Which place is cheaper, Vancouver 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Kansas City or Vancouver?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kansas City or Vancouver? 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 Vancouver?
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.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city in Western Canada. It is also the largest city in British Columbia, and is dramatically positioned between the coast and mountains. It's a very international city, with a high level of energy and countless activites that you can enjoy while you're in town. In addition to offering all of the activities and entertainment of a modern city, it is also in jumping off distance to any number of outdoor activities.
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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.
-
Kansas City Prices
USA PricesVancouver Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKansas City $196Vancouver $165
The average daily cost (per person) in Kansas City is $196, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $165. 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 Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKansas City $88Vancouver $87
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKansas City $176Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Kansas City or Vancouver? 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 Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kansas City $44Vancouver $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:
-
SkyTrain from Airport$6.35
-
Taxi from Airport to Downtown$21
-
15 min Taxi Ride$8.71
-
SkyTrain DayPass$6.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver
Also for Vancouver, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Yvr arrival private transfer to Vancouver hotels cruise ships : $156
- White Rock to Vancouver Airport (YVR) - Departure Private Transfer: $108
- Whistler: Vancouver YVR Airport to Whistler Private Transfer: $118
- YVR Airport Transfer to Squamish: $411
- YVR Airport Transfer to Fraser Valley: $618
- Transfer Downtown - Canada Place Cruise Terminal: $136
- Private Transfer to Whistler with Sightseeing: $538
- Private Transfer to Whistler: $462
- Private Transfer to Ferry Terminal: $172
- Private Transfer - Canada Place Cruise Terminal: $72
- Private Airport Transfer to/from YVR Airport: $45
- North Shore Mountains Snowshoeing with Transfer: $108
Is it cheaper to fly into Kansas City or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver 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 dayKansas City $82Vancouver $54
Typical Food Prices in Vancouver
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:
-
All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch$8.79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver
For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vancouver Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $75
- Mt Pleasant Food Tour from Vancouver: $82
- A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $83
- Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $96
- Food Tours Gastown & Downtown with 6+ tastings: $98
- Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $99
- Vancouver Local Taste Trail Food Tour: $100
- Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $115
- Granville Island Market VIP Walking Food Tour : $115
- Hidden Vancouver Tour with Dinner: $118
- Private Granville Island Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $132
- Vancouver Chinatown Tour and Dumpling-Making Cooking Class : $135
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kansas City $11Vancouver $36
Tours and Activities in Vancouver
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.
- 2 Hours Private Tour of City of Vancouver: $147
- Cruise Ship Terminal to Vancouver Airport Private Transport: $150
- Guided Bike /E-bike Tour in Whistler From Vancouver: $218
- Half-day Hike and Bike Tour in Vancouver: $129
- Spirit Of Vancouver Bike or Ebike Tour: $100
- Vancouver 1-Day city tour: $98
- Victoria 1-Day Tour From Vancouver: $190
- Whistler Discovery and Waterfalls Small Group Tour: : $196
- 1 day Whistler Tour from Vancouver Experience (chn&eng): $88
- 2 Hours Private Tour of Stanley Park Vancouver: $132
- 3 Days of Adventure in Vancouver – Activities-Only Tour: $1,650
- 3 Hours Private Tour of City of Vancouver: $221
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKansas City $12Vancouver $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:
- Vancouver British Columbia Bar Crawl: $15
- Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
- Vancouver Craft Brewery Neighbourhood Walking Tour: $65
- 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $86
- Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour: $89
- Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour: $92
- North Vancouver Elite Walking Brewery Tour: $95
- Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $122
- From Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Local Tastings: $129
- From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $135
- Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Tastings: $161
- Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $169
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kansas City and Vancouver, we can see that Kansas City is more expensive. And not only is Vancouver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vancouver would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vancouver 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 Vancouver.
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 Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Vancouver?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kansas City. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?
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 Vancouver in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Vancouver. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Kansas City is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kansas City in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vancouver this time of the year. In Kansas City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kansas City usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during summer. Kansas City gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Kansas City usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKansas City 82°F (28°C)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Kansas City or Vancouver in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Vancouver. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.
In October, Kansas City is generally a little warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 60°F (15°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kansas City this time of the year. In the autumn, Kansas City often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Kansas City gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Kansas City usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKansas City 60°F (15°C)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Kansas City or Vancouver in the Winter?
Both Vancouver and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Vancouver for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Vancouver. It's quite cold in Kansas City in the winter. Kansas City is much colder than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Kansas City usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Kansas City gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In January, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKansas City 30°F (-1°C)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Kansas City or Vancouver in the Spring?
Both Vancouver and Kansas City during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vancouver in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Kansas City is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kansas City in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).
It's quite sunny in Kansas City. In the spring, Kansas City often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Kansas City gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.
Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kansas City usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKansas City 58°F (15°C)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Kansas City
| Kansas City | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 58°F (15°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 80°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 34°F (1°C) | 1.2 inches (30 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 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.