A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kiev vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kiev or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Kiev or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

One of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe, Plitvice Lakes National Park is an area of green forests laced with a system of interconnected turquoise lakes. It was set aside as a national park in 1949, and was later designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

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


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park or Kiev?

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

  • Kiev Prices
    Ukraine Prices
    Plitvice Lakes National Park Prices
    Croatia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kiev $29
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $181

The average daily cost (per person) in Kiev is $29, while the average daily cost in Plitvice Lakes National Park is $181. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiev $16
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiev $32
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $142
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiev $0.98
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $31

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $179

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park 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
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $81

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
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $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 Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • 90-Minute Rastoke Guided Walking Tour: $8.35
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park Admission Ticket: $15
  • Plitvice Lakes Group Walking Tour with Local Guide: $39
  • Plitvice Lakes guided tour: $41
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $41
  • Plitvice Lakes Tour: Secured Tickets, Train & Boat Ride: $42
  • Private Guided Fairy Tale Tour in Ogulin: $48
  • Zeljava Airbase: History and Adventure Tour: $60
  • Quad adventure: $86
  • 2 hour Guided Buggy Tour in Plitvice lakes: $118
  • Rakovica Private Countryside Bike Tour with Barac Caves: $143
  • 3,5 hours Guided Buggy Tour in Plitvice lakes: $154

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiev $6.07
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $17

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 Kiev and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Kiev or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

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

Kiev usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kiev 21°C (70°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kiev is generally cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 10°C (49°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In October, Kiev usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kiev 10°C (49°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Kiev during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter for the cuisine.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kiev. Kiev is much colder than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around -4°C (24°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Kiev usually gets less rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kiev -4°C (24°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Furthermore, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Kiev is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kiev in April average around 10°C (51°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In April, Kiev usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kiev 10°C (51°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Kiev

Kiev Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (24°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)