Which place is cheaper, Phoenix or Kansas City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kansas City or Phoenix?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kansas City or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix?
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.
Phoenix
The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.
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 $161Phoenix $238
The average daily cost (per person) in Kansas City is $161, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $238. 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 Phoenix in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKansas City $88Phoenix $144
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKansas City $176Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Phoenix
Looking for a hotel in Kansas City or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kansas City $44Phoenix $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury Van: $140
- Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $103
- Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $90
- Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $140
- Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $103
- Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $90
- Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $41
- Private Tesla Transfer from Phoenix Airport to all Hotels : $42
- One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
- Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) - Departure Private Transfer: $58
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Arrival Private Transfer: $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or Phoenix?
Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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 $47Phoenix $52
Typical Food Prices in Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
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Nice Lunch (for 2)$36
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $75
- Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
- Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
- Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
- Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kansas City $11Phoenix $40
Tours and Activities in Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
- 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $79
- 1/2 DAY SONORAN DESERT HIKE. Tour, Workout or Challenge Pace.: $115
- 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
- 2 Hour Segway Tour - Sunsets, Segways & City Lights: $89
- 2 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $115
- 2-Hour Arizona Desert Guided E-Bike Tour: $135
- 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $100
- 3 Cities & Nature Tour. Shop, Art, History, Food. Scottsdale, Phoenix, & Tempe.: $168
- 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Tour in Sonoran Desert: $219
- 3 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $135
- Adventure Yoga Experience on Camelback Mountain: $75
- Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour: $160
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKansas City $12Phoenix $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
- Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
- Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $155
- Ghost town of Jerome, Brew and Wine Tour: $215
- Custom Arizona Brewery / Vineyard Tour: $245
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kansas City and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Phoenix?
Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kansas City. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?
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 Phoenix in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Phoenix. Furthermore, most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. Kansas City is cooler than Phoenix in the summer. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Kansas City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kansas City usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Kansas City gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Kansas City usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKansas City 82°F (28°C)Phoenix 98°F (36°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Phoenix in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Phoenix. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Kansas City is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kansas City in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Phoenix averages at about 79°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. 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 Phoenix. Kansas City gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.
Kansas City usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKansas City 60°F (15°C)Phoenix 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Phoenix in the Winter?
Both Phoenix and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.
The weather in Kansas City can be very cold. In January, Kansas City is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 30°F (-1°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
It's quite sunny in Phoenix. Kansas City usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Kansas City gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Kansas City usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKansas City 30°F (-1°C)Phoenix 58°F (14°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Phoenix in the Spring?
Both Phoenix and Kansas City during the spring are popular places to visit.
Kansas City is much colder than Phoenix in the spring. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
In Phoenix, 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 Phoenix. Kansas City gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.
Kansas City usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKansas City 58°F (15°C)Phoenix 74°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Phoenix and Kansas City
| Kansas City | Phoenix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) | 58°F (14°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Apr | 58°F (15°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 83°F (28°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 92°F (34°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 98°F (36°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 96°F (35°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 90°F (32°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Dec | 34°F (1°C) | 1.2 inches (30 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 1 inches (25 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.