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

Should you visit Kiev or Ljubljana?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Kiev and Ljubljana can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Kiev or Ljubljana?

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.

Ljubljana

Most people don't travel to Ljubljana to see specific sights, as there aren't many famous attractions around town. Instead, this is a city that is about atmosphere. It's a city that you explore and immerse yourself in completely. You meet the people, you go to the clubs, you find the interesting restaurants. That is the best way to learn about Ljubljana.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.


Which place is cheaper, Ljubljana or Kiev?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kiev is $29, while the average daily cost in Ljubljana is $116. 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 Kiev and Ljubljana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiev $16
    Ljubljana $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiev $32
    Ljubljana $126
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Ljubljana

Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Ljubljana? 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 Kiev


Hotels in Ljubljana


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: Ljubljana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiev $0.98
    Ljubljana $24

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ljubljana

Also for Ljubljana, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer to/from Ljubljana Station: $14
  • Ljubljana airport: Airport Transfer from Bled: $22
  • Ljubljana Central: Convenient Transfer to/from Bled Central: $22
  • Ljubljana- Airport Ljubljana. Private transfer. : $68
  • Ljubljana-Airport Ljubljana. Private transfer. Or vice versa.: $69
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Kamnik: $77
  • Private transfer from Kamnik to Ljubljana city: $77
  • Private Transfer from Kranj to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $78
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Kranj: $78
  • Private transfer from Kamnik to airport Ljubljana: $81
  • CO2-Offset Arrival Transfer Ljubljana Airport to Ljubljana City : $87
  • Private transfer from Kranj to Ljubljana city: $101

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Ljubljana?

Prices for flights to both Ljubljana and Kiev 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
    Kiev $12
    Ljubljana $34

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

Typical Food Prices in Ljubljana

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ljubljana:


  • Horsemeat Hot Dog
    $2.35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Ljubljana International Dinner: $5.87
  • Slovenia: Belokranjska Pogača Cooking Class: $53
  • Traditional Slovenian štrukelj Cooking Class: $70
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $71
  • sLOVEnian Strukelj Traditional Cooking Class: $72
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $81
  • Flavour of Slovenia: Very Small Group Food Tour in Ljubljana: $90
  • Dinner in the Dark: $116
  • Medieval coast and romantic fish dinner in Piran from Ljubljana at 16:00: $144
  • Ljubljana Food Tour by Sigismundi, Eat & Drink: $152
  • The Cradle of Lipizzaner horses - Half Day Trip from Ljubljana: $177

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kiev $1.94
    Ljubljana $17

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Castle Tower Entrance (for 2)
    $9.39

Tours and Activities in Ljubljana

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ljubljana.

  • Ljubljana Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • WOOP! Pixel Interactive Game Experience: $9.36
  • Ljubljana Historic Downtown Audio Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • House of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $16
  • Classic Ljubljana Group Tour: $17
  • Castle Entry Ticket with Optional Funicular Ride: $18
  • Ljubljana Castle: Entrance Ticket: $18
  • Gokart experience at Woop! karting - the fastest attraction: $19
  • 2.5h walking tour with local guide: $23
  • Wonderful tour fun experience time history: $23
  • Private Guided City Tour: $23
  • Ljubljana Festively Decorated Walking Tour: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiev $6.07
    Ljubljana $13

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ljubljana

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ljubljana are as follows:


  • Drinks at a Sidewalk Cafe (for 2)
    $7.04

Sample the Local Flavors in Ljubljana

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ljubljana:

  • Broken Bones Distillery Guided Tasting: $15
  • Ljubljana Pub Crawl: $26
  • Pub Crawl Ljubljana: $26
  • Wine Tasting with Pairing Snacks in Vipava Valley: $30
  • Wine Tasting, Slovenian Wine Story: $59
  • Wine Tasting Experience: $60
  • Wine Tasting Experience with Appetizers: $64
  • Slovenian Wine Tasting at Wine Bar Šuklje: $67
  • Slovenian Wine Tasting Experience at Wine Bar Šuklje: $68
  • 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Ljubljana: $72
  • Food & Wine tour with a Sommelier: $104
  • BEER WAY Kamnik Beer Tasting & Brewery Tour: $107


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


Which is Bigger, Kiev or Ljubljana?

Kiev has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and Ljubljana, 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 Kiev or Ljubljana?

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 Kiev or Ljubljana in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Ljubljana. Additionally, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kiev is around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kiev in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Kiev usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kiev 21°C (70°F) 
    Ljubljana 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kiev is generally cooler than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 10°C (49°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In October, Kiev usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kiev 10°C (49°F) 
    Ljubljana 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Ljubljana in the Winter?

Both Ljubljana and Kiev during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ljubljana can be very cold during winter. Kiev can get quite cold in the winter. Kiev is much colder than Ljubljana in the winter. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around -4°C (24°F) in January, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Kiev usually gets less rain in January than Ljubljana. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kiev -4°C (24°F) 
    Ljubljana 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Ljubljana in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Ljubljana. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kiev is cooler than Ljubljana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kiev in April average around 10°C (51°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Kiev usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kiev 10°C (51°F) 
    Ljubljana 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Kiev

Kiev Ljubljana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (24°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.2 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 98 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 52 mm (2 in) 2°C (36°F) 101 mm (4 in)