Which place is cheaper, Kiev or Moscow?
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 Moscow 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 Moscow 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: Moscow or Kiev?
Moscow
Moscow is the capital of Russia and is notable for its important role in history. It's a very sprawling city with many museums and fascinating buildings. Ten percent of Russia's population lives in this capital city and it's a financial and political center for the country. The Moskva River weaves its way through the city and you will find most of the city's sights and attractions on the northern side of the river.
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.
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Moscow Prices
Russia PricesKiev Prices
Ukraine Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $82Kiev $29
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $82, 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 Moscow and Kiev in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $44Kiev $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $88Kiev $32
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Kiev
Looking for a hotel in Moscow 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.77Kiev $0.98
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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Two Metro Passes$1.62
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Tangkerang Labuai to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Barat: $44
- Private Transfer from Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
- Private Transfer from Sri Meranti to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $46
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Cinta Raja: $47
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kampung Bandar: $47
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kota Baru: $47
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Wonorejo: $47
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Harjosari: $47
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kampung Dalam: $47
- Private Transfer from Kampung Dalam to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $47
- Private Transfer from Cinta Raja to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $47
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 Moscow or Kiev?
Prices for flights to both Kiev and Moscow 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 dayMoscow $27Kiev $12
Typical Food Prices in Moscow
For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$6.58
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.59
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Breakfast for 2$12
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.Moscow $18Kiev $1.94
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Theater Tickets$14
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Kremlin Entry (2)$12
Tours and Activities in Moscow
For Moscow, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Custom Private Tour in Palembang with English Speaking Driver: $97
- 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour in Bengkulu: $157
- 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $8.70Kiev $6.07
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 Moscow and Kiev, we can see that Moscow 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 Moscow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Moscow 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 Moscow Expensive? and Is Kiev Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Kiev?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kiev. When comparing the sizes of Moscow 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 Moscow or Kiev?
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 Moscow or Kiev in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Kiev.
In July, Moscow is generally around the same temperature as Kiev. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Kiev fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kiev. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Kiev 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Kiev in the Autumn?
Both Kiev and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Moscow is much colder than Kiev in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Kiev fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In October, Moscow usually receives more rain than Kiev. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Kiev 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Kiev in the Winter?
Both Kiev and Moscow during the winter are popular places to visit.
The weather in Kiev can be very cold. Moscow can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than Kiev. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Kiev averages at about -4°C (24°F).
Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Kiev. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Kiev -4°C (24°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Kiev in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Kiev.
In April, Moscow is generally cooler than Kiev. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Kiev fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Kiev. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kiev receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Kiev 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Kiev and Moscow
| Moscow | Kiev | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 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.