Which place is cheaper, Washington or Minsk?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Minsk or Washington?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minsk or Washington, 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 Washington?
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.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMinsk $64Washington $198
The average daily cost (per person) in Minsk is $64, 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 Minsk and Washington in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMinsk $32Washington $113
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMinsk $64Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Minsk and Washington
Looking for a hotel in Minsk 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.
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.Minsk $12Washington $47
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 Minsk or Washington?
Prices for flights to both Washington 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
-
Food Meals for one dayMinsk $21Washington $38
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.Minsk $20Washington $24
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 dayMinsk $14Washington $19
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 Minsk and Washington, we can see that Washington is more expensive. And not only is Minsk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Minsk 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 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 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 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 Washington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Minsk or Washington?
Minsk has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Minsk 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 Minsk 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 Minsk or Washington in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Minsk as well as Washington. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Minsk is generally cooler than Washington. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around 19°C (66°F), and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minsk this time of the year. In the summer, Minsk often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Washington. Minsk gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun.
Minsk usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Washington. Minsk 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 JulyMinsk 19°C (66°F)Washington 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Minsk or Washington in the Autumn?
Both Washington and Minsk are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Washington this time of year.
Minsk is much colder than Washington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).
Minsk usually receives less sunshine than Washington during autumn. Minsk gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Minsk usually receives less rain than Washington. Minsk gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMinsk 8°C (47°F)Washington 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Minsk or Washington in the Winter?
Both Washington and Minsk during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Washington. It's quite cold in Minsk in the winter. In the winter, Minsk is much colder than Washington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Minsk in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Washington averages at about 35°F (1°C).
In the winter, Minsk often gets less sunshine than Washington. Minsk gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun.
Minsk usually gets less rain in January than Washington. Minsk gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMinsk -5°C (22°F)Washington 35°F (1°C)
Should I visit Minsk or Washington in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Minsk and Washington. Furthermore, many visitors come to Washington in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Minsk is generally much colder than Washington. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around 8°C (46°F), and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. Minsk usually receives less sunshine than Washington during spring. Minsk gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Minsk usually receives less rain than Washington. Minsk gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMinsk 8°C (46°F)Washington 56°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Washington and Minsk
| Minsk | Washington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (22°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | -4°C (25°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 0°C (33°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 8°C (47°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 3°C (37°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
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.