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

Should you visit Kiev or Novalja?

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

Where Should I go: Kiev or Novalja?

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.

Novalja

Novalja is a Croatian town in the north of the island of Pag in the Adriatic Sea. Novalja is known internationally as party central because of the infamous party beach, Zrce, which boasts 4 clubs open around the clock. The pumping house/techno music and dance parties typically start at around 4 pm and continue well past 2 in the morning. During the summer, many well-known DJs and groups from around the world, including Benni Benassi, Jamie Jones, and Swanky Tunes, host concerts in these nightclubs. Zrce is not just for party-goers though. Many families lay out their towels for a day at the beautiful stone beach. This Novalja beach has cafe-bars and restaurants so you can easily grab a bite to eat or quick drink at your convenience. In addition to Zrce, Novalja offers tourists a number of other gorgeous beaches. Cista and Babe and both are perfect if you're looking for a calmer location. Both of these beaches have a lot less activity than Zrce, making for a relaxing afternoon, and their waters tend to be a bit warmer too.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Novalja 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 Novalja is $62. 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 Novalja in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiev $17
    Novalja $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiev $34
    Novalja $68
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Novalja

Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Novalja? 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 Novalja


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: Novalja Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiev $1.03
    Novalja $12

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 Novalja

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Novalja:

  • Private Transfer from Crikvenica to Rijeka Airport (RJK): $74
  • Zrce, Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport: $170

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Novalja?

Prices for flights to both Novalja 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 $7.23
    Novalja $21

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kiev $2.03
    Novalja $6.48

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 Novalja

Here are a few actual costs in Novalja for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bungee Tower Ticket with Zrce Beach Panoramic Views: $32
  • From Svetojanj Bike Tour: $47
  • Standup Paddleboard Guided Tour: $47
  • From Kolan Bike Tour: $47
  • From Metajna/Pag Bay Guided Sea Kayaking Tour: $49
  • Zrce Booze Cruise - Novalja Boat Party: $52
  • Glowing Standup Paddleboard Guided Night Tour: $58
  • Pag Island Light-Up Kayak Night Tour: $62
  • Kayak and Via Ferrata Adventure: $71
  • Zrce Beach Bungee Jumping Experience: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiev $6.37
    Novalja $7.76

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


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


Which is Bigger, Kiev or Novalja?

Kiev has a larger population, and is about 1200 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and Novalja, 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.