A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Kansas City for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tulum 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 Tulum 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: Tulum or Kansas City?

Tulum

When you think of ancient ruins you probably picture dusty archaeological digs surrounded by sand and professors in khaki shorts. What if I told you there is a way to see ancient ruins and visit a tropical beach? That's exactly what you find in Tulum, Mexico.

Built near the end of Mayan era, the ruins of Tulum served as a port before the arrival of the Spanish. It may have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, given that these ruins face the sunrise. Because of Tulum's access to both land and sea routes, this spot was an important hub for the trade industry. It may have had another claim to fame, too. According to some murals and other works around the site, it seems this spot was an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending God. Today, the area is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico with daily tour buses dropping off visitors.

This area is usually packed with people looking to get a glimpse of the seaside ruins. To avoid crowds and capture the best view of the day, try to arrive as early as possible.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Kansas City or Tulum?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Tulum Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Kansas City Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tulum $133
    Kansas City $196

The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $133, while the average daily cost in Kansas City is $196. 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 Tulum and Kansas City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tulum $54
    Kansas City $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tulum $108
    Kansas City $176
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Kansas City

Looking for a hotel in Tulum 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.

Hotels in Tulum


Hotels in Kansas City


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: Tulum Hotel Prices and Kansas City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tulum $25
    Kansas City $44
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:

  • Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $114
  • Tulum to Playa del Carmen - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $120
  • Tulum to Mahahual - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $206
  • Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $250
  • Tulum to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $190
  • Tulum Hotels to Merida Rejon Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $215
  • Tulum Archaeological Zone: Cenote, Lunch & Transfer: $191
  • Tulum Archaeological Zone and Jaguar Park With Transfer and Lunch: $152
  • Tulum Airport: One-Way or Roundtrip Private Transfer: $144
  • Roundtrip Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $269
  • Round Trip Transfer from Tulum Airport to Hotels: $158
  • Private Transfer to Tulum from Tulum Airport: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Kansas City?

Prices for flights to both Kansas City and Tulum 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
    Tulum $54
    Kansas City $82
Typical Food Prices in Tulum

Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:


  • Lunch
    $2.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum

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

  • Salsa Class with Mezcalita Workshop & Mexican Dinner in Tulum: $83
  • Mexican Cooking from Scratch in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
  • Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $88
  • Temazcal Mayan Ritual Tour and Cenote Swim with Yucatecan Dinner: $120
  • Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tulum $29
    Kansas City $11

Tours and Activities in Tulum

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:

  • Chichen Itza & Cenote Chichikan Bus Tour Experience from Tulum: $71
  • Full Day Tour from Tulum to Rio Lagartos: $229
  • Private Tour - The best Cenotes in Yucatan - Suytun & Oxman: $195
  • Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Guided Tour: $220
  • Tulum Extreme Mayan Adventure with ATV, Zipline and Cenote: $38
  • 2 Cenotes Private Tour – VIP Adventure with Expert Guide: $154
  • 2 tanks Cenote Diving Adventure in Tulum for Certified Divers: $200
  • 3 in 1 Experience in Tulum: $111
  • 5 Hours Mayan Snorkeling Experience in Tulum: $94
  • 5x1 Deluxe Tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote Transportation from Tulum: $88
  • ATV Adventure and Horseback Ride with Ziplines, Cenote from Tulum: $82
  • ATV Cenote and Ziplines Adventure in Tulum from Riviera Maya: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tulum $23
    Kansas City $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:

  • 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
  • Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour: $69


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Kansas City, we can see that Kansas City is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Tulum.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Kansas City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tulum or Kansas City?

Kansas City has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum or Kansas City?

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 Tulum or Kansas City in the Summer?

Both Kansas City and Tulum during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Kansas City. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Kansas City fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Kansas City, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Kansas City. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kansas City receives 325 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Kansas City. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Kansas City receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tulum 28°C (83°F) 
    Kansas City 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Tulum or Kansas City in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Kansas City. Many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tulum is much warmer than Kansas City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Kansas City fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kansas City this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kansas City during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Kansas City receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Kansas City. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Kansas City receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Kansas City 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Tulum or Kansas City in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Kansas City. Most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Kansas City can be very cold. In the winter, Tulum is much warmer than Kansas City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Kansas City averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Kansas City. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kansas City receives 175 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets more rain in January than Kansas City. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kansas City receives 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tulum 23°C (74°F) 
    Kansas City 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Tulum or Kansas City in the Spring?

Both Kansas City and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Tulum is generally much warmer than Kansas City. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Kansas City fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Kansas City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Kansas City during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Kansas City receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Kansas City. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kansas City receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Kansas City 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Kansas City and Tulum

Tulum Kansas City
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (74°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 30°F (-1°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 35°F (2°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Mar 25°C (78°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 47°F (8°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 58°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
May 28°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 192 mm (7.6 in) 77°F (25°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 82°F (28°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 80°F (26°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 60°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 34°F (1°C) 1.2 inches (30 mm)