiev would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kiev 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 Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest than you might in Kiev.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bucharest Expensive? and Is Kiev Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Kiev?
Kiev has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Bucharest. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Kiev, 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 Bucharest or Kiev?
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 Bucharest or Kiev in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Kiev. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Bucharest is around the same temperature as Kiev. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Kiev averages at about 21°C (70°F).
In July, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Kiev. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBucharest 23°C (73°F)Kiev 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Kiev in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Kiev. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Bucharest is generally a little warmer than Kiev. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Kiev fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Kiev. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBucharest 13°C (55°F)Kiev 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Kiev in the Winter?
Both Kiev and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Kiev can be very cold. Bucharest can be very cold during winter. Bucharest is much warmer than Kiev in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Kiev fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).
In January, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Kiev. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBucharest -1°C (29°F)Kiev -4°C (24°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Kiev in the Spring?
Both Kiev and Bucharest during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the activities around the city.
In the spring, Bucharest is a little warmer than Kiev. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Kiev averages at about 10°C (51°F).
Bucharest usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kiev. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBucharest 12°C (54°F)Kiev 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Kiev and Bucharest
| Bucharest | Kiev | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (29°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (44°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.