Which place is cheaper, Hilo or Kansas City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kansas City or Hilo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kansas City or Hilo? 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 Hilo?
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.
Hilo
Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, so many people use it as the starting point to explore the eastern half of the island. The town has a population of just over 40,000 people. It looks out over Hilo Bay and most of the town's development is between Hilo Bay and Waiakea-Uka near the active volcano of Mauna Loa. Hilo is where you will find the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corportation and Hilo International Airport.
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 $161Hilo $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Kansas City is $161, while the average daily cost in Hilo is $167. 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 Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKansas City $88Hilo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKansas City $176Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in Kansas City or Hilo? 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 Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kansas City $44Hilo $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kailua Kona city hotels: $58
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona City Hotels to Kailua Kona Port: $58
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $169
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport to Big Island Hotels: $169
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer : $75
- Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Kona Intl Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
- Kona International Airport (KOA) to Kailua-Kona - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo 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 $47Hilo $70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
- French Hawaiian Fusion Cooking Class: $175
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $183
- Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $199
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kansas City $11Hilo $32
Tours and Activities in Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Early Morning Whale Cruise from Kawaihae Harbor: $125
- 2018 Eruption Adventure Tour (includes Fissure 8): $199
- 4 Hour Captain Cook Bay Cruise: $99
- 4-hour Kailua-Kona Ocean Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $94
- 6 passengers' max, Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona: $140
- 9-Line Waterfall Zipline Experience on the Big Island: $240
- Abalone Farm Tour: $25
- Afternoon Kealakekua Snorkel Tour: $129
- Afternoon Marine Adventure: $109
- Baumkuchen Farm Tour: $5.00
- Big Island - Kohala Coast & Backcountry Driving Tour: $9.99
- Big Island - Kona Big Kahuna GPS Driving Tour: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKansas City $12Hilo $10
When comparing the travel costs between Kansas City and Hilo, we can see that Hilo 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 Hilo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Hilo?
Kansas City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and Hilo, 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 Hilo?
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 Hilo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Hilo. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
Kansas City is a little warmer than Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
In Kansas City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kansas City usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Kansas City gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Hilo. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKansas City 82°F (28°C)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Hilo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Hilo. Additionally, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Kansas City is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kansas City in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kansas City this time of the year. In the autumn, Kansas City often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Kansas City gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. Kansas City usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKansas City 60°F (15°C)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Hilo in the Winter?
Both Hilo and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Kansas City. In January, Kansas City is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 30°F (-1°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
Kansas City usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during winter. Kansas City gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In January, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Hilo. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKansas City 30°F (-1°C)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Hilo in the Spring?
Both Hilo and Kansas City during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Kansas City is much colder than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
It's quite sunny in Kansas City. In the spring, Kansas City often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Kansas City gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kansas City usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKansas City 58°F (15°C)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and Kansas City
| Kansas City | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 58°F (15°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 34°F (1°C) | 1.2 inches (30 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 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.