Which place is cheaper, Kiev or Minsk?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Minsk or Kiev?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minsk or Kiev, 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 Kiev?
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.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMinsk $64Kiev $26
The average daily cost (per person) in Minsk is $64, while the average daily cost in Kiev is $26. 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 Kiev in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMinsk $32Kiev $17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMinsk $64Kiev $34
Compare Hotels in Minsk and Kiev
Looking for a hotel in Minsk or Kiev? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Minsk $12Kiev $1.03
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Minsk or Kiev?
Prices for flights to both Kiev 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 $21Kiev $7.25
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Minsk $20Kiev $2.04
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMinsk $14Kiev $6.40
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 Minsk and Kiev, we can see that Minsk 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 Minsk would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Minsk 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 Minsk Expensive? and Is Kiev Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Minsk or Kiev?
Kiev has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Minsk. When comparing the sizes of Minsk and Kiev, 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 Kiev?
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 Kiev in the Summer?
Both Kiev and Minsk are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, Minsk is around the same temperature as Kiev. Typically, the summer temperatures in Minsk in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Kiev averages at about 21°C (70°F).
In July, Minsk usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kiev. Minsk gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMinsk 19°C (66°F)Kiev 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Minsk or Kiev in the Autumn?
Both Kiev and Minsk during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In October, Minsk is generally cooler than Kiev. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around 8°C (47°F), and Kiev fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Minsk usually gets more rain in October than Kiev. Minsk gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMinsk 8°C (47°F)Kiev 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Minsk or Kiev in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Minsk and Kiev.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Kiev. It's quite cold in Minsk in the winter. Minsk is cooler than Kiev in the winter. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Kiev fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).
In January, Minsk usually receives less rain than Kiev. Minsk gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMinsk -5°C (22°F)Kiev -4°C (24°F)
Should I visit Minsk or Kiev in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Minsk as well as Kiev.
In the spring, Minsk is cooler than Kiev. Typically, the spring temperatures in Minsk in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Kiev averages at about 10°C (51°F).
Minsk usually gets less rain in April than Kiev. Minsk gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMinsk 8°C (46°F)Kiev 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Kiev and Minsk
| Minsk | Kiev | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (22°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (25°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 0°C (33°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (47°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 3°C (37°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 52 mm (2 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.