Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Kiev?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kiev or Kyoto?
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 Kyoto can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Kiev or Kyoto?
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.
Kyoto
Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKiev $26Kyoto $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Kiev is $26, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $96. 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 Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKiev $17Kyoto $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKiev $34Kyoto $126
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Kyoto? 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: Kyoto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kiev $1.03Kyoto $7.56
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kansai International Airport: $69
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $69
- Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $72
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $80
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $110
- Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $141
- Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $207
- Osaka (Itami) Airport ITM Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $220
- Osaka City to/from Kyoto City Private transfer: $229
- Kansai Intl. Airport KIX Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $230
- Kansai Int Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $274
- From Private 1-Way Transfer to Kansai Airport: $327
Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto 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 $7.25Kyoto $24
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $41
- Japanese Washoku Bento Cooking Class with Lunch: $46
- Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour: $47
- Japanese Home Cooking Lesson with Local Hosts in Peaceful Kyoto Suburb Otsu: $49
- Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $58
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $59
- Morning Japanese Bento Cooking Class: $61
- Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class: $61
- Japanese Cooking Class: $62
- Sushi - Authentic Japanese Cooking Class - the best souvenir from Kyoto!: $64
- Japanese Udon and Sushi Cooking Class with Tastings: $64
- Wagashi(Japanese sweets) Cooking :Kyoto near Fushimiinari: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kiev $2.04Kyoto $13
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 Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Arashiyama self guided tour app multilingual audio guide: $2.15
- Kyoto Tower Admission Ticket: $6.14
- Audio guide tour of the Kyoto Imperial Palace & surroundings: $6.54
- Nijo Castle & Kitano Tenmangu Shrine: Auidio Guide Tour: $6.54
- Audio Guide Tour through Gion: Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji: $6.54
- Audio Guide Tour of Kinkaku-ji & Ryōan-ji Areas ~ Zen Echoe: $6.54
- Audio Guide Tour: Unveiling Kyoto Station Surroundings: $6.54
- Audio Guide Tour Sanjusangen-do & Chishaku-in: $6.54
- Arashiyama: Self-Guided Audio Tour through History & Nature: $6.54
- Kyoto Gion Night Walking Tour. Up to 6 people!: $6.54
- Ninnaji Temple Entry Ticket: $7.19
- Kyoto self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $8.61
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKiev $6.40Kyoto $12
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 Kyoto
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Japanese Sake Brewery and Fushimi Inari Sightseeing Tour: $18
- Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area: $40
- Sake Brewery &Great Yakitori Experience: $78
- Sake Brewery and Tasting Tour in Fushimi: $82
- Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour: $84
- Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Sake and Food Pairing: $85
- Rural Brewery Town Walk: Half-Day Private Tour Near Kyoto: $100
- Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: $159
- Rural Villages & Brewery Town: Private 1-Day Cycling Near Kyoto: $187
- Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $195
- Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $196
- Private Guided Local Bar Crawl Experience in Kyoto: $223
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kiev and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Kiev much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kiev is in Europe and Kyoto is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Kyoto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kyoto 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 Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kiev or Kyoto?
Kiev has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?
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 Kyoto in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Kyoto. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kyoto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Kiev is generally cooler than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 21°C (70°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Kiev usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKiev 21°C (70°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Kyoto in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Kyoto. Additionally, most visitors come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Kiev is much colder than Kyoto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Kiev usually gets less rain in October than Kyoto. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKiev 10°C (49°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Kyoto in the Winter?
Both Kyoto and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Kyoto can be very cold. Kiev can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Kiev is much colder than Kyoto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kiev in January average around -4°C (24°F), and Kyoto averages at about 5°C (40°F).
In January, Kiev usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kyoto. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKiev -4°C (24°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Kyoto in the Spring?
Both Kyoto and Kiev during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.
In April, Kiev is generally cooler than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 10°C (51°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kiev usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKiev 10°C (51°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Kiev
| Kiev | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (24°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | -3°C (27°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 2°C (36°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (51°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (49°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 3°C (38°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (30°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.