Which place is cheaper, San Diego or Kansas City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kansas City or San Diego?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kansas City or San Diego? 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 San Diego?
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.
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
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 $161San Diego $202
The average daily cost (per person) in Kansas City is $161, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $202. 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 San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKansas City $88San Diego $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKansas City $176San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Kansas City or San Diego? 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 San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kansas City $44San Diego $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in San Diego HTL-APT(SAN): $47
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Downtown to San Diego Airport (SAN): $68
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $68
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – Departure Private Transfer: $54
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $239
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tijuana hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $54
- San Diego Private Transfer to Orange County, CA.: $223
- San Diego International Airport (SAN) Private Arrival Transfer: $38
- San Diego Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Diego: $70
- San Diego Airport - Private Round Trip Transfer: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego 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 $47San Diego $45
Typical Food Prices in San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $81
- Little Italy Food and Drink Walking Tour - Pizza, Pasta & Piazzas: $85
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
- San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $101
- Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
- San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
- San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise: $118
- Thanksgiving Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $121
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kansas City $11San Diego $48
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $24
- 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
- 1-Hour Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour in San Diego: $99
- 1-Hour Voodoo Escape Room Experience in San Diego: $35
- 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
- 1Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $63
- 2 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Downtown & Balboa Park: $82
- 3 Hours Guided Whale and Dolphin Watching Experience in San Diego: $139
- 4 Hour Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour or Rental: $87
- A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
- All Day San Diego Scenic Tour: $125
- Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKansas City $12San Diego $21
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- Gaslamp Bar Crawls and Events: $20
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $119
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $132
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kansas City and San Diego, we can see that San Diego 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kansas City or San Diego?
San Diego has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kansas City. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and San Diego, 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 San Diego?
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 San Diego in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and San Diego. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Kansas City is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 82°F (28°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego 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 San Diego during summer. Kansas City gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Kansas City usually receives more rain than San Diego. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKansas City 82°F (28°C)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or San Diego in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as San Diego. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.
Kansas City is cooler than San Diego in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. 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 San Diego. Kansas City gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.
Kansas City usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKansas City 60°F (15°C)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or San Diego in the Winter?
Both San Diego and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Kansas City in the winter. In the winter, Kansas City is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kansas City in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and San Diego averages at about 57°F (14°C).
It's quite sunny in San Diego. Kansas City usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Kansas City gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Kansas City usually receives less rain than San Diego. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKansas City 30°F (-1°C)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or San Diego in the Spring?
Both San Diego and Kansas City during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Diego in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Kansas City is generally cooler than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 58°F (15°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
In San Diego, 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 San Diego. Kansas City gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.
Kansas City usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKansas City 58°F (15°C)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Kansas City
| Kansas City | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 58°F (15°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 34°F (1°C) | 1.2 inches (30 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 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.