Should I Visit Gainesville or Kansas City for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Gainesville or Kansas City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or Kansas City, 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: Gainesville or Kansas City?

Gainesville

Home to the University of Florida as well as Santa Fe College, the town of Gainesville has all of the shopping, entertainment, and restaurants that you could want in a college town - plus easy access to a number of outdoor adventures from canoeing, diving, and kayaking to birding, fishing, hiking, and biking. Some of the top features include the Butterfly Rainforest, the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, and Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park.

Kansas City

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

Which place is cheaper, Kansas City or Gainesville?

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

Gainesville Prices
USA Prices

Kansas City Prices
USA Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Gainesville $267

Kansas City $196

The average daily cost (per person) in Gainesville is $267, while the average daily cost in Kansas City is $196. 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 Gainesville and Kansas City in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Gainesville $115

Kansas City $88
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Gainesville $230

Kansas City $176

Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Kansas City

Looking for a hotel in Gainesville or Kansas City? 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: Gainesville Hotel Prices and Kansas City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Gainesville $39

Kansas City $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Kansas City?

Prices for flights to both Kansas City and Gainesville 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

Gainesville $121

Kansas City $82

Typical Food Prices in Gainesville

Some typical examples of dining costs in Gainesville are as follows:

Diner Breakfast for Two

$17
Lunch at Chop Stix (for 2)

$24

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Gainesville $43

Kansas City $11

Typical Entertainment Prices in Gainesville

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Gainesville are as follows:

Manatee Tour for Two

$98
Tour Guide Tip

$5.00

Tours and Activities in Gainesville

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Gainesville are as follows:

Butterfly Rainforest at Florida Museum of Natural History Ticket: $15
Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Gainesville by Operation City Quest: $10

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Gainesville $49

Kansas City $12

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gainesville and Kansas City, we can see that Gainesville is more expensive. And not only is Kansas City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kansas City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kansas City 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 Gainesville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gainesville than you might in Kansas City.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gainesville Expensive? and Is Kansas City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Kansas City?

Kansas City has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Gainesville. When comparing the sizes of Gainesville and Kansas City, 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 Gainesville or Kansas City?

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 Gainesville or Kansas City in the Summer?

Both Kansas City and Gainesville during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Gainesville in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gainesville is generally around the same temperature as Kansas City. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 81°F (27°C), and Kansas City fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gainesville. Gainesville usually gets more rain in July than Kansas City. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Kansas City receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Summer Average Temperatures July

Gainesville 81°F (27°C)

Kansas City 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Kansas City in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Kansas City. Most visitors come to Gainesville for the shopping scene during these months.

Gainesville is a little warmer than Kansas City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Kansas City fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In October, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Kansas City. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Kansas City receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November.

Autumn Average Temperatures October

Gainesville 71°F (22°C)

Kansas City 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Kansas City in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Kansas City. The winter months attract visitors to Gainesville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Kansas City in the winter. In the winter, Gainesville is much warmer than Kansas City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gainesville in January average around 54°F (12°C), and Kansas City averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

Gainesville usually gets more rain in January than Kansas City. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Kansas City receives 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Winter Average Temperatures January

Gainesville 54°F (12°C)

Kansas City 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Kansas City in the Spring?

Both Kansas City and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Gainesville is generally a little warmer than Kansas City. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 69°F (20°C), and Kansas City fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

In April, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Kansas City. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Kansas City receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Gainesville.

Spring Average Temperatures April

Gainesville 69°F (20°C)

Kansas City 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Kansas City and Gainesville

	Gainesville		Kansas City
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	54°F (12°C)	2.9 inches (75 mm)	30°F (-1°C)	0.9 inches (23 mm)
Feb	57°F (14°C)	4.5 inches (115 mm)	35°F (2°C)	0.9 inches (24 mm)
Mar	63°F (17°C)	3.3 inches (83 mm)	47°F (8°C)	2 inches (52 mm)
Apr	69°F (20°C)	2 inches (50 mm)	58°F (15°C)	2.8 inches (71 mm)
May	75°F (24°C)	3.1 inches (79 mm)	68°F (20°C)	3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun	80°F (26°C)	6.8 inches (174 mm)	77°F (25°C)	4.9 inches (125 mm)
Jul	81°F (27°C)	6.8 inches (174 mm)	82°F (28°C)	3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug	81°F (27°C)	8.3 inches (211 mm)	80°F (26°C)	3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep	78°F (26°C)	5.5 inches (139 mm)	71°F (22°C)	3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct	71°F (22°C)	2 inches (51 mm)	60°F (15°C)	2.4 inches (62 mm)
Nov	63°F (17°C)	2.4 inches (61 mm)	46°F (8°C)	1.7 inches (43 mm)
Dec	56°F (14°C)	2.9 inches (74 mm)	34°F (1°C)	1.2 inches (30 mm)

A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gainesville vs. Kansas City for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Gainesville or Kansas City?

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

Where Should I go: Gainesville or Kansas City?

Gainesville

Kansas City

Which place is cheaper, Kansas City or Gainesville?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Kansas City

Local Transportation

Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Kansas City?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Gainesville

Entertainment

Typical Entertainment Prices in Gainesville

Tours and Activities in Gainesville

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Kansas City?

When is the best time to visit Gainesville or Kansas City?

Should I visit Gainesville or Kansas City in the Summer?

Should I visit Gainesville or Kansas City in the Autumn?

Should I visit Gainesville or Kansas City in the Winter?

Should I visit Gainesville or Kansas City in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Kansas City and Gainesville

Related Articles for Gainesville

Related Articles for Kansas City

A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gainesville vs. Kansas City for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Gainesville or Kansas City?

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

Where Should I go: Gainesville or Kansas City?

Gainesville

Kansas City

Which place is cheaper, Kansas City or Gainesville?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Kansas City

Local Transportation

Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Kansas City?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Gainesville

Entertainment

Typical Entertainment Prices in Gainesville

Tours and Activities in Gainesville

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Kansas City?

When is the best time to visit Gainesville or Kansas City?

Should I visit Gainesville or Kansas City in the Summer?

Should I visit Gainesville or Kansas City in the Autumn?

Should I visit Gainesville or Kansas City in the Winter?

Should I visit Gainesville or Kansas City in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Kansas City and Gainesville

Related Articles for Gainesville

Related Articles for Kansas City

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