Which place is cheaper, Raleigh or Kansas City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kansas City or Raleigh?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kansas City or Raleigh? 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 Raleigh?
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.
Raleigh
Raleigh is the capital city of the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of about 450,000 and is home to many colleges and university including North Carolina State University, Shaw University, Saint Augustine's College, Meredith College and Peace University. The city has a wide range of museums, restaurants, theaters, and parks. There's also an extensive greenway system that is great for biking or running.
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 $161Raleigh $189
The average daily cost (per person) in Kansas City is $161, while the average daily cost in Raleigh is $189. 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 Raleigh in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKansas City $88Raleigh $104
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKansas City $176Raleigh $208
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Raleigh
Looking for a hotel in Kansas City or Raleigh? 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 Raleigh Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kansas City $44Raleigh $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Raleigh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Raleigh:
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh Arrival Private Transfer: $59
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $117
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Durham - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $124
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Durham - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
- Raleigh to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $59
- Durham to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or Raleigh?
Prices for flights to both Raleigh 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 $47Raleigh $57
Typical Food Prices in Raleigh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Raleigh:
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The Pit Authentic BBQ (for 3)$84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Raleigh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Raleigh.
- Private Cooking Class in Durham with an Expert Home Cook: $104
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kansas City $11Raleigh $37
Tours and Activities in Raleigh
Here are a few actual costs in Raleigh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Create Your Own Lipstick or Lip Gloss Class Experience in Raleigh: $60
- Guided Walking Historian Tour in Downtown Durham: $16
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience Chapel Hill, NC: $15
- Private Pedicab Tour of Downtown Raleigh: $60
- Raleigh African American History Tour: $16
- Raleigh Downtown: Historic Walking Tours: $16
- Raleigh Ghost and Urban Legend Tour: $16
- Raleigh Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Tour: $30
- Raleigh Historian-Guided Downtown Walking Tour: $16
- Raleigh Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Walking Tour: $26
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKansas City $12Raleigh $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kansas City and Raleigh, we can see that Raleigh 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 Raleigh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Raleigh 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 Raleigh Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Raleigh?
Kansas City has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Raleigh. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and Raleigh, 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 Raleigh?
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 Raleigh in the Summer?
Both Raleigh and Kansas City during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Raleigh this time of year.
Kansas City is around the same temperature as Raleigh in the summer. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Raleigh fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
In Raleigh, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kansas City. In the summer, Kansas City often gets more sunshine than Raleigh. Kansas City gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Raleigh receives 259 hours of full sun.
Raleigh gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kansas City usually gets less rain in July than Raleigh. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKansas City 82°F (28°C)Raleigh 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Raleigh in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Raleigh. Also, many travelers come to Raleigh for the city's sights and attractions.
In the autumn, Kansas City is around the same temperature as Raleigh. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kansas City in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Raleigh averages at about 61°F (16°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Raleigh 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 Raleigh during autumn. Kansas City gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Raleigh receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Raleigh. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKansas City 60°F (15°C)Raleigh 61°F (16°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Raleigh in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Raleigh. Also, many visitors come to Raleigh in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.
Raleigh can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kansas City. In January, Kansas City is generally much colder than Raleigh. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 30°F (-1°C), and Raleigh fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).
In the winter, Kansas City often gets more sunshine than Raleigh. Kansas City gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Raleigh receives 162 hours of full sun.
Kansas City usually gets less rain in January than Raleigh. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKansas City 30°F (-1°C)Raleigh 40°F (5°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Raleigh in the Spring?
Both Raleigh and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Raleigh for the activities around the city during these months.
Kansas City is around the same temperature as Raleigh in the spring. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Raleigh fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).
It's quite sunny in Raleigh. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kansas City. Kansas City usually receives less sunshine than Raleigh during spring. Kansas City gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Raleigh receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Raleigh. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Raleigh 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)Raleigh 60°F (16°C)
Typical Weather for Raleigh and Kansas City
| Kansas City | Raleigh | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) | 40°F (5°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Apr | 58°F (15°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) | 61°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 53°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Dec | 34°F (1°C) | 1.2 inches (30 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 3.1 inches (78 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.