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

Should you visit Kiev or London?

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 London can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Kiev or London?

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.

London

The capital of the United Kingdom is a thriving multicultural metropolis. Steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, London is energetic, majestic, ambitious and one of the world's greatest cities. London is a cultural and fashion capital, a great place to go out, an amazing place to eat and one of those cities that is constantly changing with new and exciting things sprouting up almost every day. History and tradition greet you at every turn in the UK's capital. London is also a city with an edgy underbelly, delighting in neon pink dive bars, cheeky graffiti and mind-blowing street food. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub or relax in one of the city's many parks. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is busy, vibrant and very tourist friendly. The only problem with London is that it's very expensive; it can eat away at your budget if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are also tons of free or cheap things to do in London that can fill your time.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, London 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 London is $238. 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 London in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiev $17
    London $154
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiev $34
    London $308
Compare Hotels in Kiev and London

Looking for a hotel in Kiev or London? 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 London


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: London Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiev $1.03
    London $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:

  • Private Transfer Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Zhytomyr.: $173
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Chernihiv city: $147
  • Strategic Missile Forces Base: Round-Trip Transfer from Kyiv& Museum Guided Tour: $146
  • Luxury Departure Transfer From Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $80
  • Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City: $67
  • Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City in Luxury Van: $61
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Boryspil Airport KBP: $61
  • Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City: $61
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $61
  • Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $61
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $55
  • Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV in Business Car: $55

Typical Local Transportation Prices in London

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in London:


  • Taxi Ride
    $18
  • Heathrow Express
    $23
  • Luggage Storage
    $10
  • London Map
    $1.62
  • Oyster Card
    $45
  • Train to Gatwick Airport (2)
    $27
  • Oyster Card
    $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in London

Also for London, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bus Transfer between Heathrow Airport & Premier Inn: $7.53
  • Transfer Heathrow Airport to/from Renaissance Hotel: $8.53
  • Bus Transfer Between Heathrow Airport & Radisson RED: $8.53
  • Heathrow Airport to North London Private Transfer: $13
  • Gatwick Airport: Bus Transfer from/to Central London: $13
  • Gatwick Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Bristol: $15
  • Heathrow Airport to/from Central London Bus Transfer: $15
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Birmingham: $16
  • Luton Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Birmingham: $17
  • Bus Transfer between Heathrow & Luton Airports: $17
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Bristol City Center: $17
  • Luton Airport to/from Central London Bus Transfer: $18

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or London?

Prices for flights to both London 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
    London $43

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 London

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:


  • Lunch at Starbucks
    $16
  • Tea
    $7.53
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    $49
  • Morning Tea
    $7.97
  • Pastry
    $6.27
  • Sushi Dinner for One
    $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London

For London, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Borough Market Self-guided food tour: $5.76
  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $35
  • Picadilly Circus: Hard Rock Cafe Set Menu Lunch or Dinner: $36
  • Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $38
  • Traveling Spoon Nepalese Momos Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Pizza Making Cookery Class: $53
  • No Diet Club - Best food Tour in East London: $68
  • African & Caribbean Food Tour in Multi-Cultural Brixton: $74
  • Borough Bites, The London Food Tour: $74
  • Borough Market Flavors of London Food Tour: $74
  • Plant Power - Vegan Food Tour: $88
  • Traditional English Walking Food Tour With London Food Tours: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kiev $2.04
    London $41

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 London

For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Two Tickets to a Concert
    $104
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    $43
  • London Pass
    $59
  • Comedy Show
    $10

Tours and Activities in London

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.

  • London's Hidden Gems Self Guided City Tour: $3.26
  • London Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $3.28
  • Harry Potter Movie Locations Self Walking Tour: $3.77
  • Jack the Ripper Self Guided Audio Tour in London: $4.91
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in London: $5.45
  • Soho's Contribution to Health Care History Walking Audio Tour: $5.48
  • Bloomsbury's Contribution to Health Care History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.48
  • Covent Garden: A Self-Guided Photography Tour : $5.54
  • Brick Lane: A self-guided audio tour of East London's vibrant jewel: $5.54
  • Camden Town's Quirky Characters: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.54
  • London Lights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Cultural Capital of the World: $5.54
  • Secret An audio tour about the heritage of the city's Russian immigrants: $5.54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiev $6.40
    London $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

Sample the Local Flavors in London

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

  • Self Guided Audio Tour in London Old Pub Crawl: $7.63
  • Fun London Pub Crawl Treasure Hunt with 20% off ALL drinks!: $13
  • 2-Hour Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $20
  • Haunted London Pub Walking Tour: $20
  • 1 Big Night Out Weekday Pub Crawl: $24
  • Craft Brewery Tour with Tasting of 4 Beers: $25
  • Shoreditch Pub Crawl in London: $25
  • Guided Historic Pub Tour (London): $27
  • Pub Crawl of Central London: $29
  • Camden Pub Crawl & Bar Tour London: $31
  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $31
  • Burlesque Cabaret Show in Covent Garden: $31


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


Which is Bigger, Kiev or London?

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

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 London in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kiev as well as London. Additionally, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to London this time of year.

Kiev is a little warmer than London in the summer. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and London fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Kiev usually gets more rain in July than London. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kiev 21°C (70°F) 
    London 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Kiev or London in the Autumn?

Both London and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kiev is cooler than London. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kiev in October average around 10°C (49°F), and London averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In October, Kiev usually receives less rain than London. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kiev 10°C (49°F) 
    London 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Kiev or London in the Winter?

Both London and Kiev during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to London in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

London can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kiev. In January, Kiev is generally much colder than London. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around -4°C (24°F), and London fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Kiev usually gets less rain in January than London. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kiev -4°C (24°F) 
    London 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Kiev or London in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and London. Also, most visitors come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Kiev is a little warmer than London in the spring. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 10°C (51°F) in April, and London fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In April, Kiev usually receives more rain than London. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kiev 10°C (51°F) 
    London 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for London and Kiev

Kiev London
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (24°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)