Which place is cheaper, New York City or Kiev?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Kiev or New York City?
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 New York City can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Kiev or New York City?
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.
New York City
The most populated city in the United States, New York City, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River and encompasses both the island of Manhattan as well as the surrounding land on Long Island, most of which is known as Brooklyn. It's a cultural, culinary, theatrical, and art center that has much to offer domestic and international travelers alike. The city covers an area of 305 square miles and has a population of about 8.2 million people in the city proper with 18.7 million in the metropolitan area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKiev $26New York City $326
The average daily cost (per person) in Kiev is $26, while the average daily cost in New York City is $326. 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 New York City in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKiev $17New York City $175
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKiev $34New York City $350
Compare Hotels in Kiev and New York City
Looking for a hotel in Kiev or New York City? 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: New York City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kiev $1.03New York City $49
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 New York City
Some typical examples of transportation costs in New York City are as follows:
-
Subway$4.50
-
Taxi Ride$8.00
-
Subway$2.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in New York City
Also for New York City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Manhattan: Bus Transfer from/to Newark Airport: $21
- New York: 1-Way Transfer to/from JFK & Grand Central Station: $27
- Midtown/Lower Manhattan -JFK: Private Airport Departure Transfers: $29
- Newark Liberty International Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to / from NYC: $34
- Private Departure Transfers from Upper Manhattan to JFK Airport: $34
- Manhattan to EWR: One Way Shared Departure Transfer: $34
- EWR to Manhattan: One Way Shared Arrival Transfer: $34
- JFK to Manhattan: One Way Shared Arrival Transfer : $34
- LGA to Manhattan: One Way Shared Arrival Transfer: $34
- Manhattan to JFK: One Way Shared Departure Transfer : $34
- Manhattan to LGA: One Way Shared Departure Transfer: $34
- NYC: One-Way Shared Transfer to or from Newark Airport: $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or New York City?
Prices for flights to both New York City 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 $7.25New York City $50
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 New York City
For New York City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Gelato$7.50
-
Snacks for Two at Yankees Game$34
-
Coffee$6.53
-
Smoothie$6.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New York City
For New York City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- New York, Queens Culinary Stroll : Food Tour on Foot: $26
- Lower East Side and Essex Market Multicultural Food Tour: $39
- Half-Day Private Pizza Crawl in Manhattan: $40
- Ultimate Greenwich Village NYC Food Tour: $63
- NYC: Greenwich Village Guided Food Tour: $63
- Pizza Walking Tour of Downtown Brooklyn: $65
- Greenwich Village NYC Pizza Walking Tour: $65
- West Village Pizza Walk: $65
- East Village Pizza Walk: $65
- Downtown Brooklyn Pizza Walking Tour: $65
- East Village NYC Pizza Walking Tour: $65
- Gastro Pub Pre/Post Theater Dinner in Times Square: $67
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kiev $2.04New York City $180
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 New York City
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New York City's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Comedy Show Tickets$56
-
City Map$8.00
-
Broadway Musical$111
-
Broadway Show Program$10
-
Magazine$6.99
Tours and Activities in New York City
For New York City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Central Park NYC: First Discovery Walk and Reading Tour: $3.23
- Brooklyn Bridge Self-Guided Bike or Walking Tour Application: $5.00
- Self Guided Central Park Bike or Walking Tour Application: $5.00
- Central Park: Self-guided Bike Tour App - Audio + Written: $5.00
- Marvel Universe in New York In-app Audio Tour in English: $5.00
- New York City's Financial District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- New York World's Fair Site: Explore its utopian future on an audio tour: $5.39
- Broadway: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the World's Iconic Theatre District: $5.39
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in New York: $5.45
- Central Park Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
- Self Guided "Central Park Movie Tour" Solo Walking Tour in New York City: $6.75
- Private Haunted and Historic Audio Tour in Greenwich Village: $6.95
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Things to do in New York City with Kids, Things to Do in Central Park in NYC, and The Best Museums in New York City.
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKiev $6.40New York City $29
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 New York City
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New York City:
- NYC West Village Pub Crawl: $22
- Pub Crawl and Rooftop Clubbing Experience: $29
- New York Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
- NYC: Brooklyn Nightlife Pub Crawl: $34
- New York Rooftop Pub Crawl: $39
- NYC: Tour Manhattan's Only Whiskey Distillery with Tastings: $42
- Lower East Side & Alphabet City divebar crawl w the Bar Buds: $48
- Little Italy Prohibition Pub Crawl: $64
- Lower East Side Prohibition Pub Crawl: $74
- New York Wine Tasting Experience : $98
- Guided Brooklyn Craft Brewery Tour: $99
- Hudson Valley Craft Brewery Bike Tour: $145
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kiev and New York City, we can see that New York City 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 New York City is in North America, 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City 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 New York City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kiev or New York City?
New York City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kiev. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and New York City, 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 New York City?
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 New York City in the Summer?
Both New York City and Kiev during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Kiev is cooler than New York City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kiev in July average around 21°C (70°F), and New York City averages at about 77°F (25°C).
New York City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kiev usually gets less rain in July than New York City. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKiev 21°C (70°F)New York City 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Kiev or New York City in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and New York City. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to New York City because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Kiev is generally cooler than New York City. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 10°C (49°F), and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
In October, Kiev usually receives less rain than New York City. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKiev 10°C (49°F)New York City 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Kiev or New York City in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kiev as well as New York City. Additionally, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to New York City this time of year.
It's quite cold in New York City in the winter. The weather in Kiev can be very cold. Kiev is much colder than New York City in the winter. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around -4°C (24°F) in January, and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).
Kiev usually gets less rain in January than New York City. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKiev -4°C (24°F)New York City 31°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Kiev or New York City in the Spring?
Both New York City and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Kiev is around the same temperature as New York City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kiev in April average around 10°C (51°F), and New York City averages at about 52°F (11°C).
In April, Kiev usually receives less rain than New York City. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKiev 10°C (51°F)New York City 52°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for New York City and Kiev
| Kiev | New York City | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (24°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Feb | -3°C (27°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Mar | 2°C (36°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 42°F (6°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Apr | 10°C (51°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.8 inches (98 mm) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
| Jun | 20°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Oct | 10°C (49°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Nov | 3°C (38°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Dec | -1°C (30°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 3.4 inches (88 mm) |
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.