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

Should you visit Kiev or Amsterdam?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Kiev and Amsterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Kiev or Amsterdam?

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.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Kiev?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kiev is $26, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $187. 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 Kiev and Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiev $17
    Amsterdam $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiev $34
    Amsterdam $218
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Amsterdam? 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 Kiev


Hotels in Amsterdam


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: Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiev $1.03
    Amsterdam $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:

  • 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: $61
  • Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City: $67
  • Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City: $61
  • Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $61
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Boryspil Airport KBP: $61
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $55
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $61
  • Luxury Departure Transfer From Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $80
  • Private Arrival Airport Transfer from Kyiv Boryspil Airport: $30
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $24
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Chernihiv city: $147

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.43
  • Renting a Bike
    $16
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $11
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $2.79
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • Train transfer From/To Zaandijk Zaanse Schans: $5.06
  • Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Amsterdam: $6.35
  • Airport Express Bus Transfer to/from City Center: $7.00
  • 1-Way Train Transfer to/from Haarlem: $7.43
  • Train Transfer From/To Zandvoort in Amsterdam: $8.07
  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Utrecht: $12
  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Leiden: $14
  • Travel Ticket for 1-3 Days With Airport Transfer: $19
  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Rotterdam: $21
  • Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Eindhoven: $26
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Amsterdam: $27
  • From Bus Transfer to Flower Fields Keukenhof: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Kiev 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
    Kiev $7.25
    Amsterdam $47

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
  • Kyiv Restaurant Food Tour: Ukrainian Cuisine Tasting: $113
  • Private Gastro/Food Tour In Kyiv : $144
  • Cooking master class: $226

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    $6.43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.

  • Food Tour Amsterdam (Tip Based): $5.46
  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.19
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
  • Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam with Set Lunch or Dinner: $31
  • Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise: $32
  • Dinner Cruise with Fries Bitterballen and Drink from Amsterdam: $38
  • Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $40
  • Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $43
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $43
  • Food Tour Jordaan District: $51

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kiev $2.04
    Amsterdam $40

Tours and Activities in Kiev

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kiev are as follows:

  • Underground Tunnels Exploration Tour: $34
  • Kyiv Underground Tour: $35
  • Panoramic Kyiv by Night Driving Tour with Private Guide: $38
  • Kyiv Podil District Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $38
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour to Kiev Pechersk Lavra : $39
  • Private Street Art Walking Tour with Local Guide - Best of Kyiv Murals: $39
  • Sunrise in Kyiv Private Tour: $39
  • Kyiv Metro Private Tour – Highlights of the Subway Stations: $39
  • Soviet Kiev - 2 hours Walking Tour: $42
  • Kiev Open Tour - History & Modern Life in 3 hours: $43
  • Mysteries of Baikove Cemetery Private Guided Tour: $45
  • Kiev Best Sights Private Half-Day Tour : $46

Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $6.43
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $18

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Golden Age Canals Walking Tour: $1.08
  • Free walking tour of haunted Amsterdam: $1.08
  • Red Light District Haunted History Night Tour: $1.71
  • The Amsterdam Walking Tour 2 hours: $3.23
  • City Exploration Game and Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Rude Bastards Tour of Amsterdam: $3.23
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Best of Amsterdam City Tour: $3.23
  • Two-hour walking tour of Amsterdam: $3.26
  • Self Guided Tours Amsterdam With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.26
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $3.26
  • Amsterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $3.26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiev $6.40
    Amsterdam $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Kiev

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kiev:

  • Kiev Pub Crawling | Private Beer Tasting Tour: $77
  • Speakeasy Bar Crawl: $135

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $25
  • Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
  • Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $29
  • Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $32
  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $33
  • Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $38
  • Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $38
  • Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
  • Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting: $43
  • Dutch Wine Tasting || Amsterdam City Centre: $48


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kiev and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam 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 Kiev Expensive? and Is Amsterdam Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kiev or Amsterdam?

Kiev has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and Amsterdam, 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 Kiev or Amsterdam?

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 Kiev or Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Amsterdam. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kiev is generally a little warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 21°C (70°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In July, Kiev usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kiev 21°C (70°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Amsterdam. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Kiev is around the same temperature as Amsterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Kiev usually gets less rain in October than Amsterdam. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kiev 10°C (49°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. Kiev can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Kiev is much colder than Amsterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kiev in January average around -4°C (24°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In January, Kiev usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kiev -4°C (24°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Kiev during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Kiev is generally a little warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 10°C (51°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Kiev usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Amsterdam. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kiev 10°C (51°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Kiev

Kiev Amsterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (24°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)