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

Should you visit Kiev or Phoenix?

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

Where Should I go: Kiev or Phoenix?

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.

Phoenix

The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.


Which place is cheaper, Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiev $17
    Phoenix $144
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiev $34
    Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Phoenix

Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix


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: Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiev $1.03
    Phoenix $39

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix

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

  • Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $41
  • Private Tesla Transfer from Phoenix Airport to all Hotels : $42
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Arrival Private Transfer: $58
  • Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) - Departure Private Transfer: $58
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) Private Transfer: $80
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $90
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $90
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $91
  • Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $91
  • Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Phoenix?

Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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
    Phoenix $52

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 Phoenix

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


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

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

  • Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $75
  • Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
  • Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
  • Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kiev $2.04
    Phoenix $40

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

Tours and Activities in Phoenix

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

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Surprise by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting Entry Ticket: $17
  • SEA LIFE Aquarium Arizona Admission Ticket: $19
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Mesa by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Phoenix Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Treasure Island Escape Room Experience in Avondale : $24
  • Asylum Escape Room Experience in Avondale: $24
  • Private Speakeasy Escape Room Experience in Avondale: $24
  • The Scottsdale Selfie Experience: $25
  • Ghosts & Poltergeists Guided Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Arizona Admission Ticket: $26
  • RoRo Street Art Tour in Phoenix: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiev $6.40
    Phoenix $17

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 Phoenix

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

  • Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
  • Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
  • Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $155


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


Which is Bigger, Kiev or Phoenix?

Kiev has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Phoenix. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Phoenix. Additionally, many visitors come to Phoenix in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. Kiev is much colder than Phoenix in the summer. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

Kiev usually gets more rain in July than Phoenix. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kiev 21°C (70°F) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

Should I visit Kiev or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Kiev is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kiev in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Phoenix averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In October, Kiev usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kiev 10°C (49°F) 
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Kiev or Phoenix in the Winter?

Both Phoenix and Kiev during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kiev can be very cold during winter. In January, Kiev is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around -4°C (24°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Kiev usually gets more rain in January than Phoenix. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kiev -4°C (24°F) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Kiev or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Phoenix.

Kiev is much colder than Phoenix in the spring. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 10°C (51°F) in April, and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

In April, Kiev usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kiev 10°C (51°F) 
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Kiev

Kiev Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (24°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 52 mm (2 in) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)