Whether you're planning a quick getaway or a longer vacation, this Kansas City travel cost guide will help you understand the typical costs of a trip. Our Kansas City trip cost calculator is based on average spending from thousands of past travelers, including accommodations, meals, attractions, entertainment, and transportation. Kansas City is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and you don't want to miss out because you didn't plan the right budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Kansas City?
Our data from real travelers indicates that visitors to Kansas City spend approximately $196 per person, per day, on average.
This travel cost data was last updated on . The daily average cost includes spending on accommodation, meals, local transportation, entry tickets, and sightseeing activities.
Since we know that the typical traveler spends about $196 per day on a trip to Kansas City, this amount can be used to help plan your overall trip budget, as well as compare Kansas City to other destinations.
Past travelers here have spent, on average for one day:
$82 on meals
$44 on local transportation
$176 on hotels
A one-week trip to Kansas City for two people costs, on average, $2,744. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Below, we go into even more details about typical prices for accommodation, food, transportation, and sightseeing activities in Kansas City.
Costs by category are below, keep reading for more information.
Is Kansas City expensive to visit?
In Kansas City, budget travelers spend $79 per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $196 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $481 per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Kansas City.
Kansas City is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
While Kansas City can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Kansas City is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Juneau or Grand Teton National Park.
How much money do I need for a trip to Kansas City?
The average Kansas City trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Kansas City travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Kansas City cost?
Kansas City on a Budget
Category
Budget
Mid-Range
Luxury
Accommodation1 For 1 person in double occupancy
$38
$88
$175
Local Transportation1
$13
$44
$175
Food2
$32
$82
$211
Entertainment1
$4.81
$11
$22
Alcohol2
$3-8
$6-18
$12-35
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Kansas City cost?
A one week trip to Kansas City usually costs around $1,372 for one person and $2,744 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Kansas City on average costs around $2,744 for one person and $5,488 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Kansas City will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Kansas City on average costs around $5,880 for one person and $11,760 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Accommodation Budget in Kansas City
Hotel prices in Kansas City can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $219, while in peak season it jumps to an average of $409. Budget accommodations range from $66 to $2,734, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Kansas City for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $176. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $88 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Accommodation1
Hotel or hostel for one person
$88
Accommodation1
Typical double-occupancy room
$176
Hotels in Kansas City
Looking for a hotel in Kansas City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Find the best hotel for your travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.
Actual Hotel Prices in Kansas City
The average hotel room price in Kansas City based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $219 in the low season and $409 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Kansas City include:
Loews Kansas City Hotel starting at $254
Ambassador Hotel Kansas City Autograph Collection starting at $244
The Raphael Hotel Autograph Collection starting at $260
Crossroads Hotel starting at $198
Kansas City Marriott Downtown starting at $211
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Kansas City
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of , can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Recommended Properties
Transportation Budget in Kansas City
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
On average, past travelers have spent $44 per person, per day, on local transportation in Kansas City. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Kansas City is significantly more than public transportation.
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$44
You'll likely need a car to explore Kansas City at any level. The downtown are does have a bus system, but many of the city's points of interest are outside of the downtown area and not accessible by public bus.
Kansas City's international airport makes the city very accessible to other major cities in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Transportation Tips
If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.
Flights to Kansas City
How much does it cost to go to Kansas City? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
Rental Cars in Kansas City
The price of renting a car in Kansas City will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Kansas City
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
While restaurant and meal prices in Kansas City can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Kansas City is $82 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
Food2
Meals for one day
$82
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Kansas City is around $82 ($82) per person, with previous travelers spending from $32 to $211. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Kansas City are as follows:
Breakfast: $8 to $25
Lunch: $12 to $33
Dinner: $25 to $57
Coffee: $7
Fast Food or Street Food: $12
You'll find some wonderful locally owned restaurants in Kansas City. One local favorite is the barbeque which has it's own regional flavor. Try the "Burnt Ends," a dish you won't find outside the city. The edges of the meat are overcooked which gives them a rich, smoky flavor, although they might be drier and chewy. There are some great diners in town as well if you're looking for an American classic. Some options include Chubby's, Town Topic, and YJ's Snack Bar.
Food & Dining Tips
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you to avoid spending on drinks. It's also a win for the environment.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Kansas City
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Kansas City typically cost an average of $11 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$11
Some sights in the area worth visiting are the Historic City Market, the American Jazz Museum, the National World War I Museum, the Liberty Memorial, the Country Club Plaza, and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. If you're in town on the first Friday of a month you can head to the Crossroads Arts District where galleries stay open late and welcome visitors with refreshments.
Nightlife Budget in Kansas City
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average person spends about $12 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Kansas City per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$12
Nightlife Tips
Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.
Budgeting and Travel Tips for Kansas City
Traveling slower can help save you money while letting you enjoy the beautiful surroundings. If you pack your days with activities, the costs can add up. However, taking it easy often results in a more enjoyable trip with lower expenses.
Budgeting Challenges
In Kansas City, public transport options are quite limited. You might consider renting a car or scheduling some form of transportation in advance, such as a tour. However, be aware that this may impact your budget elsewhere.
Don't count on finding many hostels in Kansas City. If you're set on saving money with a dorm stay, you may want to change your approach. A budget hotel or apartment rental could be more feasible.
A large, mid western city that sits on the border between Missouri and Kansa, Kansas City has a population of about 450,000. It's not exactly a tourist destination, but it is a surprisingly beautiful city with more boulevards than Paris and more fountains than any other city in the world with the exception of Rome. Most of the city's suburbs are concentrated in the south but the city is beginning to grow to the north as well. The climate in Kansas City can vary dramatically, in large part because it is so far from any form of water. Winters can range from mild to extremely cold and snow is not uncommon. Spring and fall and quite comfortable but summer months can be incredibly hot and humid.
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Kansas City on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $79 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Kansas City will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $196 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $481. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination will entail a more premium price tag.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Bryan & Laurie | Budget Your Trip
Bryan and Laurie started Budget Your Trip so that everyone could find out the real costs of traveling to destinations around the world. Bryan has visited 61 countries, which is exactly one more than Laurie, and she won't let him forget it! Also avid photographers, they enjoy entrenching themselves within the local culture to learn more about the people of a place. Otherwise, they can be found enjoying an exotic meal or a passionate conversation about global events... and also finding out how much everything costs.
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1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis. 2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.
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.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.
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