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

Should you visit Kiev or Potsdam?

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

Where Should I go: Kiev or Potsdam?

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.

Potsdam

Before you lays a treasure chest of historic beauties. From the glimmering Renaissance Orangery Palace that overlooks its sumptuous fountains to the neoclassical Charlottenhof Castle that is surrounded by lush England gardens, you find yourself in none other than Potsdam, Germany. The capital and largest city of the German federal state of Brandenburg, Potsdam borders the German capital Berlin and is located right on the bay of the River Havel. A home for Prussian kings until 1918 and a brainchild of the Enlightenment, Potsdam was constructed thoughtfully and carefully by its architects to create what many to believe as "a picturesque, pastoral dream" and a "balance between both nature and reason." From interconnected lakes to historic landmarks, Potsdam is a city that is bursting with life all year around. With its rich history, it was no wonder various parts of the city were named a World Heritage Site. With its landscape and cityscape rivaling in beauty, Potsdam is simply a breathtaking city that must be explored!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Potsdam 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 Potsdam is $119. 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 Potsdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiev $17
    Potsdam $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiev $34
    Potsdam $128
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Potsdam

Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Potsdam? 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 Potsdam


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: Potsdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiev $1.03
    Potsdam $30

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 Potsdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:

  • Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160
  • Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
  • Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Potsdam?

Prices for flights to both Potsdam 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
    Potsdam $33

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
    Potsdam $27

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 Potsdam

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

  • Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park Self-Guided Gardens Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Baroque Buildings Self-Guided Mobile Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of the Garden's Landmarks: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of City Center: $8.45
  • Museum Barberini Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cecilienhof Castle Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Biosphäre Potsdam Entry Ticket: $16
  • In the Forbidden City - Potsdam Walking Tour: $20
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiev $6.37
    Potsdam $7.18

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 Potsdam, we can see that Potsdam 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 Potsdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Potsdam 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 Potsdam Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kiev or Potsdam?

Kiev has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and Potsdam, 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 Potsdam?

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 Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Potsdam. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

In July, Kiev is generally a little warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 21°C (70°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In July, Kiev usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kiev 21°C (70°F) 
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Potsdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Potsdam. Also, many travelers come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Kiev is around the same temperature as Potsdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Kiev usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Potsdam. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kiev 10°C (49°F) 
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Potsdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Potsdam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kiev. In the winter, Kiev is much colder than Potsdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kiev in January average around -4°C (24°F), and Potsdam averages at about -0°C (31°F).

In January, Kiev usually receives around the same amount of rain as Potsdam. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kiev -4°C (24°F) 
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Potsdam in the Spring?

Both Potsdam and Kiev during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Kiev is generally a little warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 10°C (51°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Kiev usually gets more rain in April than Potsdam. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Kiev

Kiev Potsdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (24°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 52 mm (2 in) 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)


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