Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Kiev?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kiev or Seoul?
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 Seoul can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Kiev or Seoul?
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.
Seoul
With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKiev $26Seoul $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Kiev is $26, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $109. 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 Seoul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKiev $17Seoul $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKiev $34Seoul $110
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Seoul
Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Seoul? 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.
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: Seoul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kiev $1.03Seoul $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:
- Private Arrival Transfer From Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $24
- Private Departure Transfer To Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $24
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer from Kyiv Boryspil Airport: $30
- Private Transfer: From Kyiv city to Kyiv Boryspil International Airport : $37
- Private Transfer from Zhulyany (Kyiv International Airport) to Kyiv: $42
- VIP Airport Transfer Service in Kiev: $43
- Private transfer: Boryspil International Airport to Kyiv: $48
- 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
- Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City in Luxury Van: $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: $61
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card$3.69
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Short Taxi Ride$5.16
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Metro Ride$0.99
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Seoul City Pass Plus$7.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- From Half-Day MBC Dae Jang Geum Park Transfer: $55
- Transfer Service from Gimpo Airport to Hotel City: $57
- From Everland Admission Ticket with Transfer: $75
- Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-5 pax): $80
- Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City - Gimpo Airport (1-5 pax): $80
- Seoul Incheon International Airport to from Incheon Private Transfer: $85
- Seoul Airport: Private Departure Transfer from Seoul City Center: $87
- Private Airport Transfer : Gimpo airport to/from Seoul (1~7pax): $95
- Private Gimpo Airport Transfer to Seoul and Vice Versa: $95
- Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport (1-5 pax): $98
- Incheon Airport Private Transfer between Seoul City: $98
- Private Airport Transfer : Incheon airport to/from Seoul(~7 pax): $99
Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Seoul?
Prices for flights to both Seoul 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
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Food Meals for one dayKiev $7.25Seoul $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 Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
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Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.42
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Waffle$0.74
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Dippin' Dots$1.47
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Chicken Fried Rice$4.05
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Chicken Stick$1.47
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Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.40
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Lunch Buffet$4.42
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Donut$0.74
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Mushroom Burger$3.83
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Green Tea Ice Cream$2.43
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Udon & Sushi$5.16
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Fresh Burger$3.54
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Soba Noodles Lunch$3.32
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Bibimbap Lunch$3.69
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Fried Rice$4.05
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Vietnamese Dinner$7.00
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Breakfast and Coffee for 2$7.00
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Donut$1.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Korean Cooking @ Seoul Cooking Club!: $0.11
- Gyeongbokgung Palace : Tour, dinner and coffee: $37
- Seoul Mangwon Market Social Night Food Tour: $44
- Namdaemun Market: the Largest Traditional Market Food Tour: $47
- Namdaemun Market Street Food Tour: $48
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $54
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $54
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $58
- Sunset Walking Tour in Naksan Park with Dinner: $58
- Half Day Seoul Afternoon Food Tour and visit 3 landMarks of Seoul: $67
- Night Market Food Tour: $70
- Energizing Korean Cooking Class in a Local Home in Seoul: $71
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kiev $2.04Seoul $27
Tours and Activities in Kiev
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kiev are as follows:
- Underground Tunnels Exploration Tour: $34
- Kyiv Underground Tour: $35
- Panoramic Kyiv by Night Driving Tour with Private Guide: $38
- Kyiv Podil District Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $38
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour to Kiev Pechersk Lavra : $39
- Private Street Art Walking Tour with Local Guide - Best of Kyiv Murals: $39
- Sunrise in Kyiv Private Tour: $39
- Kyiv Metro Private Tour – Highlights of the Subway Stations: $39
- Soviet Kiev - 2 hours Walking Tour: $42
- Kiev Open Tour - History & Modern Life in 3 hours: $43
- Mysteries of Baikove Cemetery Private Guided Tour: $45
- Kiev Best Sights Private Half-Day Tour : $46
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
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Palace Tickets$5.90
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Movie Ticket$5.90
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Kimchi Museum$2.21
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
- Seoul Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.20
- [NEWTRO ART TOUR] Media art museum & walking tour: $8.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Skip the Line: Figure Museum W Ticket (내국인 불가): $11
- Seoul Job Experience Theme Park Ticket for Kid (내국인 불가): $13
- Dongdaemun City Tour Bus(내국인불가): $14
- 63 Aqua Planet and 63 Building Seoul Observatory Tickets: $14
- Seoul : Guided Consultation Tour (Filler, Cosmetic Surgery): $16
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Private Half-Day Tour: $19
- Virtual Tour of Korean Demilitarized Zone: $19
- Seoul Myeongdong Catholic Church Historic Private Walking Tour: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKiev $6.40Seoul $12
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 Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $11
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $21
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - Story of Three Pigs: $43
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $81
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kiev and Seoul, we can see that Seoul 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 Seoul is in Asia, 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul 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 Seoul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kiev or Seoul?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kiev. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and Seoul, 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 Seoul?
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 Seoul in the Summer?
Both Seoul and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.
In July, Kiev is generally cooler than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 21°C (70°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. In July, Kiev usually receives less rain than Seoul. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKiev 21°C (70°F)Seoul 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Seoul in the Autumn?
Both Seoul and Kiev during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
Kiev is much colder than Seoul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Seoul fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Kiev usually gets less rain in October than Seoul. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKiev 10°C (49°F)Seoul 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Seoul in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Seoul. Also, many visitors come to Seoul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Seoul can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kiev. In the winter, Kiev is much colder than Seoul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kiev in January average around -4°C (24°F), and Seoul averages at about -3°C (27°F).
In January, Kiev usually receives more rain than Seoul. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKiev -4°C (24°F)Seoul -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Seoul in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Seoul. Also, most visitors come to Seoul for the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Kiev is generally cooler than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 10°C (51°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Kiev usually gets less rain in April than Seoul. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKiev 10°C (51°F)Seoul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Seoul and Kiev
| Kiev | Seoul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (24°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Feb | -3°C (27°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 2°C (36°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (51°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (49°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 3°C (38°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (30°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.