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

Should you visit Kiev or Vientiane?

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

Where Should I go: Kiev or Vientiane?

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.

Vientiane

You wouldn't expect the capital city to have such a relaxing environment, but in Vientiane, Laos you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery without feeling pressure to see every little thing. With Vientiane, what you see is what you get.

While picturesque temples and markets line the streets, the city is still experiencing a successful building boom. Even the Presidential Palace has undergone some hefty renovations.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Vientiane 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 Vientiane is $15. 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 Vientiane in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiev $17
    Vientiane $6.00
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiev $34
    Vientiane $12
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Vientiane

Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Vientiane? 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 Vientiane


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: Vientiane Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiev $1.03
    Vientiane $2.08

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 Vientiane

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $4.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:

  • Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
  • Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
  • Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
  • Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
  • Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Vientiane?

Prices for flights to both Vientiane 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
    Vientiane $6.30

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.

  • Private Evening Food Tour of Laos: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kiev $2.04
    Vientiane $3.53

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 Vientiane

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

  • Vientiane ATV and Canopy Walking Experience: $48
  • Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
  • From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $61
  • Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
  • Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $69
  • Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
  • Vientiane City Day Tour and Buddha Park Visit with Lunch: $88
  • 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
  • Private Vientiane Tour - include Buddha Park: $100
  • Private Tour: Full-day Vientiane's Must-See Sights and River Sunset with Lunch: $101
  • Private Tour: Half-day City Guided Tour of Vientiane: $113

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiev $6.40
    Vientiane $2.34

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kiev and Vientiane, we can see that Kiev is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kiev is in Europe and Vientiane 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 Vientiane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vientiane 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 Kiev would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kiev than you might in Vientiane.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kiev Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kiev or Vientiane?

Kiev has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and Vientiane, 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 Vientiane?

Kiev has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vientiane experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kiev or Vientiane in the Summer?

Both Vientiane and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Kiev is cooler than Vientiane. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kiev in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Vientiane averages at about 30°C (85°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. In July, Kiev usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kiev 21°C (70°F) 
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Vientiane in the Autumn?

Both Vientiane and Kiev during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.

In October, Kiev is generally much colder than Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 10°C (49°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

Kiev usually gets less rain in October than Vientiane. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kiev 10°C (49°F) 
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Vientiane in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Vientiane. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Kiev can get quite cold in the winter. Kiev is much colder than Vientiane in the winter. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around -4°C (24°F) in January, and Vientiane fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In January, Kiev usually receives more rain than Vientiane. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kiev -4°C (24°F) 
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Vientiane in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Vientiane. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.

Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In the spring, Kiev is much colder than Vientiane. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kiev in April average around 10°C (51°F), and Vientiane averages at about 31°C (88°F).

Kiev usually gets less rain in April than Vientiane. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kiev 10°C (51°F) 
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F)

Typical Weather for Vientiane and Kiev

Kiev Vientiane
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (24°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 52 mm (2 in) 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)


Related Articles for Kiev
Related Articles for Vientiane