Which place is cheaper, Galveston or Kansas City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kansas City or Galveston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kansas City or Galveston? 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 Galveston?
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.
Galveston
Located on Galveston Island off the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston is a popular destination for Texans and a departure point for cruise ships. It also makes a great beach destination for anyone looking to enjoy a week or weekend.
Galveston is a popular destination during the summer months, but the warm climate makes it comfortable year round. Even during the winter months you can enjoy mild temperatures, although on occasion it can have a cold spell.
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 $161Galveston $183
The average daily cost (per person) in Kansas City is $161, while the average daily cost in Galveston is $183. 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 Galveston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKansas City $88Galveston $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKansas City $176Galveston $162
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Galveston
Looking for a hotel in Kansas City or Galveston? 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 Galveston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kansas City $44Galveston $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston
Also for Galveston, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer from Galveston Port to HOU Airport: $167
- Privat Transfer from Galveston Port to Houston Airport (IAH): $192
- Galveston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) Private Transfer: $192
- Galveston Port to William Hobby Airport Departure Transfer: $167
Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or Galveston?
Prices for flights to both Galveston 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 $47Galveston $52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galveston
For Galveston, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taste of the Strand Food Tour on Galveston Island: $105
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kansas City $11Galveston $15
Tours and Activities in Galveston
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.
- 2 Hours Private Cemeteries of Galveston Walking Tour: $179
- Al's Authentic Paranormal Excursion Tour: $15
- Authentic Galveston Ghost City Tour: $25
- Baywatch Dolphin Tour : $25
- Baywatch Galveston Island Bus Tours: $25
- Dark Side and Cemeteries of Galveston – Walking Tour: $351
- Demo and Reno Galveston Reconstructed Private Tour: $85
- Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Guide: $34
- Galveston Cemetery Private Tour: $85
- Galveston Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour with Red Light District: $25
- Galveston Dark of the Moon Tour: $25
- Galveston Ghosts of the Gulf Haunted Tour: $33
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKansas City $12Galveston $37
Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston
Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Galveston Island Brewing Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting : $10
- Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $25
- Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $25
- Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
When comparing the travel costs between Kansas City and Galveston, we can see that Galveston 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 Galveston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Galveston?
Kansas City has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and Galveston, 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 Galveston?
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 Galveston in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Galveston. Also, many travelers come to Galveston for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Kansas City is generally around the same temperature as Galveston. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 82°F (28°C), and Galveston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
In July, Kansas City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Galveston. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKansas City 82°F (28°C)Galveston 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Galveston in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Galveston. Also, many visitors come to Galveston in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.
Kansas City is cooler than Galveston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Galveston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
Kansas City usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Galveston. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKansas City 60°F (15°C)Galveston 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Galveston in the Winter?
Both Galveston and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Galveston 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 Galveston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kansas City in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Galveston averages at about 52°F (11°C).
In January, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Galveston. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKansas City 30°F (-1°C)Galveston 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Galveston in the Spring?
Both Galveston and Kansas City during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Galveston because of the beaches and the small town charm.
In April, Kansas City is generally cooler than Galveston. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 58°F (15°C), and Galveston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
Kansas City usually gets more rain in April than Galveston. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKansas City 58°F (15°C)Galveston 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Galveston and Kansas City
| Kansas City | Galveston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Apr | 58°F (15°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 84°F (29°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 83°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (141 mm) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) |
| Dec | 34°F (1°C) | 1.2 inches (30 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.3 inches (84 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.