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

Should you visit Nizhny Novgorod or Kiev?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nizhny Novgorod and Kiev can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Nizhny Novgorod or Kiev?

Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod, commonly referred to as simply Nizhny, is the fifth largest city in Russia. It has a population of over 1.2 million and it is the primary economic and cultural center for the Volga region. The city dates back to 1221 and it sits at the intersection of the Volga and Oka Rivers. It became popular with tourists back in 1817 when the Makaryev Monastery Fair was moved to the city. The city continued to grow in popularity and by the middle of the 19th century it was a major trade center for the country. During the Soviet Union times the city became an industrial center as trade connections were abandoned.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Kiev or Nizhny Novgorod?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nizhny Novgorod is $30, 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 Nizhny Novgorod and Kiev in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nizhny Novgorod $20
    Kiev $17
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nizhny Novgorod $40
    Kiev $34
Compare Hotels in Nizhny Novgorod and Kiev

Looking for a hotel in Nizhny Novgorod 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.

Hotels in Nizhny Novgorod


Hotels in Kiev


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nizhny Novgorod $1.19
    Kiev $1.03

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:

  • Private Transfer Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Zhytomyr.: $173
  • Strategic Missile Forces Base: Round-Trip Transfer from Kyiv& Museum Guided Tour: $145
  • Luxury Arrival 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 Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City in Luxury Van: $67
  • Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City in Luxury Van: $60
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Boryspil Airport KBP: $60
  • Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev City to Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP in Business Car: $60
  • Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City in Business Car: $60
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $60
  • Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $60
  • Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Nizhny Novgorod or Kiev?

Prices for flights to both Kiev and Nizhny Novgorod 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
    Nizhny Novgorod $9.51
    Kiev $7.23

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nizhny Novgorod $1.69
    Kiev $2.03

Tours and Activities in Kiev

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

  • "Kiev Private 6 Hour Food, History & Nightlife Tour": $92
  • 1- or 3-Hour Private Kyiv Guided Bike Tour: $56
  • 2 Hours Kyiv Street Art Tour : $32
  • 2-Day Small-Group Tour to Lviv from Kiev by Intercity Train: $224
  • 2-days Group Tour To The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone: $279
  • 3-Day Small-Group Highlights Tour of Kyiv: $279
  • Adventure City Center Tour : $120
  • Best Kyiv Architecture tour, city from a height: $70
  • Borodyanka, Bucha, Irpin, Banksy & More Graffiti Tour: $180
  • Chernobyl Exclusion Zone 1-day tour: $97
  • Chernobyl Tour with Gift : $107
  • Custom Kyiv Walking Tour with Private Local Guide: $28

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nizhny Novgorod $2.35
    Kiev $6.37

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


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


Which is Bigger, Nizhny Novgorod or Kiev?

Kiev has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Nizhny Novgorod. When comparing the sizes of Nizhny Novgorod 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 Nizhny Novgorod or Kiev?

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 Nizhny Novgorod or Kiev in the Summer?

Both Kiev and Nizhny Novgorod during the summer are popular places to visit.

In the summer, Nizhny Novgorod is around the same temperature as Kiev. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Kiev averages at about 21°C (70°F).

Nizhny Novgorod usually gets less rain in July than Kiev. Nizhny Novgorod gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nizhny Novgorod 20°C (68°F) 
    Kiev 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Kiev in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nizhny Novgorod and Kiev.

In October, Nizhny Novgorod is generally much colder than Kiev. Daily temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod average around 5°C (41°F), and Kiev fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In October, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives more rain than Kiev. Nizhny Novgorod gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nizhny Novgorod 5°C (41°F) 
    Kiev 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Kiev in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nizhny Novgorod as well as Kiev.

It's quite cold in Kiev in the winter. The weather in Nizhny Novgorod can be very cold. Nizhny Novgorod is much colder than Kiev in the winter. The daily temperature in Nizhny Novgorod averages around -10°C (13°F) in January, and Kiev fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

Nizhny Novgorod usually gets less rain in January than Kiev. Nizhny Novgorod gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nizhny Novgorod -10°C (13°F) 
    Kiev -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Kiev in the Spring?

Both Kiev and Nizhny Novgorod are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Nizhny Novgorod is much colder than Kiev. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Kiev averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In April, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives less rain than Kiev. Nizhny Novgorod gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nizhny Novgorod 7°C (44°F) 
    Kiev 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Kiev and Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod Kiev
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -10°C (13°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) -4°C (24°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb -8°C (17°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -3°C (27°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 76 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (69°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 5°C (41°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov -2°C (29°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Dec -7°C (19°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -1°C (30°F) 52 mm (2 in)