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

Should you visit Kiev or Sarajevo?

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

Where Should I go: Kiev or Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo is $70. 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 Sarajevo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiev $17
    Sarajevo $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiev $34
    Sarajevo $54
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Sarajevo

Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Sarajevo? 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 Sarajevo


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: Sarajevo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiev $1.03
    Sarajevo $7.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:

  • Zhyliany Airport Kyiv: Private Arrival or Departure Transfer from Kiev: $31
  • VIP Airport Transfer Service in Kiev: $43
  • Strategic Missile Forces Base: Round-Trip Transfer from Kyiv& Museum Guided Tour: $145
  • Private Transfer: From Kyiv city to Zhulyany International Airport: $54
  • Private Transfer Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Zhytomyr.: $173
  • Private Departure Transfer: International Airport Kyiv Zhuliany from Kyiv Hotel: $29
  • Private Departure Transfer To Kyiv International Airport Zhuliany(IEV): $24
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Kyiv International Airport Zhuliany(IEV): $24
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $24
  • Private Arrival Airport Transfer from Kyiv Boryspil Airport: $30
  • Luxury Arrival Transfer From Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $80
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $60

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:


  • Tram Tickets (for 2)
    $1.64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo

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

  • One-way Private Airport Transfer to Sarajevo: $15
  • Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia: $16
  • Private Transfer to and from Sarajevo Airport: $25
  • Sarajevo Airport Private Transfer: $27
  • Airport transfers and all other transfers 4 people: $27
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo for Individual Clients: $27
  • Airport Transfers & Private Tours with Luxury minibus Bosnia: $27
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo Chauffeur for Individual Clients: $27
  • Airport Transfer in Sarajevo: $27
  • Sarajevo Airport Private Transfers (from/to): $30
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Ilidža: $33
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Downtown to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Sarajevo?

Prices for flights to both Sarajevo 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
    Sarajevo $31

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

Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo

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


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo

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

  • Sarajevo Local Food Tour: $27
  • Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $44
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $53
  • Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kiev $2.03
    Sarajevo $12

Tours and Activities in Kiev

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kiev are as follows:

  • "Kiev Private 6 Hour Food, History & Nightlife Tour": $92
  • 1- or 3-Hour Private Kyiv Guided Bike Tour: $56
  • 2 Hours Kyiv Street Art Tour : $32
  • 2-Day Small-Group Tour to Lviv from Kiev by Intercity Train: $224
  • 2-days Group Tour To The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone: $279
  • 3-Day Small-Group Highlights Tour of Kyiv: $279
  • Adventure City Center Tour : $120
  • Best Kyiv Architecture tour, city from a height: $70
  • Borodyanka, Bucha, Irpin, Banksy & More Graffiti Tour: $180
  • Chernobyl Exclusion Zone 1-day tour: $97
  • Chernobyl Tour with Gift : $107
  • Custom Kyiv Walking Tour with Private Local Guide: $28

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo

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


  • National Museum (for 2)
    $7.64

Tours and Activities in Sarajevo

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

  • Sarajevo Walking Tour In Small Group: $11
  • Sarajevo Talkie-Walkie Tour: $13
  • Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • HISTORY OF ISLAM IN SARAJEVO TOUR: $16
  • SARAJEVO CITY TOUR - Learn something in an interesting way.: $17
  • Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
  • Sarajevo genuine walking tour: Steps through history: $19
  • Sarajevo Old Town: Bosnian Ethnic Food & Coffee Walking Tour: $19
  • Tunnel of Hope Siege Tour: $20
  • Uncovering Islam Tour: $20
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiev $6.37
    Sarajevo $7.34

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Sarajevo

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

  • Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $70


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


Which is Bigger, Kiev or Sarajevo?

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

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Kiev during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Kiev is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 21°C (70°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Kiev usually gets more rain in July than Sarajevo. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kiev 21°C (70°F) 
    Sarajevo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Sarajevo. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Kiev is much colder than Sarajevo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Kiev usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kiev 10°C (49°F) 
    Sarajevo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Sarajevo. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

The weather in Kiev can be very cold. In the winter, Kiev is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kiev in January average around -4°C (24°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Kiev usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kiev -4°C (24°F) 
    Sarajevo 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Kiev is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 10°C (51°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In April, Kiev usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kiev 10°C (51°F) 
    Sarajevo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Kiev

Kiev Sarajevo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (24°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)