Which place is cheaper, Plovdiv or Kiev?
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 Kiev or Plovdiv?
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 Plovdiv can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Kiev or Plovdiv?
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.
Plovdiv
Located in a large, hilly plain between the Rhodope Mountains in the south of Bulgaria and the Balkan Range in the central part of the country, Plovdiv sits uniquely spread across six hills. It is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, dating back roughly 8,000 years. Some of its best features are its ancient ruins and historic architecture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, and The Best Adventure Tours to Bulgaria.
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Kiev Prices
Ukraine PricesPlovdiv Prices
Bulgaria Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKiev $29Plovdiv $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Kiev is $29, while the average daily cost in Plovdiv is $105. 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 Plovdiv in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKiev $16Plovdiv $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKiev $32Plovdiv $96
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Plovdiv
Looking for a hotel in Kiev or Plovdiv? 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: Plovdiv Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kiev $0.98Plovdiv $24
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plovdiv
Also for Plovdiv, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private One-way Transfer Plovdiv Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $70
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Stara Zagora: $95
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Pamporovo: $98
- Transfer Plovdiv to Sofia airport/city with a car 3+1: $107
- Transfer from Pamporovo to Sofia: $107
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Sofia: $113
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Borovets: $113
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Burgas city/airport with sedan/minivan/minibus: $208
Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Plovdiv?
Prices for flights to both Plovdiv 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
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Food Meals for one dayKiev $12Plovdiv $40
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.Kiev $1.94Plovdiv $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
Tours and Activities in Plovdiv
For Plovdiv, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Plovdiv Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Old Town Guided Walking Tour & Audioguide & Museum: $18
- Guided Walking Tour: $18
- Audio Guide for All Haskovo & Kardjali Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $23
- Plovdiv guided walking tour: $23
- Plovdiv Walking Tour To Old Town And Ancient Roman Landmarks: $24
- Private Virtual Tour in Plovdiv with a Local Guide: $35
- Food Walk: Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour in Plovdiv: $42
- Food Walk Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour: $42
- Audio Guide for All Rhodope Mountain Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $46
- Private Plovdiv Walking Tour: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKiev $6.07Plovdiv $11
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 Plovdiv
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plovdiv:
- Chateau Copsa Wine Tasting Tours & Activities: $23
- Bulgarian Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Plovdiv : $27
- Food and Wine Tour: $60
- Thracian Valley wine tasting - private day tour from Plovdiv: $107
- Private Day Trip From Plovdiv To Wine Cellars And Wine Tasting: $118
- Half-Day of Horseback Adventure with Wine Tasting: $183
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kiev and Plovdiv, we can see that Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kiev or Plovdiv?
Kiev has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Plovdiv. When comparing the sizes of Kiev and Plovdiv, 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.
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.