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

Should you visit Kiev or San Diego?

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 San Diego can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Kiev or San Diego?

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.

San Diego

For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, San Diego 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 San Diego is $202. 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 San Diego in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiev $17
    San Diego $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiev $34
    San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Kiev and San Diego

Looking for a hotel in Kiev or San Diego? 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 San Diego


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: San Diego Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiev $1.03
    San Diego $24

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 San Diego

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

  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in San Diego HTL-APT(SAN): $47
  • Private Departure Transfer to San Diego Airport SAN: $50
  • Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tijuana hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Private Arrival Transfer from San Diego Airport SAN: $56
  • San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Marcos, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
  • Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Downtown to San Diego Airport (SAN): $68
  • Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $68
  • San Diego Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Diego: $70
  • San Diego Airport - Private Round Trip Transfer: $70
  • Private Transfer from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Port : $74
  • Private Transfer from San Diego Port to San Diego city hotels: $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or San Diego?

Prices for flights to both San Diego 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
    San Diego $45

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 San Diego

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


  • Mexican Lunch for Two
    $27
  • Breakfast at Starbucks
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego

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

  • Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
  • San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
  • Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
  • Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
  • San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
  • San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
  • Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
  • Guided Secret Food Tour: $103
  • Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
  • San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
  • Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kiev $2.04
    San Diego $48

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 San Diego

For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • San Diego Zoo
    $15
  • Sea World Parking
    $12

Tours and Activities in San Diego

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

  • Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA: $4.49
  • Waterfront Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.31
  • A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Historical Walking Tour of San Diego: $10
  • Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour: $12
  • San Diego Natural History Museum Ticket: $12
  • Haunted Historic Whaley House - Self-Guided Tour: $14
  • Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Private Walking Tour and Gaslamp Adventure in San Diego: $20
  • Explore Balboa in a Private Tour of San Diego Hidden Gems: $20
  • San Diego's Historic Treasures and Old Town Tour: $20
  • San Diego Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiev $6.40
    San Diego $21

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 San Diego

Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
  • History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
  • Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
  • Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
  • Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $133
  • Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
  • Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
  • Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
  • Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
  • California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
  • Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215


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


Which is Bigger, Kiev or San Diego?

Kiev has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of San Diego. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and San Diego, 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 San Diego?

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 San Diego in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kiev as well as San Diego. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Kiev is generally around the same temperature as San Diego. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 21°C (70°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Kiev usually gets more rain in July than San Diego. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kiev 21°C (70°F) 
    San Diego 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Kiev or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Diego because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Kiev is much colder than San Diego in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In October, Kiev usually receives more rain than San Diego. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kiev 10°C (49°F) 
    San Diego 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Kiev or San Diego in the Winter?

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

The weather in Kiev can be very cold. In the winter, Kiev is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kiev in January average around -4°C (24°F), and San Diego averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Kiev usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as San Diego. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kiev -4°C (24°F) 
    San Diego 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Kiev or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and San Diego. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Kiev is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 10°C (51°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Kiev usually receives more rain than San Diego. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kiev 10°C (51°F) 
    San Diego 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for San Diego and Kiev

Kiev San Diego
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (24°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (46 mm)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
May 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 67°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 71°F (22°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 68°F (20°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 52 mm (2 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)