Which place is cheaper, Edinburgh or Kiev?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kiev or Edinburgh?
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 Edinburgh can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Kiev or Edinburgh?
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.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the moderately sized capital of Scotland. It is a medieval city that has managed to perfect the combination of Georgian architecture and medieval relics with a cosmopolitan population and avant-garde atmosphere. The city's population is quite young, in large part because of the University of Edinburgh. This youthful vibe gives this city a lot of vitality. There's a thriving nightlife, many restaurants, theatres, galleries and museums.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 10-Day Tours from London.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKiev $26Edinburgh $178
The average daily cost (per person) in Kiev is $26, while the average daily cost in Edinburgh is $178. 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 Edinburgh in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKiev $17Edinburgh $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKiev $34Edinburgh $186
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Edinburgh
Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Edinburgh? 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: Edinburgh Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kiev $1.03Edinburgh $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:
- VIP Airport Transfer Service in Kiev: $43
- Strategic Missile Forces Base: Round-Trip Transfer from Kyiv& Museum Guided Tour: $146
- Private transfer: Boryspil International Airport to Kyiv: $48
- Private Transfer: From Kyiv city to Kyiv Boryspil International Airport : $37
- Private Transfer from Zhulyany (Kyiv International Airport) to Kyiv: $42
- Private Transfer Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Zhytomyr.: $173
- Private Departure Transfer To Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $24
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Chernihiv city: $147
- Private Arrival Transfer From Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $24
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer from Kyiv Boryspil Airport: $30
- Luxury Departure Transfer From Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $80
- Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $61
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Edinburgh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Edinburgh:
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Local Bus$4.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edinburgh
Also for Edinburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Edinburgh Airport: Bus Transfer: $5.65
- Private Transfer from Edinburgh Airport to South Queensferry Port: $28
- Private Transfer from Edinburgh Hotels to Newhaven Cruise Port: $28
- Private Transfer from South Queensferry Port to Edinburgh hotels: $28
- Private Transfer from South Queensferry Port to Edinburgh Airport: $28
- Edinburgh Airport: Private Arrival or Departure Transfers: $38
- Private One-Way Transfer from Edinburgh to Edinburgh Airport: $41
- Private Transfer - South Queensferry Port to Glasgow Airport(GLA): $46
- Private Transfer from South Queensferry Port to Glasgow Hotels: $50
- Royal Highland Braemar Gathering, transfer from Edinburgh: $56
- Edinburgh Airport EDI to Edinburgh Accommodation Arrival Transfer: $59
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Glasgow - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Edinburgh?
Prices for flights to both Edinburgh 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 $7.25Edinburgh $49
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 Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$11
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Dinner at Filling Station$13
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Lunch for Two$19
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Sandwich$2.32
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Cheese & bread$9.07
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Thai Restaurant Dinner (for 2)$31
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2 Coffees and Scones$7.28
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Turkish Delight$1.76
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Soup at the Pub$7.40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $31
- Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
- Scottish Dinner and Folk Music Experience: $88
- Edinburgh Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $90
- Edinburgh Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $90
- Edinburgh Food Tour: $100
- 'Scotland meets Sardinia' - 8-course Dinner in Leith, Edinburgh: $110
- 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour: $116
- Edinburgh Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $121
- The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh With Locals: Private Food Tour: $162
- Edinburgh Food Tour with a Local Foodie Custom & Private: $188
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kiev $2.04Edinburgh $25
Tours and Activities in Kiev
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kiev are as follows:
- "Kiev Private Nightlife Tour" - Visit Secret Bars & Party with Locals: $53
- 1- or 3-Hour Private Kyiv Guided Bike Tour: $56
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour to Kiev Pechersk Lavra : $39
- 2-Day Small-Group Tour to Lviv from Kiev by Intercity Train: $225
- 2-days Group Tour To The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone: $279
- 3-Hour Kiev Private Gastro Tour: $88
- 3-Hour Kiev Street Art Private Tour: $53
- Adventure City Center Tour : $120
- Bohemian Podil Tour: $120
- Chernobyl Exclusion Zone 1-day tour: $98
- Chernobyl Tour with Gift : $107
- Discover Kyiv: The Most Complete 6 Hours Private Sightseeing Tour by car: $162
Typical Entertainment Prices in Edinburgh
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Edinburgh's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Show Tickets$40
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Movie Tickets for Two$15
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Donation for Storytellers$7.53
Tours and Activities in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Escape Game and Tour: $3.77
- Edinburgh Stand Up Comedy Ticket Show in Scotland: $5.08
- Audio Tour Royal Mile: del Castillo hasta "The Tron Kirk": $5.37
- Edinbourgh, Royal mile: walking tour with audio guide: $5.38
- Edinburgh Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $5.60
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- Audio Tour through History of Crime: $7.00
- Edinburgh Royal mile: Self-guided walking tour: $7.20
- Must-See In App Audio Tour: $7.61
- Harry Potter’s A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Edinburgh Royal Mile (New Self Guided Tour) : $8.02
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKiev $6.40Edinburgh $19
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 Edinburgh
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Edinburgh from other travelers:
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Beer & Wine$18
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Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern$2.07
Sample the Local Flavors in Edinburgh
Also in Edinburgh, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl with Free Shots & Discounts: $11
- Edinburgh Bar Crawl: 5+ Venues, Free Shots, Free Club Entry: $19
- Pub Crawl in Edinburgh: $19
- Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour with "Real-Actors": $25
- East Lothian: Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting: $26
- Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery: $28
- Pub Crawl 7 Bars with 6 Shots: $31
- Whisky Tasting and Tales at Summerhall Distillery: $31
- Lind & Lime Gin Distillery Tour & Tasting: $31
- Pickering's Gin Jolly Distillery Tasting Tour: $31
- Visit a Working South Loch Gin Distillery: $32
- The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kiev and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kiev or Edinburgh?
Kiev has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh?
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 Kiev or Edinburgh in the Summer?
Both Edinburgh and Kiev during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Kiev is generally a little warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 21°C (70°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Kiev usually gets more rain in July than Edinburgh. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKiev 21°C (70°F)Edinburgh 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Edinburgh in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Edinburgh. Also, most visitors come to Edinburgh for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Kiev is around the same temperature as Edinburgh in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In October, Kiev usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKiev 10°C (49°F)Edinburgh 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Edinburgh in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Edinburgh. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
The weather in Edinburgh can be very cold. Kiev can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Kiev is much colder than Edinburgh. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kiev in January average around -4°C (24°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 3°C (38°F).
Kiev usually gets less rain in January than Edinburgh. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKiev -4°C (24°F)Edinburgh 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Edinburgh in the Spring?
Both Edinburgh and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year.
In April, Kiev is generally a little warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 10°C (51°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
In April, Kiev usually receives more rain than Edinburgh. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKiev 10°C (51°F)Edinburgh 7°C (45°F)
Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Kiev
| Kiev | Edinburgh | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (24°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | -3°C (27°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 2°C (36°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (51°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (49°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 3°C (38°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (30°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 64 mm (2.5 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.