Which place is cheaper, Kiev or Bucharest?
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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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: Bucharest or Kiev?
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania.
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Bucharest Prices
Romania PricesKiev Prices
Ukraine Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBucharest $194Kiev $29
The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $194, while the average daily cost in Kiev is $29. 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 Bucharest and Kiev in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBucharest $68Kiev $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBucharest $136Kiev $32
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Kiev
Looking for a hotel in Bucharest 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: Bucharest Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bucharest $28Kiev $0.98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:
- Bucharest Private Airport Transfer from or to City Center Hotel: $24
- Airport Transfer -One way Bucharest Otopeni Henri Coandă Airport : $27
- Bucharest Private Airport Transfer: $30
- Bucharest Otopeni Airport OTP to Bucharest City Center Hotel - private transfer: $30
- Private Bucharest Otopeni Airport transfers: $31
- Daimler Exclusive Trips And Transfers: $32
- Bucharest Premium Airport Transfer - One wayOtopeni Airport: $33
- Bucharest Private Transfer Service for Individuals/Small Groups: $35
- Bucharest Airport OTP Private Transfer to Bucharest Center: $35
- Bucharest Luxury Airport Transfer with Minivan and Business Cars: $36
- Bucharest Airport Transfers: $36
- Transfer from Otopeni Henri Coandă Airport to Bucharest or Back: $36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:
- 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 Boryspil Airport KBP: $66
- Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $60
- Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $66
- Private Arrival Transfer: International Airport Kyiv Zhuliany to Kiev hotel: $38
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Chernihiv city: $147
- Private Departure Transfer: International Airport Kyiv Zhuliany from Kyiv Hotel: $32
- Private Departure Transfer: Kyiv Boryspil International Airport from Kyiv Hotel: $38
- Private Transfer Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Zhytomyr.: $173
- Private Transfer: From Kyiv city to Zhulyany International Airport: $54
- Private transfer: Boryspil International Airport to Kyiv: $48
Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Kiev?
Prices for flights to both Kiev and Bucharest 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 dayBucharest $108Kiev $12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.
- Dinner at the Museum of Communism & tour after closing: $58
- Eat Like a Local: Food Tour in Bucharest Obor Market: $89
- Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $94
- Bucharest Historical Food Tour in Old Center: $107
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $118
- Discover Private Highlights and Traditional Food Tour: $137
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.Bucharest $16Kiev $1.94
Tours and Activities in Bucharest
Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bucharest 1989 Revolution GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $6.91
- Bucharest Beyond the Boulevards: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Interbelic Bucharest GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $8.32
- Bucharest Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Jewish Bucharest GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $9.53
- Alternative Bucharest Walking Tour: $12
- Bucharest Essential Tour: Old Town, Calea Victoriei & Communism: $16
- Bucharest Old Centre Tour: $17
- Bucharest Highlights Walking Tour: $21
- Walking Tour- Delightful Bucharest (Highlights, Stories, Sights): $23
- Dracula's Castle, Brasov and Peles Full-Day Tour from Bucharest: $23
- Walking tour of Bucharest: $24
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 dayBucharest $9.92Kiev $6.07
Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest
Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private Bucharest Pub Crawl: $36
- Bar Crawling: $48
- Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $59
- Bucharest Private Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $62
- Wine Tasting in Bucharest long version: $69
- Private Wine Tasting at Bucharest's First Wine Bar: $106
- Romanian Wine Tasting: $106
- PREMIUM TOUR small group: Salt Mine Exploration and Wine Tasting : $113
- PREMIUM TOUR small group: Salt Mine in Prahova and Wine Tasting: $113
- PREMIUM TOUR small group: Wine Tasting and Salt Mine experience: $113
- Sip & Stroll: Wine Tasting and History Private Tour of Bucharest: $125
- Vineyards and wine tasting experience: $139
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 Bucharest and Kiev, we can see that Bucharest 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 Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest 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 Bucharest Expensive? and Is Kiev Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Kiev?
Kiev has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Bucharest. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Kiev in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Kiev. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Bucharest is around the same temperature as Kiev. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Kiev averages at about 21°C (70°F).
In July, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Kiev. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 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 JulyBucharest 23°C (73°F)Kiev 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Kiev in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Kiev. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Bucharest is generally a little warmer than Kiev. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Kiev fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Kiev. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 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 OctoberBucharest 13°C (55°F)Kiev 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Kiev in the Winter?
Both Kiev and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Kiev can be very cold. Bucharest can be very cold during winter. Bucharest is much warmer than Kiev in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Kiev fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).
In January, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Kiev. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 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 JanuaryBucharest -1°C (29°F)Kiev -4°C (24°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Kiev in the Spring?
Both Kiev and Bucharest during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the activities around the city.
In the spring, Bucharest is a little warmer than Kiev. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Kiev averages at about 10°C (51°F).
Bucharest usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kiev. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 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 AprilBucharest 12°C (54°F)Kiev 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Kiev and Bucharest
| Bucharest | Kiev | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (29°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (44°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.