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

Should you visit Santorini or Kiev?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Kiev, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Santorini or Kiev?

Santorini

Santorini is a volcanic island that is part of the Cyclades group of the Greek Islands. It has some spectacular views, beautiful sunsets, and excellent beaches. As one of the most popular of the Greek Islands to visit, Santorini sees many tourists every year. However, it's for a good reason, as the famous white-washed buildings that spill down the hill, some with blue domes that match the gorgeous color of the water, are set against the beautiful mountainous backdrop of one of the most scenic areas of the Mediterranean. Home to several of these small and scenic towns such as Oia, Kamari, Perissa, and Fira, visitors can explore the large island, enjoy delicious food, swim at the beaches, hike the hills, and sail the blue waters.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, and The Best Budget Tours to Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Kiev or Santorini?

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 Santorini is €250, while the average daily cost in Kiev is €25. 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 Santorini and Kiev in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 118
    Kiev 14
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 236
    Kiev 28
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Kiev

Looking for a hotel in Santorini 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.

Hotels in Santorini


Hotels in Kiev


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: Santorini Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 35
    Kiev 0.84

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Santorini Private Airport Transfer : $29
  • Private Transfers From or To Santorini Ferry Port : $60
  • Santorini Private Roundtrip Transfer from/to Airport,Port & Hotel: $72
  • Private Transfers from/to Santorini Port (Athinios) to/from Oia: $108
  • Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $6,138

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Kiev?

Prices for flights to both Kiev and Santorini 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
    Santorini 96
    Kiev 10

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.
    Santorini 35
    Kiev 1.66

Tours and Activities in Santorini

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

  • Magical Santorini Highlights Private Tour: $120
  • Ferry Tickets between Santorini and Crete Heraklion: $121
  • Santorini Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal, Open-Bar & Sunset Views: $155
  • Santorini Classic Highlights and Sightseeing Private Tour: $177
  • Santorini's Story. Insta and TikTok Experience. Private tour : $203
  • Santorini Unlocked: Private Tour with Local Guide & Driver: $203
  • Private Oia and Ammoudi Sunset Experience: $203
  • Private Santorini Sunset Picnic Experience: $203
  • Santorini Private Tour for Wine Enthusiasts: $215
  • Santorini Shopping Therapy: Style & Tradition Tour: $215
  • Private Experience in Santorini with Guide in Spanish: $269

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 25
    Kiev 5.19

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting option: $90
  • Private Wine Tasting-Wine Museum- Snacks: 2, 3 or 4 Wineries: $194
  • Private Wine Tour in Santorini - Greece: $203

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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Kiev?

Kiev has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini 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.