Which place is cheaper, Kiev or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Heraklion or Kiev?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Kiev can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Heraklion or Kiev?
Heraklion
The largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion on first glance is almost completely modern - a frenzy of traffic, concrete, and dust. Do not expect pristine beaches and glittering waves (those can be found on other parts of Crete). Heraklion is first and foremost a city. Once you get past its grittiness, you will find that there are some attractive features beneath first impressions. The antiquity of the place lies embedded in the modern and is presented in one of the best museums in Greece, the food is excellent, and the people are friendly and welcoming. And though the sea is not great for swimming, its presence along the Venetian port will take you to another time if you need a break from Heraklion's bustling center.
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 10-Day Tours in Greece, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHeraklion €158Kiev €24
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Kiev is €24. 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 Heraklion and Kiev in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeraklion €81Kiev €16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeraklion €162Kiev €32
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Kiev
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion 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: Heraklion Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heraklion €31Kiev €0.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion
Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-Way Shared Transfer From or To Heraklion Air - Hersonissos: $16
- Acqua Plus Water Park Admission with Optional Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer in Crete: $33
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOKKINI HANI area up to 7 customers: $44
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to AMMOUDARA HERAKLION area up to 7: $47
- Crete Private Transfer from Heraklion to Hersonissos: $51
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to ANISSARAS area up to 7 customers: $61
- VIP Private Transfer: Heraklion - Analipsi Hotels & Villas: $62
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to HERSONISSOS area up to 7 customers: $62
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOUTOULOUFARI area up to 7 : $62
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to AGIA PELAGIA area up to 7 customers: $62
- Transfer Heraklio Airport to ANALIPSI area up to 7 customers: $62
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:
- Zhyliany Airport Kyiv: Private Arrival or Departure Transfer from Kiev: $31
- VIP Airport Transfer Service in Kiev: $43
- Strategic Missile Forces Base: Round-Trip Transfer from Kyiv& Museum Guided Tour: $145
- Private Transfer: From Kyiv city to Zhulyany International Airport: $54
- Private Transfer Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Zhytomyr.: $173
- Private Departure Transfer: International Airport Kyiv Zhuliany from Kyiv Hotel: $29
- Private Departure Transfer To Kyiv International Airport Zhuliany(IEV): $24
- Private Arrival Transfer From Kyiv International Airport Zhuliany(IEV): $24
- Private Arrival Transfer From Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $24
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer from Kyiv Boryspil Airport: $30
- Luxury Arrival Transfer From Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $80
- Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Kiev?
Prices for flights to both Kiev and Heraklion 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 dayHeraklion €52Kiev €6.77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Troy Dinner-Show: $33
- Spectacular Dinner-Show: $44
- From Village Cretan Night, Live Dancers & dinner: $48
- Cretan Night with Dinner & Live Show: $49
- Crete: Olive Oil Festival, Farm Dinner, Live Show & Pickup: $59
- Cretan Farm with scenic view: Olive Mill Festival & dinner: $64
- Amazing Sunset Safari Route with Dinner: $84
- Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $86
- Crete: Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine: $90
- Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $97
- Food tour tasting walking tour: $123
- E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $125
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.Heraklion €38Kiev €1.90
Tours and Activities in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Heraklion Area: CRETAquarium Admission Ticket: $8.56
- CRETAquarium Entrance Ticket in Crete: $8.73
- Mobile Self-Guided Audio Sightseeing Tour: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Crete: Palace of Knossos E-Ticket and Optional Audio Guide: $11
- Herakleion: City Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
- Heraklion Market & CretAquarium *Skip the line: $16
- Heraklion City Tour - Aquarium: $17
- Knossos Palace: E-ticket with Audio and Heraklion City Tour: $18
- Party Bike 1 hour Experience in Malia : $19
- Knossos Self-Guided Treasure Hunt & Tour KIDS: $21
- Minoan Day Experience: $22
Tours and Activities in Kiev
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kiev are as follows:
- "Kiev Private 6 Hour Food, History & Nightlife Tour": $92
- 1- or 3-Hour Private Kyiv Guided Bike Tour: $56
- 2 Hours Kyiv Street Art Tour : $32
- 2-Day Small-Group Tour to Lviv from Kiev by Intercity Train: $224
- 2-days Group Tour To The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone: $279
- 3-Day Small-Group Highlights Tour of Kyiv: $279
- Adventure City Center Tour : $120
- Best Kyiv Architecture tour, city from a height: $70
- Borodyanka, Bucha, Irpin, Banksy & More Graffiti Tour: $180
- Chernobyl Exclusion Zone 1-day tour: $97
- Chernobyl Tour with Gift : $107
- Custom Kyiv Walking Tour with Private Local Guide: $28
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHeraklion €26Kiev €5.97
Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion
Also in Heraklion, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $95
- Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $115
- Ecobike Tour with Wine Tasting: $118
- Luxury Private Wine Tasting Experience in Haralabakis Winery: $119
- Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with wine Tastings: $125
- Half Day Semi Private Wine Tour with Tastings: $134
- Semi Private Heraklion Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $159
- The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $180
- Private SUV Wine Tour with Lunch: $183
- Full Day Private Crete Wine Tour Experience from Heraklion : $190
- Full day Knossos Palace, Local Distillery, Lunch @ Archanes: $192
- Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $196
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 Heraklion and Kiev, we can see that Heraklion 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 Heraklion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heraklion 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 Heraklion Expensive? and Is Kiev Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Kiev?
Kiev has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Kiev?
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 Heraklion or Kiev in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Kiev. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Heraklion is a little warmer than Kiev. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Kiev averages at about 21°C (70°F).
Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Kiev. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHeraklion 25°C (78°F)Kiev 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Kiev in the Autumn?
Both Kiev and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Kiev. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Kiev fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Kiev. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHeraklion 20°C (68°F)Kiev 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Kiev in the Winter?
Both Kiev and Heraklion during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Kiev in the winter. Heraklion is much warmer than Kiev in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Kiev fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).
Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Kiev. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHeraklion 12°C (54°F)Kiev -4°C (24°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Kiev in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Kiev. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year.
In the spring, Heraklion is much warmer than Kiev. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Kiev averages at about 10°C (51°F).
In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Kiev. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHeraklion 16°C (61°F)Kiev 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Kiev and Heraklion
| Heraklion | Kiev | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 77 mm (3 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.