Which place is cheaper, Memphis or Kansas City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kansas City or Memphis?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kansas City or Memphis? 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 Memphis?
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.
Memphis
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee, Memphis is a city famous for the blues, soul, and Rock 'n' Roll music that originated there. There are a number of museums and historic landmarks like Elvis Presley's Graceland dedicated to that history, while areas of the city like Beale Street keep the musical culture alive today with a vibrant scene of bars, restaurants, and live music.
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 $161Memphis $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Kansas City is $161, while the average daily cost in Memphis 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 Memphis in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKansas City $88Memphis $84
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKansas City $176Memphis $168
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Memphis
Looking for a hotel in Kansas City or Memphis? 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 Memphis Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kansas City $44Memphis $59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis
Also for Memphis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
- Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
- Guided Tour with Riverboat Cruise & Hotel Transfers: $339
- Memphis Airport Transfers: $60
- Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $282
- Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or Memphis?
Prices for flights to both Memphis 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 $47Memphis $43
Typical Food Prices in Memphis
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Memphis:
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Baskin Robins (for 2)$6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Memphis
For Memphis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kansas City $11Memphis $45
Tours and Activities in Memphis
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Memphis.
- 2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour: $72
- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure - Memphis: $44
- Beale Street & Sun Studio: Private Half-Day Walking Tour: $160
- Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
- Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $22
- Best of Memphis Walking Tour: $149
- Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Party Experience - Public: $35
- Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Private Party Experience: $387
- Elvis Presley's Childhood Home Sightseeing Daytrip from Memphis: $111
- Elvis Unleashed: Private Elvis Walking Tour: $150
- From Tupelo Elvis Presley's Upbringing Tour: $102
- Guided Memphis City Tour with Riverboat Cruise along Mississippi River: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKansas City $12Memphis $26
Sample the Local Flavors in Memphis
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Memphis:
- Drinking Spirits with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
- Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis: $27
- Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $59
- Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $62
When comparing the travel costs between Kansas City and Memphis, we can see that Memphis 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 Memphis Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Memphis?
Memphis has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Kansas City. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and Memphis, 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 Memphis?
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 Memphis in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Memphis. Furthermore, many visitors come to Memphis in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Kansas City is around the same temperature as Memphis in the summer. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis 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 Memphis during summer. Kansas City gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Kansas City usually receives more rain than Memphis. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKansas City 82°F (28°C)Memphis 83°F (29°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Memphis in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Memphis. Additionally, most visitors come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
In the autumn, Kansas City is cooler than Memphis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kansas City in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Memphis averages at about 64°F (18°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kansas City this time of the year. In the autumn, Kansas City often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Kansas City gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun.
Kansas City usually gets more rain in October than Memphis. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKansas City 60°F (15°C)Memphis 64°F (18°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Memphis in the Winter?
Both Memphis and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Memphis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Memphis can be very cold. Kansas City can be very cold during winter. In January, Kansas City is generally much colder than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 30°F (-1°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).
Kansas City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during winter. Kansas City gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Memphis. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKansas City 30°F (-1°C)Memphis 40°F (5°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Memphis in the Spring?
Both Memphis and Kansas City during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.
Kansas City is cooler than Memphis in the spring. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kansas City. In the spring, Kansas City often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Kansas City gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun.
Memphis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kansas City usually gets less rain in April than Memphis. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKansas City 58°F (15°C)Memphis 64°F (18°C)
Typical Weather for Memphis and Kansas City
| Kansas City | Memphis | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) | 40°F (5°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) |
| Apr | 58°F (15°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 83°F (29°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
| Dec | 34°F (1°C) | 1.2 inches (30 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 4.1 inches (105 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.