Which place is cheaper, Kiev or Athens?
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 Athens or Kiev?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Kiev. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Athens or Kiev?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece.
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Athens Prices
Greece PricesKiev Prices
Ukraine Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €154Kiev €25
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €154, 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 Athens and Kiev in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Kiev €14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Kiev €28
Compare Hotels in Athens and Kiev
Looking for a hotel in Athens 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: Athens Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Kiev €0.84
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ferry Transfer from Athens to Aegina Island: $16
- Mykonos Super Paradise Beach Transfers: $18
- One way Private Transfer Athens City Center to / from Piraeus Port: $23
- Piraeus Port To Athens City Center Private Arrival Transfer: $24
- Santorini Airport Private Transfer: $25
- Athens Airport (ATH) Private Transfer to Athens Hotels/Piraeus: $26
- Santorini: Private Airport and Port Transfer Service: $27
- Athens city to Piraeus port Private transfer: $27
- Athens Airport Private Transfer to Piraeus Port with Meet & Greet: $28
- Private Transfer from Piraeus Port to Athens City Center: $29
- Piraeus port to Athens city Private transfer: $29
- Private Transfer from Athens City Center to Piraeus Port: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:
- Private Transfer Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Zhytomyr.: $173
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Chernihiv city: $147
- Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $66
- Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV in Luxury Van: $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
- Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $60
- Private Transfer: From Kyiv city to Zhulyany International Airport: $54
- Private transfer: Boryspil International Airport to Kyiv: $48
- Private Arrival Transfer: International Airport Kyiv Zhuliany to Kiev hotel: $38
- Private Departure Transfer: Kyiv Boryspil International Airport from Kyiv Hotel: $38
- Zhyliany Airport Kyiv: Private Arrival or Departure Transfer from Kiev: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Kiev?
Prices for flights to both Kiev and Athens 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 dayAthens €64Kiev €10
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
- Street Food Tour - Sample the Food the Locals Love: $71
- Koukaki Food Tour with a Local Friend: $78
- Athens's original vegan food tour: $78
- Small Group, Delicious Athens Food Tour: $81
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $81
- Get a Taste of Athens Food Tour: $82
- Athens, Greek food tour including market visit: $83
- Eat like an Athenian food tour of Athens: $83
- Athens Walking Food Tour with Visit to Varvakios Central Market: $83
- Athens Evening Food Tour: $88
- Greek Cooking Class by Poseidon’s Temple in Sounio with Antonia: $90
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.Athens €36Kiev €1.66
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Self Guided Walking Tour in Athens Hidden Gems: $3.59
- A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
- Athens Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $6.01
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Athens: $7.20
- Self-Guided Greece Grand Tour with Audio Guide: $7.69
- The Best of Piraeus: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.99
- South Slope Acropolis Self-Guided 3D Audio Tour (No Ticket): $8.40
- Athens Interactive City Tour: $8.42
- Temple of Olympian Zeus: Self-Guided Audio Tour on your Phone (without ticket): $9.61
- Acropolis of Athens Self-Guided Tour with 3D & Audio (No Ticket): $9.61
- Private Self-Guided Audio City-Tour in Athens: $9.62
- Athens Olympic Museum ticket: $11
Tours and Activities in Kiev
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kiev are as follows:
- 1- or 3-Hour Private Kyiv Guided Bike Tour: $85
- 2 hours Private Walking Tour in Ancient Kiev: $45
- 3-Hour Kiev Private Gastro Tour: $95
- BBQ tour - absolutely like a local experience in (or outside) Kyiv!: $190
- Bohemian Podil Tour: $120
- Custom Kyiv Walking Tour with Private Local Guide: $31
- Discover Kyiv: The Most Complete 6 Hours Private Sightseeing Tour by car: $179
- Full Day Kiev Private Tour: $82
- Full day group tour to Chernobyl and Prypiat: $111
- Highlights of Different Religions in Kyiv Private Tour: $61
- Jewish History of Kyiv including Babi Yar Memorial Private Tour: $60
- Jewish Kiev Tour - private tour: $46
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Kiev €5.19
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- The Original Athens Pub Crawl: $11
- Greek Honey Tasting Experience at our Old Distillery: $14
- Saturday Night Pub Crawl for Professionals in Athens, Greece: $25
- Experience Ouzo Tasting at Athens Oldest Distillery: $26
- Athens Ultimate Bar Crawl: $48
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $59
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $59
- Greek Wine Tasting with Acropolis view: $59
- Acropolis Private Wine Tasting @ Finewine store : $67
- Greek food and wine tasting: $71
- Noble Greeks Acropolis Wine Tasting with Private Sommelier: $72
- Athens by Night Walking and Wine Tasting Experience: $84
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 Athens and Kiev, we can see that Athens 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Kiev Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Kiev?
Kiev has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens or Kiev in the Summer?
Both Kiev and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Athens is a little warmer than Kiev in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Kiev fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Athens usually gets less rain in July than Kiev. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Kiev 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Athens or Kiev in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Kiev. Many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Athens is much warmer than Kiev. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Kiev averages at about 10°C (49°F).
In October, Athens usually receives more rain than Kiev. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Kiev 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Athens or Kiev in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Kiev. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Kiev can be very cold. In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Kiev. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Kiev fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).
Athens usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Kiev. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Kiev -4°C (24°F)
Should I visit Athens or Kiev in the Spring?
Both Kiev and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Athens is much warmer than Kiev in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Kiev fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Kiev. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Kiev 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Kiev and Athens
| Athens | Kiev | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 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.