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

Should you visit Kiev or Zagreb?

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

Where Should I go: Kiev or Zagreb?

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.

Zagreb

Zagreb, in central Croatia, is the country's capital. It has a wonderful old town that has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a great atmosphere. Many people travel to Croatia specifically for its beaches and coastal towns, but if you overlook this lovely capital city, you'll miss a large part of the culture and personality that is Croatia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Zagreb 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 Zagreb is $82. 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 Zagreb in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiev $17
    Zagreb $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiev $34
    Zagreb $102
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Zagreb

Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb


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: Zagreb Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiev $1.03
    Zagreb $9.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:

  • Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City in Business Car: $60
  • Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City in Luxury Van: $67
  • Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev City to Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP in Business Car: $60
  • 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: $60
  • Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City: $67
  • Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $55
  • Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $60
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Boryspil Airport KBP: $60
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $60
  • Luxury Arrival Transfer From Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $80
  • Private Arrival Airport Transfer from Kyiv Boryspil Airport: $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • Bus transfer from/to Rijeka: $6.95
  • From Plitvice Lakes Round-Trip Comfort Bus Transfer: $16
  • Zagreb to Franjo Tudman Airport(ZAG) - Departure Private Transfer: $16
  • Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $20
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $32
  • Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) to Zagreb-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • Luxury Private Transfer Zagreb - Zagreb Airport: $40
  • Zagreb Airport: One-Way Private transfer To/From Airport: $41
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $43
  • Private Transfer from Zagreb City to Zagreb Train or Bus Station by car or van: $47
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Zagreb Airport ZAG to Zagreb City by Business Car: $47
  • Private Transfer: Zagreb to Zagreb International Airport (ZAG): $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Zagreb?

Prices for flights to both Zagreb 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 $7.23
    Zagreb $18

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagreb

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

  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $74
  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $75
  • Private Authentic Croatian Cooking Class in Central Zagreb: $114
  • Private Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $144
  • PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $196
  • Wine & Food tour of Plešivica near Zagreb: $952

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kiev $2.03
    Zagreb $13

Tours and Activities in Kiev

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

  • Memories of a Revolution: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Kyiv: $6.22
  • Custom Kyiv Walking Tour with Private Local Guide: $28
  • 2 Hours Kyiv Street Art Tour : $32
  • Underground Tunnels Exploration Tour: $34
  • Kiev guided walking tour: discover highlights and hidden gems of the capital: $34
  • Private Ukrainian Street Art Tour in Kiev: $35
  • Sightseeing City Tour: $35
  • Kyiv Podil District Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $38
  • Kyiv Old Town Private Walking Tour: $38
  • Panoramic Kyiv by Night Driving Tour with Private Guide: $38
  • Kiev Open Tour - History & Modern Life in 3 hours: $42
  • Kyiv Street Art Tour: $44

Tours and Activities in Zagreb

Here are a few actual costs in Zagreb for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Nikola Tesla Technical Museum Ticket: $4.28
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Skip-the-Ticket-Line Museum of Broken Relationships: $7.49
  • Zagreb Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $9.62
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Zagreb's Old Town: Walking In-App Audio Tour(ENG): $11
  • Small-Group Walking Highlights Tour: $16
  • City Walking Tour w/ Funicular Ride and WW2 Tunnels: $19
  • City Walking Tour with Funicular Ride & WW2 Tunnels: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiev $6.37
    Zagreb $9.49

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 Zagreb

Also in Zagreb, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Zagreb Pub Crawl: $16
  • Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $32
  • Zagreb Wine Tasting & Jarun Lake Tour: $75
  • Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $199
  • Fairytale castle & delicious wine tasting and lunch: $202
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour from Zagreb: $208


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


Which is Bigger, Kiev or Zagreb?

Kiev has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zagreb. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kiev or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Zagreb. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Kiev is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 21°C (70°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In July, Kiev usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zagreb. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kiev 21°C (70°F) 
    Zagreb 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Zagreb. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Kiev is cooler than Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Kiev usually gets less rain in October than Zagreb. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kiev 10°C (49°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

It's quite cold in Zagreb in the winter. The weather in Kiev can be very cold. In the winter, Kiev is much colder than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kiev in January average around -4°C (24°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In January, Kiev usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Kiev or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Kiev during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the activities around the city.

In April, Kiev is generally cooler than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 10°C (51°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Kiev usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kiev 10°C (51°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Kiev

Kiev Zagreb
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (24°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)