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

Should you visit Kansas City or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Kansas City or Santa Monica? 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 Santa Monica?

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.

Santa Monica

When it comes to visiting Los Angeles, Santa Monica is high on the must-see-and-do list. Chances are you'll recognize the iconic ferris wheel from Pacific Park in films and TV shows, and nothing beats the relaxed yet bustling vibe of this laid-back city.

Santa Monica is a popular and diverse beach town, cultural hub, fitness venue, shopping district, and neighborhood full of unique and trendy restaurants, all rolled into one. Visited by more than 6 million people a year, it's no wonder you'll always find a crowd there.

So whether you're up for a high-end shopping spree, bicycling down the waterfront, an eclectic food crawl or simply a stroll down the promenade, Santa Monica is sure to have something in store for you.

The weather in Santa Monica is moderate, with average summer highs in the low to mid 70s and winter climate that rests comfortably around the low 50s. Though flip flops and sandals are considered year-round footwear in Los Angeles, bring comfortable walking shoes for browsing galleries, malls, and boutiques. Santa Monica is the perfect place to break out your California-casual wardrobe.

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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kansas City and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Santa Monica?

Kansas City has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Santa Monica. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In July, Kansas City is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Kansas City usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kansas City or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

Both Santa Monica and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.

Kansas City is cooler than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In October, Kansas City usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kansas City or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica and Kansas City during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kansas City. In the winter, Kansas City is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kansas City in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Kansas City usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kansas City or Santa Monica in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Santa Monica. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches during these months.

In April, Kansas City is generally around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 58°F (15°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Kansas City usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Kansas City