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

Should you visit Kiev or Tokyo?

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

Where Should I go: Kiev or Tokyo?

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.

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Tokyo 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 Tokyo is $157. 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 Tokyo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiev $17
    Tokyo $77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiev $34
    Tokyo $154
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Tokyo

Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo


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: Tokyo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiev $1.03
    Tokyo $17

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 Tokyo

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

  • Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Tokyo City to Tokyo Station: $17
  • Haneda Airport: 1-Way Shared Shuttle Transfer: $31
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Narita Int Airport(NRT): $33
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Cruise Port to Tokyo City Hotels: $38
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND) to Tokyo Port: $38
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo city hotels to Tokyo Cruise Port: $38
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND) to Tokyo Port: $43
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND): $43
  • One-Way Private Transfer From/To Haneda Airport (HND): $46
  • Tokyo to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Departure Private Transfer: $51
  • Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Tokyo - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Yokohama Port: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Tokyo?

Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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
    Tokyo $37

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 Tokyo

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


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.23
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.23
  • Meal at Airport
    $6.81

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo

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

  • Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $23
  • Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $26
  • 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $32
  • Private Sushi Roll Cooking Class in Japan: $39
  • Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $40
  • Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji 90-Minute cooking class: $54
  • Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
  • Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $58
  • Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $61
  • 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $65
  • Japanese Home Cooking Class near Tokyo Disneyland: $66
  • 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kiev $2.04
    Tokyo $69

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 Tokyo

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

  • Japan: Zen and Tea Ceremony Audio Guided Tour: $3.27
  • Asakusa Walking Tour with an Experienced Japanese Comedian: $3.34
  • Ancient Orient Museum Admission Ticket: $3.92
  • Samurai and Bushido Audio Guided Tour: $4.71
  • 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Subway Ticket: $5.23
  • Harajuku: Audio Guide Tour of Takeshita Street: $6.54
  • Ueno: Self-Guided Tour of Ameyoko and Hidden Gems: $6.54
  • Akihabara (Tokyo): English Audio Guide Tour: $6.54
  • Shibuya Sightseeing with an Audio Guide: $6.54
  • Asakusa(Tokyo): Smartphone Audio Guide Tour: $6.54
  • Tokyo Shibuya Bar Hopping Tour: $6.54
  • Ueno Park Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide: $6.54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiev $6.40
    Tokyo $33

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 Tokyo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:


  • Sake
    $3.92

Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo

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

  • Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
  • 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
  • Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $80
  • Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $92
  • barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $98
  • Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
  • Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $105
  • Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $137
  • Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
  • Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $167
  • Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
  • Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $233


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


Which is Bigger, Kiev or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kiev. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?

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 Tokyo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Tokyo. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kiev is cooler than Tokyo in the summer. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Kiev usually gets less rain in July than Tokyo. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Kiev or Tokyo in the Autumn?

Both Tokyo and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

In the autumn, Kiev is much colder than Tokyo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kiev in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Tokyo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. In October, Kiev usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kiev 10°C (49°F) 
    Tokyo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Tokyo in the Winter?

Both Tokyo and Kiev during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Kiev in the winter. In January, Kiev is generally much colder than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around -4°C (24°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Kiev usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Tokyo. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kiev -4°C (24°F) 
    Tokyo 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Tokyo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Tokyo. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tokyo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Kiev is cooler than Tokyo in the spring. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 10°C (51°F) in April, and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Kiev usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Kiev

Kiev Tokyo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (24°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)