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

Should you visit Kiev or Reykjavik?

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

Where Should I go: Kiev or Reykjavik?

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.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik is $246. 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 Reykjavik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiev $17
    Reykjavik $139
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiev $34
    Reykjavik $278
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Reykjavik

Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Reykjavik? 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 Reykjavik


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: Reykjavik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiev $1.03
    Reykjavik $46

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

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

  • Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Bláfjöll - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
  • Skálafell to Reykjavik Airport (RKV) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
  • Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Skálafell - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
  • Keflavik Airport & Reykjavik Hotels: Economy Bus Transfer: $27
  • Keflavik Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $27
  • Iceland: Airport Transfer Between Reykjavík Center and Keflavík : $28
  • Iceland: Airport Transfers between Keflavík and Reykjavik Center: $28
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport One Way: $28
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $29
  • Keflavík Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $29
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City With Hotel Drop Off: $36
  • Iceland Airport Transfer from Reykjavík Hotels to KEF Airport: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Reykjavik?

Prices for flights to both Reykjavik 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
    Reykjavik $30

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 Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner (Fish Market)
    $178

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik

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

  • Exclusive dinner with a local family - Visit a Reykjavík home: $98
  • Icelandic Food Tour: $124
  • The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $128
  • 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $129
  • Reykjavik Market & Lunch Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $142
  • Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $145
  • Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $209
  • Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kiev $2.04
    Reykjavik $72

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 Reykjavik

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Museum
    $11
  • Wine and Spa
    $29

Tours and Activities in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Reykjavík: City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
  • Reykjavik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Reykjavik Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.07
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Explore Reykjavik's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Citywalk Tour - Audioguide in English & German: $11
  • Skip the Line: Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
  • Geothermal Energy Exhibition Entry Ticket: $18
  • Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket: $18
  • Was James Bond Icelandic? Ticket with One Hour Lecture: $23
  • Private audio guide of the island for self-exploration tour: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiev $6.40
    Reykjavik $28

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:


  • Beer
    $8.79

Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:

  • Gin Distillery tour and tasting: $25
  • Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $32


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


Which is Bigger, Kiev or Reykjavik?

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

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Kiev during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kiev is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kiev in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Kiev usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kiev 21°C (70°F) 
    Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Reykjavik. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Kiev is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 10°C (49°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In October, Kiev usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kiev 10°C (49°F) 
    Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Reykjavik. Additionally, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. Kiev can get quite cold in the winter. Kiev is much colder than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around -4°C (24°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Kiev usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kiev -4°C (24°F) 
    Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the spring, Kiev is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kiev in April average around 10°C (51°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In April, Kiev usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kiev 10°C (51°F) 
    Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Kiev

Kiev Reykjavik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (24°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) -0°C (32°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (33°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 1°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 52 mm (2 in) 0°C (32°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)