Which place is cheaper, Geneva or Minsk?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Minsk or Geneva?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minsk or Geneva, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Minsk or Geneva?
Minsk
Minsk is the capital city of Belarus, centrally located. Situated on the Svislac and Niamiha rivers, it is also capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and was the capital of the former Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919-1991. It is a modern city dominated by monumental Stalinist architecture with many of its museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions.
Geneva
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMinsk $64Geneva $210
The average daily cost (per person) in Minsk is $64, while the average daily cost in Geneva is $210. 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 Minsk and Geneva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMinsk $32Geneva $145
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMinsk $64Geneva $290
Compare Hotels in Minsk and Geneva
Looking for a hotel in Minsk or Geneva? 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: Geneva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Minsk $12Geneva $9.38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Lausanne - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Geneva to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $54
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Geneva Airport: $71
- VIP Transfer: $72
- Arrival Transfer from Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Sedan: $73
- Geneva Airport GVA to Val d'Isere Espace Killy Arrival Transfer: $76
- Private Transfer from Geneva Hotels to Geneva Airport: $86
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Geneva Hotels : $86
- Geneva Airport Transfers : Geneva City to Geneva Airport GVA in Business Car: $87
- Geneva Arrival Private Transfers from Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva City: $87
- Geneva Passenger Transfer to Chamonix Mont Blanc: $87
- Geneva Departure Private Transfers from Geneva City to Geneva Airport GVA: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Minsk or Geneva?
Prices for flights to both Geneva and Minsk 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 dayMinsk $21Geneva $52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.
- Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $145
- City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class: $186
- Food tour in Geneva: $2,415
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Minsk $20Geneva $30
Tours and Activities in Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.38
- Escape Game and Tour: $6.39
- Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Geneva Lakeside Stroll: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Geneva Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $7.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
- International District Self-Guided City Sightseeing: $15
- Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
- Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMinsk $14Geneva $22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Minsk and Geneva, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. And not only is Minsk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Minsk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Minsk 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva than you might in Minsk.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Minsk Expensive? and Is Geneva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Minsk or Geneva?
Minsk has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Minsk and Geneva, 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 Minsk or Geneva?
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 Minsk or Geneva in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Minsk and Geneva. Furthermore, many visitors come to Geneva in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Minsk is generally cooler than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around 19°C (66°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Geneva this time of the year. In Minsk, it's very sunny this time of the year. Minsk usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during summer. Minsk gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Minsk usually receives more rain than Geneva. Minsk gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMinsk 19°C (66°F)Geneva 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Minsk or Geneva in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Minsk as well as Geneva. Additionally, most visitors come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Minsk is much colder than Geneva in the autumn. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Geneva fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
In the autumn, Minsk often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Minsk gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun.
Minsk usually gets less rain in October than Geneva. Minsk gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMinsk 8°C (47°F)Geneva 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Minsk or Geneva in the Winter?
Both Geneva and Minsk are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Geneva because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Geneva can be very cold. Minsk can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Minsk is much colder than Geneva. Typically, the winter temperatures in Minsk in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Geneva averages at about 4°C (39°F).
Minsk usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during winter. Minsk gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Minsk usually receives less rain than Geneva. Minsk gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMinsk -5°C (22°F)Geneva 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Minsk or Geneva in the Spring?
Both Geneva and Minsk during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.
In April, Minsk is generally cooler than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around 8°C (46°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).
In the spring, Minsk often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Geneva. Minsk gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun.
Minsk usually gets less rain in April than Geneva. Minsk gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMinsk 8°C (46°F)Geneva 11°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Geneva and Minsk
| Minsk | Geneva | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (22°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (25°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 0°C (33°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (47°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 3°C (37°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.