Which place is cheaper, Kiev or Riga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Riga or Kiev?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Riga or Kiev? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Riga or Kiev?
Riga
Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.
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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Riga Prices
Latvia PricesKiev Prices
Ukraine Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRiga €122Kiev €25
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €122, while the average daily cost in Kiev is €25. 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 Riga and Kiev in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRiga €52Kiev €14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRiga €104Kiev €28
Compare Hotels in Riga and Kiev
Looking for a hotel in Riga 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Riga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Riga €9.63Kiev €0.84
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $43
- Riga Airport to Hotel Transfer: $45
- Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga City by Minivan: $51
- Private Transfer Riga International Airport RIX to Jurmala City: $51
- Transfer from Riga center to Airport: $53
- Transfer from Riga Airport to Riga Old city: $53
- Riga Airport to Riga City - Private Transfer: $57
- Riga City to Riga Airport - Private Transfer: $57
- Private Transfer to anywhere in Riga Center: $60
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga Cruise Port: $60
- Departure Transfer from Riga to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $68
- Private transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga city by Car or Van: $68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:
- Private Departure Transfer: International Airport Kyiv Zhuliany from Kyiv Hotel: $32
- Zhyliany Airport Kyiv: Private Arrival or Departure Transfer from Kiev: $33
- Private Arrival Transfer: International Airport Kyiv Zhuliany to Kiev hotel: $38
- Private Departure Transfer: Kyiv Boryspil International Airport from Kyiv Hotel: $38
- Private transfer: Boryspil International Airport to Kyiv: $48
- Private Transfer: From Kyiv city to Zhulyany International Airport: $54
- Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $60
- Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV in Luxury Van: $66
- Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $66
- Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $66
- Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Boryspil Airport KBP: $66
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Chernihiv city: $147
Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Kiev?
Prices for flights to both Kiev and Riga 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 dayRiga €57Kiev €10
Typical Food Prices in Riga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
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Fast Food Lunch€5.77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.
- Central Market Traditional Food Tour in a Small Group: $41
- Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $53
- Khinkali and Pelmeni Cooking Master Class: $70
- Exclusive Igloo for Lunches, Dinners and Events: $72
- Latvian Art Museum, Dinner, and Black Balsam Tasting: $210
- Pizza Making Master Class in Riga: $251
- Traditional Latvian Dinner with Private Folk Show: $252
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kiev
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kiev.
- Kyiv Restaurant Food Tour: Ukrainian Cuisine Tasting: $122
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Riga €14Kiev €1.66
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- An audio tour of Old from St Peter's Church to the Monument of Freedom: $6.99
- Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $8.21
- Canal Boat Tour with Welcome Drink & Audio Guide: $8.21
- Panorama Riga Observation Deck Ticket: $9.38
- Old Town Electrobus Tour + Audio Guide & Drink: $9.38
- Riga Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.57
- Riga Canal and Daugava Boat Tour with Welcome Drink & Audio Guide: $9.58
- Evening or Sunset Boat Tour with Welcome Drink: $10
- Rowing boats and Pedal boat rental - River Cruises Latvia: $11
- Riga English Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $11
- Evening or Sunset Boat Tour with Drink and Audio Guide: $11
- Riga Golden Autumn Canal & River Cruise | River Cruises LV: $11
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: $31
- Walking City Tour of Ancient Kiev in German: $36
- Small-Group Sightseeing Driving Tour of Kyiv - Best Introduction to the City: $37
- Kiev guided walking tour: discover highlights and hidden gems of the capital: $37
- Underground Tunnels Exploration Tour: $37
- Private Ukrainian Street Art Tour in Kiev: $38
- Sightseeing City Tour: $40
- Kyiv Podil District Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $42
- Panoramic Kyiv by Night Driving Tour with Private Guide: $42
- Kyiv Old Town Private Walking Tour: $42
- Sunrise in Kyiv Private Tour: $43
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRiga €20Kiev €5.19
Sample the Local Flavors in Riga
Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $21
- Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
- Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting in Riga: $35
- Riga Pub Crawl: $41
- Latvian Brewery Visit & 5 Beer tasting: $47
- Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $50
- Game Night & Pub Crawl: $52
- Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $59
- Riga Brewery Tour: $59
- Prosecco Bike & Pub Crawl: $65
- Riga Brewery Tour: $77
- Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $94
Sample the Local Flavors in Kiev
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kiev:
- Private Pub Crawl - Beer Tasting: $76
- Speakeasy Bar Crawl: $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Kiev, we can see that Riga 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 Riga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Riga 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 Riga Expensive? and Is Kiev Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Riga or Kiev?
Kiev has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Riga 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 Riga 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 Riga or Kiev in the Summer?
Both Kiev and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year.
In the summer, Riga is cooler than Kiev. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Kiev averages at about 21°C (70°F).
In July, Riga usually receives less rain than Kiev. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 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 JulyRiga 17°C (63°F)Kiev 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Riga or Kiev in the Autumn?
Both Kiev and Riga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Riga is generally cooler than Kiev. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Kiev fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Riga usually gets more rain in October than Kiev. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 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 OctoberRiga 7°C (45°F)Kiev 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Riga or Kiev in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Kiev. Many visitors come to Riga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Kiev can be very cold during winter. Riga can get quite cold in the winter. Riga is cooler than Kiev in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Kiev fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).
In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Kiev. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 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 JanuaryRiga -5°C (23°F)Kiev -4°C (24°F)
Should I visit Riga or Kiev in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Riga as well as Kiev. Most visitors come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Riga is much colder than Kiev. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Kiev averages at about 10°C (51°F).
Riga usually gets less rain in April than Kiev. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 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 AprilRiga 5°C (42°F)Kiev 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Kiev and Riga
| Riga | Kiev | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.