Which place is cheaper, Kiev or Sochi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sochi or Kiev?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sochi 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: Sochi or Kiev?
Sochi
Located on the coast of the Black Sea, Sochi is one of the southernmost major cities in Russia. It is especially busy in the summer when native Russians and international visitors alike come to enjoy the mountainous coastline and sunny beaches. Sochi is also known as the host of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, and many of the Olympic venues can still be visited today.
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 daySochi $60Kiev $26
The average daily cost (per person) in Sochi is $60, 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 Sochi and Kiev in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSochi $14Kiev $17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSochi $28Kiev $34
Compare Hotels in Sochi and Kiev
Looking for a hotel in Sochi 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.Sochi -Kiev $1.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:
- Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City in Business Car: $60
- Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City in Luxury Van: $67
- Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev City to Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP in Business Car: $60
- 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: $60
- Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City: $67
- Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $55
- Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $60
- Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Boryspil Airport KBP: $60
- Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $60
- Luxury Arrival Transfer From Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $80
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer from Kyiv Boryspil Airport: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Sochi or Kiev?
Prices for flights to both Kiev and Sochi 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 daySochi $17Kiev $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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sochi $112Kiev $2.03
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: $28
- 2 Hours Kyiv Street Art Tour : $32
- Underground Tunnels Exploration Tour: $34
- Kiev guided walking tour: discover highlights and hidden gems of the capital: $34
- Private Ukrainian Street Art Tour in Kiev: $35
- Sightseeing City Tour: $35
- Kyiv Podil District Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $38
- Kyiv Old Town Private Walking Tour: $38
- Panoramic Kyiv by Night Driving Tour with Private Guide: $38
- Kiev Open Tour - History & Modern Life in 3 hours: $42
- Kyiv Street Art Tour: $44
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySochi -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 Sochi and Kiev, we can see that Sochi 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 Sochi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sochi 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 Sochi Expensive? and Is Kiev Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sochi or Kiev?
Kiev has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Sochi. When comparing the sizes of Sochi 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 Sochi 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 Sochi or Kiev in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sochi and Kiev.
In the summer, Sochi is around the same temperature as Kiev. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sochi in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Kiev averages at about 21°C (70°F).
In July, Sochi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kiev. Sochi gets 93 mm (3.7 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 JulySochi 23°C (73°F)Kiev 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Sochi or Kiev in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sochi as well as Kiev.
In October, Sochi is generally much warmer than Kiev. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 16°C (60°F), and Kiev fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Sochi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sochi usually gets more rain in October than Kiev. Sochi gets 135 mm (5.3 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 OctoberSochi 16°C (60°F)Kiev 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Sochi or Kiev in the Winter?
Both Kiev and Sochi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Kiev can be very cold during winter. Sochi is much warmer than Kiev in the winter. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 6°C (44°F) in January, and Kiev fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).
It's quite rainy in Sochi. In January, Sochi usually receives more rain than Kiev. Sochi gets 183 mm (7.2 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 JanuarySochi 6°C (44°F)Kiev -4°C (24°F)
Should I visit Sochi or Kiev in the Spring?
Both Kiev and Sochi during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Sochi is a little warmer than Kiev. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sochi in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Kiev averages at about 10°C (51°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sochi. Sochi usually gets more rain in April than Kiev. Sochi gets 110 mm (4.3 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 AprilSochi 13°C (55°F)Kiev 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Kiev and Sochi
| Sochi | Kiev | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (44°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 7°C (45°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (68°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (68°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (60°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 202 mm (8 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.