Which place is cheaper, Houston or Kansas City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kansas City or Houston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kansas City or Houston? 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 Houston?
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.
Houston
The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.
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 $161Houston $262
The average daily cost (per person) in Kansas City is $161, while the average daily cost in Houston is $262. 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 Houston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKansas City $88Houston $142
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKansas City $176Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Houston
Looking for a hotel in Kansas City or Houston? 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 Houston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kansas City $44Houston $72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:
- William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $538
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Houston APT-HTL (IAH): $151
- Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $60
- Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $88
- RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
- Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120
- Private Hotel Transfer in Houston: $80
- Private Departure Transfer to Houston George Bush Airport IAH: $51
- Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
- Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $167
- Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer to NASA Space Center: $62
- Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or Houston?
Prices for flights to both Houston 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 $47Houston $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.
- Seasonal Pizza From Scratch Experience in Houston: $55
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- The Heights Food Tour in Houston: $76
- Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
- Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
- Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $86
- Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
- East Downtown Food Tour: $90
- Houston Heights Culture and Food Tour: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kansas City $11Houston $14
Tours and Activities in Houston
Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Houston Ghosts and Hauntings By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- The Art of Fufu Cookbook Experience: West African Soup & Fufu : $100
- 2 Hours H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck On Wheels: $46
- 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
- Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
- Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
- Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Admission and Shuttle: $89
- Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $375
- Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $89
- Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $32
- Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned): $32
- Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKansas City $12Houston $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Houston
Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
- Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
- 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kansas City and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Kansas City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kansas City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kansas City 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston than you might in Kansas City.
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 Houston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Houston?
Houston has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kansas City. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and Houston, 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 Houston?
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 Houston in the Summer?
Both Houston and Kansas City during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Houston because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Kansas City is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 82°F (28°C), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kansas City usually gets less rain in July than Houston. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKansas City 82°F (28°C)Houston 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Houston in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Houston. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Houston this time of year.
Kansas City is cooler than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Houston. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKansas City 60°F (15°C)Houston 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Houston in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Houston. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Kansas City in the winter. In the winter, Kansas City is much colder than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kansas City in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).
Kansas City usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKansas City 30°F (-1°C)Houston 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Houston in the Spring?
Both Houston and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Kansas City is generally cooler than Houston. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 58°F (15°C), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
In April, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Houston. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKansas City 58°F (15°C)Houston 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Houston and Kansas City
| Kansas City | Houston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Apr | 58°F (15°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 84°F (29°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 83°F (29°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) |
| Dec | 34°F (1°C) | 1.2 inches (30 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.