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

Should you visit Kansas City or Columbus?

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

Should I visit Kansas City or Columbus? 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 Columbus?

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.

Columbus

The capital city of Ohio, Columbus sits at the meeting point of America's Rust Belt, Bible Belt, Appalachia, and the Plains. It is also home of Ohio State University, which is a major financial and economic force in the city. While not always famous for it's sights and attractions, visitors will be pleasantly surprised by what they find here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Columbus 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 Columbus is $158. 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 Columbus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kansas City $88
    Columbus $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kansas City $176
    Columbus $144
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Columbus

Looking for a hotel in Kansas City or Columbus? 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 Columbus


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 Columbus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kansas City $44
    Columbus $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus

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

  • Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $132
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or Columbus?

Prices for flights to both Columbus 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
    Columbus $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kansas City $11
    Columbus $46

Tours and Activities in Columbus

For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Columbus Blue Jackets Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Nationwide Arena: $21
  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $21
  • 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative: $41
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $28
  • The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $41
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus by Crazy Dash: $10

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


When comparing the travel costs between Kansas City and Columbus, 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 Columbus Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Kansas City. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and Columbus, 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 Columbus?

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 Columbus in the Summer?

Both Columbus and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbus this time of year.

In the summer, Kansas City is a little warmer than Columbus. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kansas City in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Columbus averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbus. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kansas City. Kansas City usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during summer. Kansas City gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbus. In July, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Columbus. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kansas City 82°F (28°C) 
    Columbus 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Kansas City or Columbus in the Autumn?

Both Columbus and Kansas City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Columbus for the shopping scene.

In October, Kansas City is generally around the same temperature as Columbus. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 60°F (15°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Kansas City. In the autumn, Kansas City often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Kansas City gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun.

Kansas City usually gets more rain in October than Columbus. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kansas City 60°F (15°C) 
    Columbus 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Kansas City or Columbus in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Columbus. Also, many visitors come to Columbus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Columbus can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kansas City. Kansas City is around the same temperature as Columbus in the winter. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Kansas City usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during winter. Kansas City gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Columbus. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kansas City 30°F (-1°C) 
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Kansas City or Columbus in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Columbus.

In the spring, Kansas City is a little warmer than Columbus. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kansas City in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Columbus averages at about 54°F (12°C).

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 Columbus. Kansas City gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun.

Kansas City usually gets less rain in April than Columbus. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kansas City 58°F (15°C) 
    Columbus 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Columbus and Kansas City

Kansas City Columbus
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 34°F (1°C) 1.2 inches (30 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)