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

Should you visit Kiev or Rotterdam?

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

Where Should I go: Kiev or Rotterdam?

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.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.

Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.

There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam is $162. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiev $17
    Rotterdam $82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiev $34
    Rotterdam $164
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Rotterdam

Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam


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: Rotterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiev $1.03
    Rotterdam $28

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 Rotterdam

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

  • Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam hotels to Rotterdam Cruise Port : $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Port to Rotterdam Airport (RTM): $38
  • Rotterdam to Rotterdam Airport (RTM) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $60
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to IJmuiden Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam hotels to Rotterdam Cruise Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Port to Amsterdam Airport (AMS): $66
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam in Sedan Car: $77
  • Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car: $81
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam by Luxury Van: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Rotterdam?

Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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
    Rotterdam $58

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam

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

  • Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
  • 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
  • Guided Food Tour: $80
  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
  • Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
  • WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Food Tour by Bike: $91
  • Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
  • Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $161
  • Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $274

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kiev $2.04
    Rotterdam $34

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 Rotterdam

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

  • Hightlights City Centre Walking Tour: $1.08
  • 2 hour Guided Walking Tour Rotterdam: $3.23
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Rotterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $3.27
  • Rotterdam Walking Tour in 2 Hours : $3.27
  • Escape Game and Tour: $4.31
  • Rotterdam Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.00
  • Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.29
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.29
  • Dordrecht: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.31
  • Rotterdam Walking Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiev $6.40
    Rotterdam $20

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 Rotterdam

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

  • Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.07
  • Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.07
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12


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


Which is Bigger, Kiev or Rotterdam?

Kiev has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?

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 Rotterdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Rotterdam. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Kiev is a little warmer than Rotterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Kiev usually gets more rain in July than Rotterdam. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kiev 21°C (70°F) 
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

Both Rotterdam and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Kiev is around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kiev in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, Kiev usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kiev 10°C (49°F) 
    Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and Kiev during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

It's quite cold in Rotterdam in the winter. The weather in Kiev can be very cold. In January, Kiev is generally much colder than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around -4°C (24°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Kiev usually gets less rain in January than Rotterdam. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kiev -4°C (24°F) 
    Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Rotterdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Rotterdam. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city.

Kiev is a little warmer than Rotterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 10°C (51°F) in April, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In April, Kiev usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rotterdam. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kiev 10°C (51°F) 
    Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Kiev

Kiev Rotterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (24°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)