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

Should you visit Kansas City or Charlotte?

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

Should I visit Kansas City or Charlotte? 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 Charlotte?

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.

Charlotte

With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.

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, Charlotte 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kansas City $88
    Charlotte $118
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kansas City $176
    Charlotte $236
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Charlotte

Looking for a hotel in Kansas City or Charlotte? 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 Charlotte


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 Charlotte Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kansas City $44
    Charlotte $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54
  • Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $132
  • Charlotte Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Sedan: $150
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Arrival Private Transfer: $67
  • Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $132

Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or Charlotte?

Prices for flights to both Charlotte 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
    Charlotte $46

Typical Food Prices in Charlotte

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kansas City $11
    Charlotte $43

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

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

  • 2.5 Hour Black History Van Tour-Perseverance, Power, and Progress: $59
  • 90 Minute Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte: $75
  • Big Bite Brew Tour in Charlotte's LoSo District: $150
  • Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour : $27
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
  • Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $35
  • Charlotte Historic : Queen Bee City Tour: $39
  • Charlotte Historical City Tour: $45
  • Charlotte Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $90
  • Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Charlotte's Only Southern Charm Haunted/True Crime Golf Cart Tour: $48

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charlotte:

  • Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
  • 3-Hour Brewery Crawl on 7 passenger Cart: $48
  • Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $125
  • Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte: $240


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


Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Charlotte?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Kansas City. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and Charlotte, 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 Charlotte?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kansas City or Charlotte in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Charlotte. Also, many travelers come to Charlotte for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Kansas City is around the same temperature as Charlotte in the summer. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Charlotte fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In Kansas City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kansas City usually receives more sunshine than Charlotte during summer. Kansas City gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 289 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charlotte receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Charlotte. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kansas City 82°F (28°C) 
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Kansas City or Charlotte in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Charlotte. Also, many visitors come to Charlotte in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Kansas City is cooler than Charlotte. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kansas City in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Charlotte averages at about 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kansas City this time of the year. In the autumn, Kansas City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlotte. Kansas City gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 223 hours of full sun.

Kansas City usually gets less rain in October than Charlotte. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kansas City 60°F (15°C) 
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Kansas City or Charlotte in the Winter?

Both Charlotte and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Charlotte for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kansas City can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Kansas City is generally much colder than Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 30°F (-1°C), and Charlotte fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).

Kansas City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlotte during winter. Kansas City gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 173 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Charlotte. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kansas City 30°F (-1°C) 
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C)

Should I visit Kansas City or Charlotte in the Spring?

Both Charlotte and Kansas City during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the activities around the city.

Kansas City is cooler than Charlotte in the spring. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kansas City. In the spring, Kansas City often gets less sunshine than Charlotte. Kansas City gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 273 hours of full sun.

Kansas City usually gets less rain in April than Charlotte. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kansas City 58°F (15°C) 
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Charlotte and Kansas City

Kansas City Charlotte
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Dec 34°F (1°C) 1.2 inches (30 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)