Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Kiev?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Kiev or Dresden?
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 Dresden can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Kiev or Dresden?
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.
Dresden
As towering baroque architecture and verdant woodlands surround your vision, this cityscape works almost as a time capsule of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, untouched by the burdens of modernity. With a melange of cultures and histories, Dresden, Germany stands before you. The capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, Dresden is globally known for its celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed Old Town. From the baroque church Frauenkirche to the Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace, the aesthetic value of this Germany city is simply immeasurable. Located on the gorgeous Elbe River, Dresden receives about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. Nevertheless, despite the traditional German culture its most historic buildings exude, Dresden is still touched by the present-day generation with its abundance of restaurants, clubs, shops, and theaters. Whether you wish to gaze at the Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" or simply go for a quick shopping run, Dresden obliges its guests most satisfactorily.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKiev $26Dresden $145
The average daily cost (per person) in Kiev is $26, while the average daily cost in Dresden is $145. 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 Dresden in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKiev $17Dresden $66
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKiev $34Dresden $132
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Dresden
Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Dresden? 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: Dresden Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kiev $1.03Dresden $11
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:
- Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - Business Van: $77
- Private Transfer from Dresden City to Leipzig City: $83
- Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - First Class: $136
- One-Way Transfer from Dresden Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $146
- Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $158
Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Dresden?
Prices for flights to both Dresden 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 dayKiev $7.23Dresden $33
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dresden
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dresden.
- Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $51
- Winterlights Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $59
- Dinner-Show "INDUSTRIELLE REVOLUTION": $117
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kiev $2.03Dresden $10
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
Tours and Activities in Dresden
Here are a few actual costs in Dresden for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Secrets of Old The Lost Treasure Adventure: $4.27
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
- River Elbe Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
- Old Town Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.42
- Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour : $7.99
- Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.45
- Tour of VW's Transparent Factory: $9.62
- The Green Factory Tour VW Transparent Factory: $9.62
- Special Tour for Children & Families VW Factory: $9.62
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKiev $6.37Dresden $17
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Dresden
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dresden:
- Dresden Bike Tour with Wine Tasting: $53
- Radeberger Brewery Tour in German: $57
- Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kiev and Dresden, we can see that Dresden 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 Dresden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dresden 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 Dresden Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kiev or Dresden?
Kiev has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Dresden. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and Dresden, 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 Dresden?
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 Dresden in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Dresden. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Kiev is around the same temperature as Dresden in the summer. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In July, Kiev usually receives more rain than Dresden. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKiev 21°C (70°F)Dresden 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Dresden in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Dresden. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.
In the autumn, Kiev is cooler than Dresden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kiev in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Dresden averages at about 11°C (51°F).
Kiev usually gets less rain in October than Dresden. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKiev 10°C (49°F)Dresden 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Dresden in the Winter?
Both Dresden and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Dresden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Dresden. It's quite cold in Kiev in the winter. In January, Kiev is generally much colder than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around -4°C (24°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
In January, Kiev usually receives more rain than Dresden. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKiev -4°C (24°F)Dresden 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Dresden in the Spring?
Both Dresden and Kiev during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the spring for the activities around the city.
Kiev is around the same temperature as Dresden in the spring. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 10°C (51°F) in April, and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Kiev usually gets less rain in April than Dresden. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKiev 10°C (51°F)Dresden 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Dresden and Kiev
| Kiev | Dresden | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (24°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | -3°C (27°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 2°C (36°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (51°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (49°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 3°C (38°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (30°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.