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

Should you visit Kiev or Washington?

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

Where Should I go: Kiev or Washington?

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.

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Washington 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 Washington is $198. 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 Washington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiev $17
    Washington $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiev $34
    Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Washington

Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Washington? 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 Washington


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: Washington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiev $1.03
    Washington $47

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington

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


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

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

  • Washington DC: Bus transfer from/to Philadelphia: $5.74
  • Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
  • Transfer in private car from Washington Ronald Reagan Airport to Washington City: $53
  • Private Departure Transfer to Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
  • Washington to Washington Airport (IAD) Departure Private Transfer: $64
  • Washington to Baltimore Airport (BWI) Departure Private Transfer: $75
  • Private Transfer- Washington City Center to Dulles Airport (IAD): $81
  • Private Transfer- Dulles Airport (IAD) to Washington City Center: $81
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Washington City to Dulles Airport: $88
  • Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Arrival Transfer Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC by Sedan: $106
  • Washington DC: DCA Private Transfer from/to Downtown: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Washington?

Prices for flights to both Washington 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
    Washington $38

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 Washington

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


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

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

  • DC: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $69
  • Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
  • DC: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $74
  • Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $85
  • Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $98
  • Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
  • Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
  • Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
  • Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
  • Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise: $144
  • Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $152
  • Private Traditional Filipino Cooking Class Near Washington DC : $154

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kiev $2.04
    Washington $24

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 Washington

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

  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Washington: $5.45
  • Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • The Kennedy Homes of Georgetown: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Scandals & Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • DC's Presidents, Pubs, and Parties: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • The Kennedy Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Blossoming Friendship: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: $5.99
  • Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Washington DC: $5.99
  • Washington, DC: Lincoln Assassination Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Washington DC: National Mall Self Guided App Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Lincoln Memorial to the Cap Hill D.C. Smart Phone App/GPS Tour: $6.75
  • Washington DC Outdoor Escape Game Tour: FBI vs. Bank Robbers: $7.09

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiev $6.40
    Washington $19

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 Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
  • Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
  • DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
  • From Washington DC: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
  • Full-Day Private Virginia Wine Tour Experience from Washington : $242
  • Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255


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


Which is Bigger, Kiev or Washington?

Kiev has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and Washington, 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 Washington?

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 Washington in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Washington. Also, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

In the summer, Kiev is cooler than Washington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kiev in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Washington averages at about 79°F (26°C).

Kiev usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Washington. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kiev 21°C (70°F) 
    Washington 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Kiev or Washington in the Autumn?

Both Washington and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kiev is generally much colder than Washington. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 10°C (49°F), and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In October, Kiev usually receives less rain than Washington. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kiev 10°C (49°F) 
    Washington 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Kiev or Washington in the Winter?

Both Washington and Kiev during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Washington can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kiev. Kiev is much colder than Washington in the winter. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around -4°C (24°F) in January, and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

Kiev usually gets less rain in January than Washington. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kiev -4°C (24°F) 
    Washington 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Kiev or Washington in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Washington. Furthermore, most visitors come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Kiev is cooler than Washington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kiev in April average around 10°C (51°F), and Washington averages at about 56°F (14°C).

In April, Kiev usually receives less rain than Washington. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kiev 10°C (51°F) 
    Washington 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Washington and Kiev

Kiev Washington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (24°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 52 mm (2 in) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)