Which place is cheaper, Cleveland or Kansas City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kansas City or Cleveland?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kansas City or Cleveland? 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 Cleveland?
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.
Cleveland
Located on the shores of Lake Erie of the Great Lakes, Cleveland is the second largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. As a culturally diverse and thriving metropolitan area, the city is host to a vast range of sights and activities, such as world-class museums, cultural events, professional sports, and golf courses as well as plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKansas City $161Cleveland $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Kansas City is $161, while the average daily cost in Cleveland is $132. 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 Cleveland in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKansas City $88Cleveland $75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKansas City $176Cleveland $150
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Cleveland
Looking for a hotel in Kansas City or Cleveland? 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: Kansas City Hotel Prices and Cleveland Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kansas City $44Cleveland $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cleveland
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cleveland are as follows:
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Taxi to Airport$36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland
Also for Cleveland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64
- Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $89
- Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $178
- Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer : $89
- CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland: $135
Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or Cleveland?
Prices for flights to both Cleveland 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
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Food Meals for one dayKansas City $47Cleveland $36
Typical Food Prices in Cleveland
For Cleveland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Coffee$1.79
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Sandwich$9.75
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Large Pizza$15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cleveland
For Cleveland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- West Side Market Food Tour: $49
- Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $74
- Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $91
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kansas City $11Cleveland $40
Tours and Activities in Cleveland
For Cleveland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- CLE Mini Bus Group Tour: $55
- Cleveland Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Game Ticket: $77
- Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
- Cleveland Ghosts Tour: $32
- Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $27
- Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $469
- Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $239
- Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
- Eerie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
- Escape Room Game Entry Ticket with Host: $39
- Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKansas City $12Cleveland $45
Typical Alcohol Prices in Cleveland
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:
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A Night of Shots$36
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kansas City and Cleveland, we can see that Kansas City is more expensive. And not only is Cleveland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cleveland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cleveland 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 Kansas City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kansas City than you might in Cleveland.
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 Cleveland Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Cleveland?
Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Kansas City. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and Cleveland, 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 Cleveland?
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 Cleveland in the Summer?
Both Cleveland and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Cleveland in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Kansas City is a little warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kansas City in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Cleveland averages at about 75°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Cleveland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kansas City. Kansas City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland during summer. Kansas City gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. In July, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Cleveland. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKansas City 82°F (28°C)Cleveland 75°F (24°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Cleveland in the Autumn?
Both Cleveland and Kansas City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months.
In October, Kansas City is generally a little warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 60°F (15°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
It's quite sunny in Kansas City. In the autumn, Kansas City often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Kansas City gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun.
Kansas City usually gets more rain in October than Cleveland. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKansas City 60°F (15°C)Cleveland 56°F (13°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Cleveland in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Cleveland. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Cleveland can be very cold. Kansas City can be very cold during winter. Kansas City is much warmer than Cleveland in the winter. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).
Kansas City usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during winter. Kansas City gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Cleveland. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKansas City 30°F (-1°C)Cleveland 28°F (-2°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Cleveland in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Cleveland.
In the spring, Kansas City is a little warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kansas City in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Cleveland averages at about 51°F (10°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kansas City this time of the year. In the spring, Kansas City often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Kansas City gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun.
Kansas City usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cleveland. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKansas City 58°F (15°C)Cleveland 51°F (10°C)
Typical Weather for Cleveland and Kansas City
| Kansas City | Cleveland | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) | 28°F (-2°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 40°F (5°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Apr | 58°F (15°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 51°F (10°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 61°F (16°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 71°F (21°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| Dec | 34°F (1°C) | 1.2 inches (30 mm) | 34°F (1°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
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.