Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Kansas City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Kansas City or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kansas City or Ottawa? 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 Ottawa?
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.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second. It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
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Kansas City Prices
USA PricesOttawa Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKansas City $196Ottawa $134
The average daily cost (per person) in Kansas City is $196, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $134. 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 Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKansas City $88Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKansas City $176Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Kansas City or Ottawa? 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 Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kansas City $44Ottawa $7.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
- Ottawa Parc Omega Private Tour with Hotel Transfer: $218
- Ottawa Airport YOW Private Transfer to Ottawa/University/Chelsea: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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 $82Ottawa $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ottawa Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $77
- Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $78
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $104
- Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $104
- Guided ByWard Market Food Tour: $107
- A Taste of Canada Food Tour: $108
- Taste of Canada Food Tour with Guide: $113
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kansas City $11Ottawa $40
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $58
- A Romantic Walking Tour Through Ottawa: $351
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $8.99
- Adventure Rafting on the Ottawa River: $160
- Aqua Taxi Hop-on and Hop-Off Tour: $18
- Beechwood Cemetery Evening Tour: Tales from the Mausoleum: $23
- Exceptional Walking Christmas Tour in Magical Ottawa: $458
- Experience Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour: $73
- Experience Walking Christmas Tour in Magical Ottawa: $236
- Family Walking Tour in Special Highlights: $351
- From Montreal: Private Ottawa Full Day Tour: $286
- Full Day Pontiac Wine & Cider Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau: $133
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKansas City $12Ottawa $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:
- Chelsea: Guided tour of the Square Distillery: $25
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kansas City and Ottawa, we can see that Kansas City is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ottawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ottawa 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 Kansas City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kansas City than you might in Ottawa.
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 Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Kansas City. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?
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 Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.
Kansas City is a little warmer than Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Ottawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kansas City. Kansas City usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Kansas City gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Kansas City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ottawa. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKansas City 82°F (28°C)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Kansas City or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Kansas City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Ottawa for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Kansas City is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kansas City in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).
It's quite sunny in Kansas City. In the autumn, Kansas City often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Kansas City gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Kansas City usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKansas City 60°F (15°C)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Kansas City or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Ottawa. Also, many visitors come to Ottawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Ottawa can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kansas City. In January, Kansas City is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 30°F (-1°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
Kansas City usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Kansas City gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKansas City 30°F (-1°C)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Kansas City or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Ottawa.
Kansas City is much warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kansas City this time of the year. In the spring, Kansas City often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Kansas City gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Kansas City usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKansas City 58°F (15°C)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Kansas City
| Kansas City | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 58°F (15°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 80°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 34°F (1°C) | 1.2 inches (30 mm) | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
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.