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

Should you visit Kiev or Mainz?

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 Mainz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Kiev or Mainz?

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.

Mainz

On the Rhine River, the ages of the medieval stand before you in their half-timbered constructions, giving this quaint, old town a hint of the spellbinding. A time capsule of Germany, Mainz is enriched by its vast history as well as its cosmopolitan air. Dating back to around 38 BC, Mainz was built by Romans and founded as the the episcopal seat of the influential Prince-Electors. With its history spanning more than 2,000 years, Mainz is rich in its exquisite architecture, such as its stunning cathedrals, medieval market squares, and Renaissance fountains. However, Mainz also has been blessed with the joys and comforts of modernization, giving way to fantastic shopping centers, tasty restaurants, and absolutely fascinating museums. A media hub and regional capital, Mainz is also known as the wine capital of Germany as its civilians have a long history of winegrowing throughout the city. Whether you seek to oogle at artifacts at the Gutenberg Museum or sit a spell at one of the town's fine eateries, the possibilities are endless in Mainz!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Mainz 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 Mainz is $201. 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 Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiev $16
    Mainz $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiev $32
    Mainz $174
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Mainz? 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 Mainz


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: Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiev $0.98
    Mainz $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:

  • Zhyliany Airport Kyiv: Private Arrival or Departure Transfer from Kiev: $33
  • Private transfer: Boryspil International Airport to Kyiv: $48
  • Private Transfer: From Kyiv city to Zhulyany International Airport: $54
  • Private Transfer Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Zhytomyr.: $173
  • Private Departure Transfer: Kyiv Boryspil International Airport from Kyiv Hotel: $38
  • Private Departure Transfer: International Airport Kyiv Zhuliany from Kyiv Hotel: $32
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Chernihiv city: $147
  • Private Arrival Transfer: International Airport Kyiv Zhuliany to Kiev hotel: $38
  • 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
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Boryspil Airport KBP: $66
  • Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz 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
    Mainz $83

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kiev $1.94
    Mainz $39

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

Tours and Activities in Mainz

For Mainz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Mainz Interactive City Tour: $8.35
  • Mainz Old Town: A Self-Guided Walking Tour : $8.99
  • Guided tour in Mainz on the Rhine in german and english: $20
  • guided evening tour of the Rhine riverbank/old town in German and English: $20
  • Evening walking tour of Mainz Rhine bank and Old Town: $20
  • Golden Mainz and its Sights: Guided Walking Tour: $24
  • 2-Hour Advent Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Rhine: $27
  • Guided historical tour through the old town with Geo Epoche: $29
  • Mainz Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Tour: $31
  • Explore A Guided Tour of One of Germany's True Gems: $33
  • Urban Adventure Game in Mainz with an app: $48
  • Stand Up Paddling Tour on the Rhine River: $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiev $6.07
    Mainz $26

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Mainz

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mainz:

  • Wine along the Rhein - Half day Wine Tour from Mainz: $298
  • Private pub crawl with insider guide & free shots: $334
  • Private Xmas Market Hopping with gondola ride & wine tasting: $856


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


Which is Bigger, Kiev or Mainz?

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

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 Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Kiev during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kiev is around the same temperature as Mainz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kiev in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Mainz averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Kiev usually gets more rain in July than Mainz. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kiev 21°C (70°F) 
    Mainz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Mainz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Mainz. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Kiev is generally cooler than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 10°C (49°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Kiev usually receives less rain than Mainz. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kiev 10°C (49°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Mainz. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Mainz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Mainz can be very cold. Kiev can be very cold during winter. Kiev is much colder than Mainz in the winter. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around -4°C (24°F) in January, and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Kiev usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mainz. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kiev -4°C (24°F) 
    Mainz 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Mainz in the Spring?

Both Mainz and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

In the spring, Kiev is around the same temperature as Mainz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kiev in April average around 10°C (51°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In April, Kiev usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mainz. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kiev 10°C (51°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and Kiev

Kiev Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (24°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 52 mm (2 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)


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