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

Should you visit Kansas City or Austin?

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

Should I visit Kansas City or Austin? 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 Austin?

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.

Austin

Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.

Which place is cheaper, Austin 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 Austin is $142. 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 Austin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kansas City $88
    Austin $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kansas City $176
    Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Austin

Looking for a hotel in Kansas City or Austin? 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 Austin


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 Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kansas City $44
    Austin $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
  • Austin International Airport (AUS) - Private Round trip transfer: $215

Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or Austin?

Prices for flights to both Austin 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
    Austin $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

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

  • East Austin Food Tour: $44
  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups: $95
  • Secret Food Tour: $98
  • Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $108
  • The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kansas City $11
    Austin $28

Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin

Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Austin Duck Tour
    $31

Tours and Activities in Austin

Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Afternoon in Austin Segway Tour: $99
  • Austin Art & Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
  • Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $81
  • Austin Boat Tour with Full Sun Shading Available: $84
  • Austin E-Bike Foodie Tour : $128
  • Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $70
  • Austin Family Explorer: A Magical Urban Adventure: $459
  • Austin Famous Ghost and Bat Segway Tour: $70
  • Austin Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Austin Good Vibes E-Bike Tours with Rooster: $68
  • Austin Guided Outdoor Climbing Experience: $127
  • Austin Icons Bicycle Tour: $56

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kansas City $12
    Austin $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

  • Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl: $12
  • Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Public Pedal Pub Tour in Austin: $39
  • Half-Day Hill Country Brewery and Distillery Shuttle from Austin: $60
  • From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $60
  • Metro Rail Brewery Tour Across Austin: $90
  • 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
  • The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $125
  • Half-Day Private Texas Hill Country Wine Tour from Austin: $144


When comparing the travel costs between Kansas City and Austin, we can see that Kansas City is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Austin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Kansas City. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and Austin, 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 Austin?

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 Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Kansas City during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Austin in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kansas City is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kansas City in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kansas City. In the summer, Kansas City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Kansas City gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

Kansas City usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kansas City 82°F (28°C) 
    Austin 87°F (30°C)

Should I visit Kansas City or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Austin. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Kansas City is generally cooler than Austin. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 60°F (15°C), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin 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 Austin during autumn. Kansas City gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Austin. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kansas City 60°F (15°C) 
    Austin 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Kansas City or Austin in the Winter?

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

Kansas City can be very cold during winter. Kansas City is much colder than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Kansas City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Kansas City gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Kansas City usually gets less rain in January than Austin. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kansas City 30°F (-1°C) 
    Austin 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Kansas City or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the spring, Kansas City is much colder than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kansas City in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kansas City. Kansas City usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. Kansas City gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Austin. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kansas City 58°F (15°C) 
    Austin 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Austin and Kansas City

Kansas City Austin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm) 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Dec 34°F (1°C) 1.2 inches (30 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)