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

Should you visit Kansas City or Lancaster?

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

Should I visit Kansas City or Lancaster? 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 Lancaster?

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.

Lancaster

The largest city in Pennsylvania's Dutch Country, Lancaster is surrounded by scenic landscape and a unique culture. The area is predominately agricultural in nature and you will find lush farms growing crops and produce most seasons. The Amish communities are spread throughout the area and although they remain relatively isolated, they are acknowledged by fellow community members and their customs are respected. The Amish community prides themselves on minimalist living. They do not use electricity and travel around in horse and buggy, a sight which you will grow accustomed to while you're in the area. They are excellent farmers and craftsmen and you can find shops that proudly sell Amish made goods. Their close are old fashion in nature. Women generally wear long dresses and bonnets while men wear black suits and hats. The Amish community has their own churches and their own schools. There are a handful of places where you can learn more about the Amish community in the area. The Amish Experience F/X Theater offers shows and the People's Place Quilt Museum shows some handicrafts. It is possible to take an Amish Country tour or visit the Mennonite Information Center for more information.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kansas City $88
    Lancaster $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kansas City $176
    Lancaster $182
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Lancaster

Looking for a hotel in Kansas City or Lancaster? 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 Lancaster


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 Lancaster Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kansas City $44
    Lancaster $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or Lancaster?

Prices for flights to both Lancaster 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
    Lancaster $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster

For Lancaster, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • International Food Tour Lancaster, Pennsylvania: $62
  • Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kansas City $11
    Lancaster $19

Tours and Activities in Lancaster

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lancaster.

  • 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
  • Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $47
  • Authentic Tour & Meal with the Amish!: $89
  • From Philadelphia: Lancaster County Amish Community Tour: $179
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
  • Guided Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $12
  • Historic Columbia, PA: Guided Tour of the Bank Museum: $14
  • Historic Lancaster Photo Shoot Tour: $100
  • Lancaster County: Amish Farmlands, Museum Tour, Farm Visit: $36
  • Lancaster County: Tour and Meal with an Amish Family: $79
  • Lancaster Electric Bicycle Tour: $130
  • Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kansas City $12
    Lancaster $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Lancaster

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lancaster:

  • Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City: $79
  • Lancaster City: The Ultimate Walking Craft Brewery Tour: $79


When comparing the travel costs between Kansas City and Lancaster, we can see that Lancaster 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 Lancaster Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Lancaster?

Kansas City has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

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 Lancaster in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Lancaster. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lancaster in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Kansas City is around the same temperature as Lancaster in the summer. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lancaster this time of the year. In Kansas City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kansas City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster during summer. Kansas City gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Kansas City or Lancaster in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Lancaster. Additionally, most visitors come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Kansas City is a little warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kansas City in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Lancaster averages at about 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kansas City this time of the year. In the autumn, Kansas City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster. Kansas City gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.

Kansas City usually gets less rain in October than Lancaster. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kansas City 60°F (15°C) 
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Kansas City or Lancaster in the Winter?

Both Lancaster and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lancaster can be very cold. Kansas City can be very cold during winter. In January, Kansas City is generally around the same temperature as Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 30°F (-1°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Kansas City usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during winter. Kansas City gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Kansas City or Lancaster in the Spring?

Both Lancaster and Kansas City during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

Kansas City is a little warmer than Lancaster in the spring. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Lancaster, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kansas City. In the spring, Kansas City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster. Kansas City gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

Kansas City usually gets less rain in April than Lancaster. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kansas City 58°F (15°C) 
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Kansas City

Kansas City Lancaster
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 34°F (1°C) 1.2 inches (30 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)