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

Should you visit Kansas City or Portland, Maine?

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

Should I visit Kansas City or Portland, Maine? 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 Portland, Maine?

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.

Portland, Maine

The largest city in the U.S. state of Maine, Portland has much to offer with its most visited areas being the historic Old Port and the Arts District. They are a mix of the old and new, with a historic feel of the waterfront port versus the contemporary culture of the local art scene. In addition to these popular locations, the Portland area is marked with historical landmarks and museums, places to shop, award-winning restaurants, and activities in areas just outside the city as well.

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, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine 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.

  • Kansas City Prices
    USA Prices
    Portland, Maine Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kansas City $196
    Portland, Maine $227

The average daily cost (per person) in Kansas City is $196, while the average daily cost in Portland, Maine is $227. 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 Portland, Maine in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kansas City $88
    Portland, Maine $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kansas City $176
    Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Portland, Maine

Looking for a hotel in Kansas City or Portland, Maine? 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 Portland, Maine


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 Portland, Maine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kansas City $44
    Portland, Maine $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:

  • Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $75
  • Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $136
  • Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or Portland, Maine?

Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine 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 $82
    Portland, Maine $84

Typical Food Prices in Portland, Maine

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $17
  • Dinner for 2
    $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland, Maine

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portland, Maine.

  • Portland: Walking Food Tour – Warm Donuts & History: $57

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kansas City $11
    Portland, Maine $39

Tours and Activities in Portland, Maine

Here are a few actual costs in Portland, Maine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hour Scenic Powerboat Cruise Experience Portland's Waterfront: $143
  • 2-Hour Portland Old Port Ghost Walking Tour: $29
  • A Walk Through Time Tour in Portland: $49
  • Afternoon Lighthouse Cruise Along the Coast of Portland Maine: $62
  • Afternoon Windjammer Cruise Along the Coast of Portland Maine: $67
  • Around The Peninsula Bike Tour: $85
  • Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $7.75
  • Discover Portland City and Lighthouse Tour: $56
  • Guided RIB Boat Adventure of Casco Bay: $75
  • Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise: $56
  • Historical Walking Tour of Portland’s Old Port District: $7.99
  • Lighthouse Bicycle Tour from South Portland with 4 Lighthouses: $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kansas City $12
    Portland, Maine $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Portland, Maine

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portland, Maine:

  • Portland Old Port Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $99
  • Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
  • Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $99


When comparing the travel costs between Kansas City and Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Portland, Maine Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Portland, Maine?

Kansas City has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and Portland, Maine, 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 Portland, Maine?

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 Portland, Maine in the Summer?

Both Portland, Maine and Kansas City during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

Kansas City is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the summer. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kansas City. In the summer, Kansas City often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Kansas City gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

Kansas City usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kansas City 82°F (28°C) 
    Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Kansas City or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Portland, Maine. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kansas City is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kansas City in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 49°F (9°C).

In Kansas City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kansas City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during autumn. Kansas City gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kansas City 60°F (15°C) 
    Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Kansas City or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Portland, Maine. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 30°F (-1°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Kansas City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Kansas City gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

Kansas City usually gets less rain in January than Portland, Maine. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kansas City 30°F (-1°C) 
    Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Kansas City or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Kansas City is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the spring. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kansas City. Kansas City usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during spring. Kansas City gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kansas City 58°F (15°C) 
    Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Kansas City

Kansas City Portland, Maine
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 34°F (1°C) 1.2 inches (30 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)