Which place is cheaper, Seattle or Kansas City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kansas City or Seattle?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kansas City or Seattle? 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 Seattle?
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.
Seattle
Situated on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the United States Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the water and mountains and filled with evergreen trees. It's also the home of some famous American institutions including Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and Microsoft. The population of almost 700,000 continues to grow. As of 2014, the city was considered the fastest growing major city in the United States. The entire metropolitan area has about 3.6 million residents, making it the 15th largest metro area in the US. The natural beauty, growing economy, and educational base give Seattle a youthful vibe that keep the city young and energetic.
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 $161Seattle $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Kansas City is $161, while the average daily cost in Seattle is $205. 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 Seattle in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKansas City $88Seattle $120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKansas City $176Seattle $240
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Seattle
Looking for a hotel in Kansas City or Seattle? 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 Seattle Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kansas City $44Seattle $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seattle
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:
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Lightrail from Airport (for 2)$5.50
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Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Seattle HTL-APT (SEA): $143
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Seattle Airport (SEA)- Seattle Downtown: $86
- Smith Cove Terminal: Private Transfer to Seattle hotels: $307
- Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $148
- Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
- Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Airport (SEA) - Departure Transfer: $74
- One-Way Private Transfer from Seattle Airport: $76
- Seattle, WA: Seaplane transfer to Vancouver, BC: $281
- Seattle Tacoma Airport(SEA): Transfer to Smith Cove Terminal: $307
- Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA): Private Transfer to Seattle: $264
- Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) to Smith Cove Terminal - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $148
- Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) to Smith Cove Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or Seattle?
Prices for flights to both Seattle 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 $47Seattle $51
Typical Food Prices in Seattle
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:
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Expresso & cookie at Pier 70$7.00
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Cashews at Pike Place Market$6.00
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6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market$3.25
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Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)$21
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Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)$32
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Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)$37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.
- Seattle : Fun Cooking Classes With Chef Seamus: $60
- Seattle Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
- Seattle Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
- Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours: $67
- Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour: $67
- Eat Around the World Seattle Food Tour: $69
- International District Food Tour: $69
- Plant Based Food Tour in Pike Place Market: $79
- Secret Food Tours: Seattle Pike Place Market: $84
- Private Pike Place Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Local: $88
- Pike Place Market Food Tour: $99
- Craft Cocktail Gourmet Food Tour: $135
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kansas City $11Seattle $16
Tours and Activities in Seattle
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:
- 3 Hour Seattle City Tour: $90
- 1-Hour Family Treasure Cruise in Seattle: $42
- 3 Hour Show Me Seattle Best Of The City Tour: $80
- 3 Hours San Juan Island Seaplane Tour from Seattle : $295
- 5-hour Seattle and Suburbs Attractions Tour: $185
- A Fun Day in Olympia: Rotunda tour: $253
- Adult Pirate Party Cruise: $47
- Bald Eagles Nesting Area Tour at Skagit River: $135
- Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour: $29
- Best of Seattle Small Group Walking Tour W/ Space Needle: $244
- Boeing Factory Tour with Guided Transport from Seattle: $125
- Capitol Hill Neighborhood Tour: Indie shops, nightlife, history and attitude!: $149
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKansas City $12Seattle $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:
- Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $38
- Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour : $40
- Woodinville Wine Country: Downtown Wine Tasting Pass: $65
- Woodinville Wine Country: Artisan Hill Wine Tasting Pass: $65
- From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $262
- Snoqualmie Falls + Wine Tasting: All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour: $263
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kansas City and Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Seattle?
Seattle has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Kansas City. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and Seattle, 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 Seattle?
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 Seattle in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Seattle. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Kansas City is a little warmer than Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kansas City this time of the year. In the summer, Kansas City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle. Kansas City gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.
Kansas City usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKansas City 82°F (28°C)Seattle 67°F (19°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Seattle in the Autumn?
Both Seattle and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Kansas City is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kansas City in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Seattle averages at about 54°F (12°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kansas City. Kansas City usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Kansas City gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Seattle. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKansas City 60°F (15°C)Seattle 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Seattle in the Winter?
Both Seattle and Kansas City during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Seattle because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Kansas City can be very cold during winter. In January, Kansas City is generally much colder than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 30°F (-1°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).
In the winter, Kansas City often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Kansas City gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.
Seattle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kansas City usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKansas City 30°F (-1°C)Seattle 42°F (5°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Seattle in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Seattle. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.
Kansas City is a little warmer than Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In Kansas City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kansas City usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during spring. Kansas City gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Kansas City usually receives more rain than Seattle. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKansas City 58°F (15°C)Seattle 51°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Seattle and Kansas City
| Kansas City | Seattle | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) | 42°F (5°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 47°F (9°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Apr | 58°F (15°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Dec | 34°F (1°C) | 1.2 inches (30 mm) | 42°F (6°C) | 6 inches (152 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.