Which place is cheaper, Brussels or Kiev?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kiev or Brussels?
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 Brussels can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Kiev or Brussels?
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.
Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKiev $26Brussels $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Kiev is $26, while the average daily cost in Brussels is $147. 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 Brussels in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKiev $17Brussels $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKiev $34Brussels $156
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Brussels
Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Brussels? 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: Brussels Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kiev $1.03Brussels $18
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 Brussels
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:
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Subway Pass$4.82
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Atomium train ticket (2)$8.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:
- Brussels Airport: Transfer to/from Gent Sint Pieters Station: $11
- Airport Transfer to/from Lille City Center: $16
- Brussels to Ostend Airport (OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
- Airport Arrivals Private Transfer to the City: $60
- Private arrival OR departure transfer in Brussels from/to airport: $60
- Arrival Transfer from Brussels Train Station to Brussels by Sedan: $64
- Arrival Private Transfer Brussels Train Station to Brussels by Luxury Car or Van: $68
- VIP Transfer between City/ Airport and Ghent: $70
- Airport transfers from Brussels to Zaventem Brussels airport by luxury car: $74
- Brussels City all area to Brussels Airport BRU - Private Airport transfer 1-7pax: $75
- Brussels City all area to Brussels Airport BRU - Private Airport transfer 1-3pax: $75
- Private Departure Transfer from Brussels City to Brussels Airport by luxury car: $78
Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Brussels?
Prices for flights to both Brussels 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
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Food Meals for one dayKiev $7.25Brussels $41
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 Brussels
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:
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Ice Cream & Macaroons$4.93
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Dessert (Turkish Delights)$5.09
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Cheese$6.00
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Olives and Snacks$7.48
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Waffle$3.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
- Chocolate and Beer Food Tour of Brussels: $43
- City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $61
- Food Tour in Brussels - Do Eat Better Experience: $106
- Brussels Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $130
- Secret Food Tours Brussels: $138
- Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $160
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kiev $2.04Brussels $25
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
Tours and Activities in Brussels
Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Historical Walking Tour: The Story of Brussels - by Legends: $3.26
- Free Tour of Brussels in Italian (with booking fee): $3.26
- BELvue Belgium History Museum Entry Ticket: $5.38
- 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $5.99
- A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $7.00
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.27
- Museum Halle Gate Entry Ticket: $7.53
- Brussels’ Noble Beginnings: An Upper Town Audio Tour: $7.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKiev $6.40Brussels $14
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$11
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Beer$6.43
Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:
- Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience: $17
- Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kiev and Brussels, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kiev or Brussels?
Kiev has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and Brussels, 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 Brussels?
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 Brussels in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Brussels. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Kiev is a little warmer than Brussels. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kiev in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Brussels averages at about 18°C (65°F).
In July, Kiev usually receives more rain than Brussels. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKiev 21°C (70°F)Brussels 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Brussels in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Brussels. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Kiev is generally cooler than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 10°C (49°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Kiev usually gets less rain in October than Brussels. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKiev 10°C (49°F)Brussels 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Brussels in the Winter?
Both Brussels and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.
It's quite cold in Brussels in the winter. The weather in Kiev can be very cold. Kiev is much colder than Brussels in the winter. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around -4°C (24°F) in January, and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In January, Kiev usually receives less rain than Brussels. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKiev -4°C (24°F)Brussels 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Brussels in the Spring?
Both Brussels and Kiev during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Brussels for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Kiev is around the same temperature as Brussels. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kiev in April average around 10°C (51°F), and Brussels averages at about 10°C (49°F).
Kiev usually gets less rain in April than Brussels. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKiev 10°C (51°F)Brussels 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Brussels and Kiev
| Kiev | Brussels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (24°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | -3°C (27°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 2°C (36°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (51°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (49°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 3°C (38°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (30°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 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.