Which place is cheaper, Ulaanbaatar or Kiev?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kiev or Ulaanbaatar?
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 Ulaanbaatar can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Kiev or Ulaanbaatar?
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.
Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia's capital city. It has a population of slightly over two million people, or about sixty percent of the country's entire population. You are likely to arrive in Ulaanbaatar either by train, coming from China or Russia, or by plane. Many people use Ulaanbaatar as a stop off while doing the Transsiberian Railway. The city is a great place to organize a tour of the surrounding countryside. It's also good city to relax, so make sure you allow yourself a few days to recover from your tour, enjoy some of the great food options, and see some of the fascinating cultural sights around town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mongolia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Mongolia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKiev $26Ulaanbaatar $25
The average daily cost (per person) in Kiev is $26, while the average daily cost in Ulaanbaatar is $25. 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 Ulaanbaatar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKiev $17Ulaanbaatar $12
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKiev $34Ulaanbaatar $24
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Ulaanbaatar
Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Ulaanbaatar? 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: Ulaanbaatar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kiev $1.03Ulaanbaatar $2.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:
- 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 Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City: $67
- Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City: $61
- Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $61
- Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Boryspil Airport KBP: $61
- Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $55
- Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $61
- Luxury Departure Transfer From Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $80
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer from Kyiv Boryspil Airport: $30
- Private Arrival Transfer From Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $24
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Chernihiv city: $147
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ulaanbaatar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ulaanbaatar:
- Mongolia Airport Transfer & Taxi Service -BEST!: $18
- 2024 Ulaanbaatar Airport Transfer & Taxi Shuttle Service - Best!: $18
- Private Transfer to Ulaanbaatar Airport ULN by Business Vehicle: $28
- Private Transfer Ulaanbaatar Airport ULN to Ulaanbaatar City : $28
- Private Transfer from Chinggis Khaan Airport to Ulaanbaatar: $37
- Airport - Ulaanbaatar transfer service: $40
- Private Departure Transfer: Ulaanbaatar Airport: $40
- New Ulaanbaatar International Airport Transfer Service: $45
- Airport transfer service: $50
- Private Transfer from Ulaanbaatar to or from Terelj National Park: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Ulaanbaatar?
Prices for flights to both Ulaanbaatar 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 $7.25Ulaanbaatar $8.94
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 Ulaanbaatar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ulaanbaatar.
- Cooking Class in a Traditional Ger Home in Ulaanbaatar Suburbs: $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kiev $2.04Ulaanbaatar $4.42
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
Tours and Activities in Ulaanbaatar
Here are a few actual costs in Ulaanbaatar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $47
- Ulaanbatar : Private Custom Tour With A Local Guide : $48
- Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex and Sain Nomun Monastery Tour : $50
- Genghis Khan Statue Tour: 3-Hour Ticket Included: $65
- Genghis Khan Statue Tour: 3-Hour Ticket Included: $65
- Traditional Music and Dance Performance Ticket: $69
- Genghis Khan Statue One Day Tour +Bonus Terelj National Park And Aryabal Temple: $79
- Ancient Fine Arts with Honored Masters - UB City Experience: $82
- 1 Day Coach Tour of Terelj National Park Including Lunch And Free Camel Ride: $83
- 1 Day Coach Tour of Genghis Khan Statue Complex and Terelj National Park Including Lunch: $83
- Day Tour of Hustai National Park: $83
- Full Day Private Tour in Terelj National Park with Horse Riding: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKiev $6.40Ulaanbaatar $3.83
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
When comparing the travel costs between Kiev and Ulaanbaatar, we can see that Kiev is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Kiev is in Europe and Ulaanbaatar is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kiev Expensive? and Is Ulaanbaatar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kiev or Ulaanbaatar?
Kiev has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ulaanbaatar. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and Ulaanbaatar, 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.
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.