Which place is cheaper, Dallas or Kansas City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kansas City or Dallas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kansas City or Dallas? 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 Dallas?
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.
Dallas
Located in the north central part of the state, Dallas is a prominent city in Texas and is one of the most populated metropolitan areas in the United States of America. The business reputation of Dallas rose from its historical status as the center for cotton and oil industries. It was also positioned among numerous railroads.
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 $161Dallas $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Kansas City is $161, while the average daily cost in Dallas is $141. 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 Dallas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKansas City $88Dallas $84
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKansas City $176Dallas $168
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Dallas
Looking for a hotel in Kansas City or Dallas? 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 Dallas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kansas City $44Dallas $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:
- Transfer private executive car from Dallas Airport (DFW)- City Center: $60
- Transfer in executive private car from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DAL): $71
- Transfer executive private car from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DFW): $60
- RoundtripTransfer Executive Private Car Dallas Airport (DFW) -Dallas City Center: $120
- Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $126
- Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Business Car: $100
- Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury Van: $126
- Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury SUV: $126
- Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $104
- Private Transfer Downtown Dallas to Fort Worth Airport DFW Luxury Vehicle: $92
- Private Departure Transfer to Dallas Fort Worth Airport DFW: $40
- Departure Private Transfer: Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $126
Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or Dallas?
Prices for flights to both Dallas 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 $47Dallas $35
Typical Food Prices in Dallas
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:
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Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)$55
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Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)$21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dallas.
- West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
- Deep Ellum Foodie Lovers Tour with Food Tours of America: $85
- Dallas Secret Food Tour: $96
- Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kansas City $11Dallas $13
Tours and Activities in Dallas
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dallas are as follows:
- 2 Hour Dallas Night Sightseeing E-Scooter Tour: $90
- 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour: $28
- 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour : $28
- 2 Hour Festive Walk Tour in Dallas: $245
- 2-Hour Historic Dallas Segway Tour: $79
- 3-Hour Ropes Course & Zip Line Adventure : $60
- 3hr Dallas Cowboys Stadium Small Group Tour with Transportation: $108
- Combination Southfork Ranch and Dallas/JFK Highlights Tour: $145
- Dallas Arts District Private Walking Tour featuring Museums: $135
- Dallas Highlights Tour: $205
- Dallas Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $114
- Dallas Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKansas City $12Dallas $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas
Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
- Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55
When comparing the travel costs between Kansas City and Dallas, 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 Dallas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Dallas?
Dallas has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kansas City. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and Dallas, 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 Dallas?
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 Dallas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Dallas. Additionally, many travelers come to Dallas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Kansas City is generally cooler than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 82°F (28°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 88°F (31°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kansas City this time of the year. In the summer, Kansas City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas. Kansas City gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun.
Kansas City usually gets more rain in July than Dallas. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKansas City 82°F (28°C)Dallas 88°F (31°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Dallas in the Autumn?
Both Dallas and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Dallas in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Kansas City is cooler than Dallas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).
It's quite sunny in Dallas. 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 Dallas during autumn. Kansas City gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Dallas. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKansas City 60°F (15°C)Dallas 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Dallas in the Winter?
Both Dallas and Kansas City during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Dallas for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Kansas City can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Kansas City is much colder than Dallas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kansas City in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Dallas averages at about 46°F (8°C).
In the winter, Kansas City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas. Kansas City gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun.
Kansas City usually gets less rain in January than Dallas. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKansas City 30°F (-1°C)Dallas 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Dallas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Dallas. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dallas because of the activities around the city.
In April, Kansas City is generally cooler than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 58°F (15°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In Kansas City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kansas City usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during spring. Kansas City gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Dallas. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKansas City 58°F (15°C)Dallas 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Dallas and Kansas City
| Kansas City | Dallas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 51°F (10°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 60°F (15°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 58°F (15°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 5 inches (128 mm) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 83°F (29°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 88°F (31°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 87°F (31°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) |
| Dec | 34°F (1°C) | 1.2 inches (30 mm) | 50°F (10°C) | 1.9 inches (48 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.