Which place is cheaper, Warsaw or Kiev?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kiev or Warsaw?
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 Warsaw can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Kiev or Warsaw?
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.
Warsaw
Warsaw is the capital city of Poland. It has a population of 1.7 million, making it the country's largest city. Located on the Vistula River, it is a popular tourist destination for its interesting architecture and culture. The right bank of the river was the first area to become populated in the 9th or 10 century. Today, however, the city's central district is on the left bank of the river. The Old Town, where you will find many sights and attractions, is fully contained within the city center.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKiev $26Warsaw $93
The average daily cost (per person) in Kiev is $26, while the average daily cost in Warsaw is $93. 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 Warsaw in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKiev $17Warsaw $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKiev $34Warsaw $102
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Warsaw
Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Warsaw? 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: Warsaw Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kiev $1.03Warsaw $4.67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:
- Private Transfer Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Zhytomyr.: $173
- Strategic Missile Forces Base: Round-Trip Transfer from Kyiv& Museum Guided Tour: $145
- Luxury Arrival 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 Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City in Luxury Van: $67
- Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City in Luxury Van: $60
- Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Boryspil Airport KBP: $60
- Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev City to Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP in Business Car: $60
- Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City in Business Car: $60
- Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $60
- Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $60
- Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Warsaw
Also for Warsaw, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- ONEWAY Private Warsaw Chopin Airport(WAW) to/from Warsaw Transfer: $24
- Bus Transfer to/from Vilnus: $35
- Warsaw Chopin Airport one way private transfer 5-8 PAX: $36
- Warsaw Private Transfer from Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) to City centre: $41
- Warsaw Private Transfer from Warsaw city centre to Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW): $41
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Warsaw APT-HTL (WAW): $42
- Private Transfer from Warsaw Chopin Airport: $43
- Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) to Downtown hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $44
- Private transfer by social-distance car from or to Warsaw Chopin Airport: $44
- Private Round-Trip Transfer: Warsaw Chopin Airport: $49
- Indoor Paintball with Hotel Transfers: $55
- Economy Private Warsaw Okecie Airport Transfer: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Warsaw?
Prices for flights to both Warsaw 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 $7.23Warsaw $27
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 Warsaw
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Warsaw:
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Dinner for Two$13
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Lunch for Two$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Warsaw
For Warsaw, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lunch or Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with Skip-the-Line: $17
- Warsaw's No 1 cooking class-Polish dumplings with liqueur tasting: $61
- Polish Dumplings Cooking Class: $62
- Traditional Polish Cooking Class in Warsaw: $79
- Traditional Polish Cooking Class with liquor tasting in Warsaw: $89
- Polish Food Tour: $92
- Taste of Poland - Old Town food tour and guided walk in one: $94
- 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $109
- The 10 Tastings of Warsaw With Locals: Private Food Tour : $117
- EVERYDAY Warsaw Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
- Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kiev $2.03Warsaw $7.00
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
Tours and Activities in Warsaw
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Warsaw.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.28
- Walking Audio Tour of Wilanów Palace Grounds: $5.20
- Uncover Historic Marvels of In-App Audio Tour: $5.32
- Old Town Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
- Warsaw Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.00
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Smartphone Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Ticket: $11
- Warsaw Old Town In-App Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $12
- Traditional Galar Cruise on The Vistula River: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKiev $6.37Warsaw $10
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 Warsaw
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Warsaw:
- The Original Pub Crawl: $16
- #1 Pub Crawl Warsaw with Premium Open Bar: $20
- Pub Crawl with 1-Hour Open Bar: $20
- Warsaw Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $176
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kiev and Warsaw, we can see that Warsaw 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 Warsaw would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Warsaw 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 Warsaw Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kiev or Warsaw?
Kiev has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Warsaw. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and Warsaw, 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 Warsaw?
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 Warsaw in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Warsaw. Additionally, many visitors come to Warsaw in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Kiev is a little warmer than Warsaw. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kiev in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Warsaw averages at about 19°C (65°F).
Kiev usually gets more rain in July than Warsaw. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKiev 21°C (70°F)Warsaw 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Warsaw in the Autumn?
Both Warsaw and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Warsaw for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Kiev is generally around the same temperature as Warsaw. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 10°C (49°F), and Warsaw fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
In October, Kiev usually receives less rain than Warsaw. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKiev 10°C (49°F)Warsaw 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Warsaw in the Winter?
Both Warsaw and Kiev during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Warsaw can be very cold. Kiev can be very cold during winter. Kiev is much colder than Warsaw in the winter. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around -4°C (24°F) in January, and Warsaw fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).
Kiev usually gets more rain in January than Warsaw. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKiev -4°C (24°F)Warsaw -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Warsaw in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Warsaw. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year.
In the spring, Kiev is a little warmer than Warsaw. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kiev in April average around 10°C (51°F), and Warsaw averages at about 9°C (47°F).
In April, Kiev usually receives more rain than Warsaw. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKiev 10°C (51°F)Warsaw 9°C (47°F)
Typical Weather for Warsaw and Kiev
| Kiev | Warsaw | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (24°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Feb | -3°C (27°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 2°C (36°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (51°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (49°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | 3°C (38°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (30°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 32 mm (1.3 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.