A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Kiev for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hydra or Kiev?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Hydra or Kiev? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Hydra or Kiev?

Hydra

The island of Hydra is located in the Aegean Sea between the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs. Named for its natural springs, the island now has most of its freshwater imported from the mainland. The real gem of the place is the absence of motorized vehicles. Car and scooters are nowhere to be seen by the narrow marble-cobbled lanes, rocks, and sea. Such vehicles have been outlawed and so the way to navigate the island is by donkey, water taxi, or on foot.

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 Historical Tours in Greece, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Kiev or Hydra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hydra is €97, 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 Hydra and Kiev in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hydra 51
    Kiev 16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hydra 102
    Kiev 32
Compare Hotels in Hydra and Kiev

Looking for a hotel in Hydra 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.

Hotels in Hydra


Hotels in Kiev


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hydra 26
    Kiev 0.96

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 Hydra or Kiev?

Prices for flights to both Kiev and Hydra 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
    Hydra 30
    Kiev 6.77

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hydra 11
    Kiev 1.90

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hydra 11
    Kiev 5.97

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 Hydra and Kiev, we can see that Hydra 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 Hydra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hydra 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 Hydra Expensive? and Is Kiev Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hydra or Kiev?

Kiev has a larger population, and is about 1100 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra 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 Hydra 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 Hydra or Kiev in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Kiev. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hydra this time of year.

In July, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Kiev. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Kiev fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Kiev. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hydra 27°C (81°F) 
    Kiev 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Kiev in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Kiev. Many travelers come to Hydra for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Hydra is much warmer than Kiev in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Kiev fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Hydra usually gets more rain in October than Kiev. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hydra 19°C (67°F) 
    Kiev 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Kiev in the Winter?

Both Kiev and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hydra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kiev can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hydra is much warmer than Kiev. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Kiev averages at about -4°C (24°F).

In January, Hydra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kiev. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hydra 10°C (51°F) 
    Kiev -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Kiev in the Spring?

Both Kiev and Hydra during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Hydra is generally much warmer than Kiev. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Kiev fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Kiev. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hydra 16°C (60°F) 
    Kiev 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Kiev and Hydra

Hydra Kiev
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -4°C (24°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) -3°C (27°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 10°C (51°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 20°C (69°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) -1°C (30°F) 52 mm (2 in)