Which place is cheaper, Kansas City or New Orleans?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit New Orleans or Kansas City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between New Orleans and Kansas City can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: New Orleans or Kansas City?
New Orleans
New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, and it is a cultural city that is the home of jazz, unique cuisine, and Mardi Gras in the U.S. It was established in 1718 and is one of the oldest cities in the country. The culture of the city has a mix of French, Creole, African American, Caribbean, Irish, Haitian, German and Vietnamese. There's an energy and atmosphere that is unlike any place else.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNew Orleans $239Kansas City $161
The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $239, while the average daily cost in Kansas City is $161. 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 New Orleans and Kansas City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNew Orleans $125Kansas City $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNew Orleans $250Kansas City $176
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Kansas City
Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Kansas City? 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: New Orleans Hotel Prices and Kansas City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.New Orleans $51Kansas City $44
Typical Local Transportation Prices in New Orleans
Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans
Also for New Orleans, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans City by SUV: $93
- Private transfer: New Orleans to New Orleans Airport (MSY): $131
- Private Transfer: New Orleans to Louis Armstrong Airport MSY in Business Car: $102
- Private Transfer: New Orleans Airport MSY to Cruise Port in SUV: $114
- Private Transfer: Louis Armstrong Airport MSY to New Orleans in Business Car: $102
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to New Orleans Airport MSY in SUV: $114
- Private Transfer in a Luxury Sedan from Louis Armstrong Airport: $69
- Private Transfer in (Rover RSD) New Orleans MSY/Home/Hotel/Work : $55
- Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
- Private Transfer New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans by Sedan: $76
- Private Transfer From New Orleans To Baton Rouge: $157
- Private Round-Trip Transfer New Orleans and Louis Armstrong MSY: $84
Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Kansas City?
Prices for flights to both Kansas City and New Orleans 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 dayNew Orleans $45Kansas City $47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New Orleans
For New Orleans, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cajun and Creole Cooking Class with Meal: $38
- Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $55
- Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
- Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $55
- French Quarter Food Tour: Signature Flavors of New Orleans: $59
- The Premier New Orleans Food Tour: $77
- Taste Of New Orleans Food Tour and Experience: $80
- French Quarter Food Tour with a Local: $80
- Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
- New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
- French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89
- Cooking Class & Cocktail Walking Tour: $106
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.New Orleans $55Kansas City $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in New Orleans
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)$75
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Riverboat Cruise$70
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French Quarter City Tour$100
Tours and Activities in New Orleans
For New Orleans, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bom Creole Dining Experience w/ Pool and Louisiana Native Chef : $135
- Creole French Quarter Walking Tour: $30
- New Orleans Mules in the Marigny Walking Tour: $35
- Walking Instagram Photo Tour in the French Quarter New Orleans: $27
- 2-Hour French Quarter Ghost Walking Tour in New Orleans: $40
- 2-Hour Guided French Quarter Vampire Walking Tour: $25
- 45 Minute Highlights Tour of the French Quarter: $23
- 90-Minute Jean Lafitte Swamp and Bayou Tour with Transportation: $57
- A Local's Private French Quarter Walking or Biking Tour : $175
- A Locals' Drink Dat! Cocktail Tour: $200
- Adults Only True Crime Dark History New Orleans Walking Tour: $37
- Adults Only Voodoo History Guided Walking Tour in New Orleans: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNew Orleans $60Kansas City $12
Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:
- Hop on, Hop off Craft Brewery Bus Tour in New Orleans: $10
- Haunted Pub Crawl In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $13
- Discovering the Flavors of Louisiana: Rum & Gin Distillery Tour: $14
- Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
- Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
- Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
- Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
- New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
- Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party: $25
- New Orleans Bar Crawl: $28
- New Orleans Spooky Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New Orleans and Kansas City, we can see that New Orleans 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 New Orleans would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New Orleans 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 New Orleans Expensive? and Is Kansas City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Kansas City?
New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Kansas City. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Kansas City, 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 New Orleans or Kansas City?
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 New Orleans or Kansas City in the Summer?
Both Kansas City and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, New Orleans is generally around the same temperature as Kansas City. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 82°F (28°C), and Kansas City fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It's quite sunny in Kansas City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than Kansas City during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Kansas City receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Kansas City. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Kansas City receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNew Orleans 82°F (28°C)Kansas City 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit New Orleans or Kansas City in the Autumn?
Both Kansas City and New Orleans during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
New Orleans is a little warmer than Kansas City in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Kansas City fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).
In Kansas City, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the autumn, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Kansas City. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kansas City receives 208 hours of full sun.
New Orleans usually gets more rain in October than Kansas City. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Kansas City receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNew Orleans 69°F (21°C)Kansas City 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit New Orleans or Kansas City in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Kansas City. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Kansas City can be very cold. In the winter, New Orleans is much warmer than Kansas City. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Orleans in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Kansas City averages at about 30°F (-1°C).
New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than Kansas City during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Kansas City receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.
New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Kansas City. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Kansas City receives 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNew Orleans 51°F (11°C)Kansas City 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit New Orleans or Kansas City in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Kansas City. The spring months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the activities around the city.
In April, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Kansas City. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 68°F (20°C), and Kansas City fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kansas City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In the spring, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Kansas City. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kansas City receives 231 hours of full sun.
New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Kansas City. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Kansas City receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNew Orleans 68°F (20°C)Kansas City 58°F (15°C)
Typical Weather for Kansas City and New Orleans
| New Orleans | Kansas City | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Mar | 62°F (16°C) | 5 inches (126 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| May | 75°F (24°C) | 4.3 inches (110 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 6.2 inches (157 mm) | 80°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 5.5 inches (140 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (21°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) |
| Nov | 61°F (16°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Dec | 55°F (13°C) | 5.7 inches (146 mm) | 34°F (1°C) | 1.2 inches (30 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.