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

Should you visit Kansas City or Sacramento?

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

Should I visit Kansas City or Sacramento? 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 Sacramento?

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.

Sacramento

Sacramento is the capital city and one of the oldest cities in the state of California. It was founded in 1849 in the midst of the Gold Rush, and has since grown to a population of over 500,000 people. The atmosphere is more laid back than most major cities, and its heritage is rooted in the Gold Rush and Transcontinental Railroad era.

Which place is cheaper, Sacramento 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 Sacramento is $281. 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 Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kansas City $88
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kansas City $176
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Kansas City or Sacramento? 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 Sacramento


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 Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kansas City $44
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

Also for Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $223
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $111

Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento 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
    Sacramento $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sacramento

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

  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $95
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Midtown Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Italian Cooking and Dance Class Experience: $160

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

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

For Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $12
  • Davis Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Delta's History and Wine: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Downtown Sacramento Mural and Art Walking Tour : $45
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Full-Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,orKneeboard: $850
  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Half Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,or Kneeboard: $425
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kansas City $12
    Sacramento $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Sacramento

Also in Sacramento, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sacramento Bar Hunt: Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl: $12
  • Wine Tasting Audio Tour - Amador County CA: $30
  • Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kansas City and Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento 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 Sacramento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sacramento 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 Sacramento Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Kansas City. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?

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 Sacramento in the Summer?

Both Sacramento and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In July, Kansas City is generally a little warmer than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 82°F (28°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kansas City. Kansas City usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Kansas City gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kansas City usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kansas City 82°F (28°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Kansas City or Sacramento in the Autumn?

Both Sacramento and Kansas City during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Kansas City is cooler than Sacramento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kansas City. In the autumn, Kansas City often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Kansas City gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.

Kansas City usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kansas City 60°F (15°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Kansas City or Sacramento in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Sacramento.

Kansas City can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Kansas City is much colder than Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kansas City in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Sacramento averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Kansas City usually receives more sunshine than Sacramento during winter. Kansas City gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kansas City 30°F (-1°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Kansas City or Sacramento in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Sacramento.

In April, Kansas City is generally around the same temperature as Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 58°F (15°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kansas City this time of the year. In the spring, Kansas City often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Kansas City gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.

Kansas City usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kansas City 58°F (15°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Kansas City

Kansas City Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 34°F (1°C) 1.2 inches (30 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)