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

Should you visit Kansas City or Anchorage?

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

Should I visit Kansas City or Anchorage? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Kansas City or Anchorage?

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.

Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Kansas City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kansas City is $161, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $191. 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 Kansas City and Anchorage in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kansas City $88
    Anchorage $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kansas City $176
    Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Anchorage

Looking for a hotel in Kansas City or Anchorage? 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 Kansas City


Hotels in Anchorage


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: Kansas City Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kansas City $44
    Anchorage $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:

  • Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
  • SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
  • SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
  • Private Transfer Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Whittier Cruise Port: $232
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
  • Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219

Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or Anchorage?

Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Kansas City 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
    Kansas City $47
    Anchorage $50

Typical Food Prices in Anchorage

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


  • Bread
    $4.25
  • Breakfast for Two
    $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.

  • City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kansas City $11
    Anchorage $30

Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage

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


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $33
  • 1/2 Day Rafting Trip
    $105

Tours and Activities in Anchorage

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

  • Adventurers Ready To Jump Into the Void Alaska Style Wanted: $39
  • Spenard Neighborhood FOOD & TRUE CRIME Walking Tour: $150
  • 26 Glacier Tour, Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK: $226
  • 3 Hour Ladies Only Kayak Tour in Knik River: $130
  • Advanced Snowshoeing Adventure: $238
  • Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure: $6,999
  • Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup: $115
  • Alaska Wildlife Tour: $110
  • Alaska's Most Scenic E-Bike Adventure: $224
  • Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo: $295
  • Anchorage Brews Tour: $169
  • Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kansas City $12
    Anchorage $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:

  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $109
  • Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kansas City and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage 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 Kansas City Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Anchorage?

Kansas City has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and Anchorage, 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 Kansas City or Anchorage?

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 Kansas City or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Anchorage. Additionally, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Kansas City is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kansas City in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Anchorage averages at about 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kansas City this time of the year. In the summer, Kansas City often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Kansas City gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.

Kansas City usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kansas City 82°F (28°C) 
    Anchorage 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Kansas City or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In October, Kansas City is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 60°F (15°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kansas City. Kansas City usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Kansas City gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kansas City usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kansas City 60°F (15°C) 
    Anchorage 35°F (2°C)

Should I visit Kansas City or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Kansas City during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the winter. The weather in Kansas City can be very cold. Kansas City is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

In the winter, Kansas City often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Kansas City gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.

Kansas City usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kansas City 30°F (-1°C) 
    Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)

Should I visit Kansas City or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Anchorage. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In the spring, Kansas City is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kansas City in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Anchorage averages at about 36°F (2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In Kansas City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kansas City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage during spring. Kansas City gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kansas City usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kansas City 58°F (15°C) 
    Anchorage 36°F (2°C)

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Kansas City

Kansas City Anchorage
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm) 15°F (-9°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 26°F (-3°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 36°F (2°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 47°F (8°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 55°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 22°F (-6°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Dec 34°F (1°C) 1.2 inches (30 mm) 17°F (-8°C) 1.1 inches (28 mm)