Chicago is an edgey city known for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile.. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Chicago and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.
How much does it cost to travel to Chicago?
You should plan to spend around $323 per day on your vacation in Chicago. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $85 on meals
- $37 on local transportation
- $397 on hotels
A one week trip to Chicago for two people costs, on average, $4,522. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$2,261
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2 Weeks
Per person
$4,522
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One Month
Per person
$9,690
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One Week
For a couple
$4,522
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$9,044
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One Month
For a couple
$19,380
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Chicago cost?
A one week trip to Chicago usually costs around $2,261 for one person and $4,522 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Chicago on average costs around $4,522 for one person and $9,044 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Chicago will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Chicago on average costs around $9,690 for one person and $19,380 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Chicago expensive to visit?
Chicago is a vibrant and energetic city filled with fun activities. With a mix of travelers from all budgets and lifestyles, it's a perfect playground for everyone. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Chicago can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $122 per day, mid-range travelers spend $323 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $916 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Chicago.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Chicago is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Honolulu or Avon.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Chicago Expensive?
Chicago
How much money do I need for a trip to Chicago?
The average Chicago trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Chicago travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Chicago cost?
Chicago on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$74
|
$198
|
$568
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$13
|
$37
|
$113
|
|
Food 2
|
$32
|
$85
|
$233
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$18
|
$47
|
$129
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$5-16
|
$13-38
|
$26-77
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Chicago on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
Chicago on a Shoestring Budget?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $122 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Fortunately, Chicago has plenty of hostels such as HI Chicago, The J.Ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel, Chicago Getaway Hostel, and Freehand Chicago. At hostels like these, you can find cheap accommodation in a dorm as well as a social atmosphere, but with very little amenities. The city also great public transit, which helps budget travelers avoid expensive taxi or Uber rides. While food is an important aspect for all visitors in Chicago, budget travelers tend to favor street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which might keep them from experiencing the local cuisine.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. Most people who travel to Chicago will want to experience its major attractions, museums, and historical landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $323 per person, per day.
In Chicago, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. The Gwen a Luxury Collection Hotel Michigan Avenue Chicago is a great choice for families, and The Guesthouse Hotel is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Chicago.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $916 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the city will require a luxury budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Your Way or the Highway: 2-hour Customized Private Walking Tour in Chicago - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Chicago
The prices for hotels in Chicago can really vary, especially during peak travel season. Off-season, the average hotel room costs $160, while during peak summer season, that average price jumps to around $299. With budget accommodations starting at $114 and luxury hotels peaking at $457, there are options for every traveler. Dorm-style hostels are often the cheapest. Traveling during the low season or booking early can help you save.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Chicago for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $397. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $198 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Chicago? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Chicago include:
- Viceroy Chicago starting at $299
- The Gwen a Luxury Collection Hotel Michigan Avenue Chicago starting at $281
- Hotel Zachary Chicago a Tribute Portfolio Hotel starting at $266
- The Guesthouse Hotel starting at $244
- Sophy Hyde Park starting at $233
Chicago features a wide selection of places to stay, as it is a large city. From budget hostels such as HI Chicago, The J.Ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel to vacation rentals and luxurious hotels, there are options for everyone. However, if you choose to stay in the city center, be ready for higher prices while enjoying the convenience of public transit and nearby attractions.
Chicago has an excellent public transit that lets you stay outside the city to save on accommodations. But you'll likely end up spending more time and money on transportation.
Families visiting Chicago will find that choosing accommodations with more room can make their trip much more comfortable. It's a big city, so you might notice that the rooms feel small and slightly cramped.
Many visitors spend up to a week in Chicago. If you're going to be in town for a long time, you may want to find a vacation rental with a kitchen. This will let you prepare at least some of your own meals.
By traveling in the low or shoulder season (and avoiding summer), you can benefit from cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds.
Exploring Chicago on foot is a popular choice, so it's wise to find a place in the center of it all. Just be prepared for potentially higher prices.
Transportation Budget in Chicago
Chicago is a large city, so transportation is important. Fortunately, Chicago has an excellent public transit system. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available. If you want to get the most bang for your buck, the public transit is the way to go. For convenience, you'll find taxis and rideshare services around town.
If walking is your preferred way to explore, you'll have a great time here. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.
Public Transit: 
(excellent)
Walkability: 
(great)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $37 per person, per day, on local transportation in Chicago. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Chicago is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$37
If you find yourself taking public transit regularly, multi-day transit passes are a smart way to save cash.
Watch out for pickpockets on the buses and trains, and also in the stations. After all, Chicago is a big city.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- One-Way Private Transfer from Downtown Chicago to ORD by Sedan for $133 details
- Curbside SUV Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago for $240 details
- One-Way Private ORD Airport Meet and Greet Transfer by Sedan for $154 details
How much does it cost to go to Chicago? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Chicago will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
The typical transit costs in Chicago are outlined below, based on data from actual travelers. These figures provide an estimate of overall transportation expenses in the city. Remember, your personal costs will depend on how you choose to get around, as taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than using public transportation.
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Parking
$19
-
Taxi Ride
$10
-
Taxi from Airport
$45
Food Budget in Chicago
You won't want to overlook the world-class cuisine in Chicago. Take the time to dine at local eateries and indulge in their unique specialties. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Chicago can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Chicago is $85 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$85
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Chicago is around $85 ($85) per person, with previous travelers spending from $32 to $233. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Chicago are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $25
- Lunch: $13 to $34
- Dinner: $25 to $59
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $13
Chicago is famous for its food. There are many famous restaurants around the city and there are a handful of local specialties that you must try while you're in town. Perhaps the most notable is the Chicago style pizza. It's a deep dish pizza that is made with a thin layer of dough that is layered with meats and vegtables, mozzarella cheese, and then a tomato sauce on top. It's hearty and delicious and a must try while you're in town. Also make sure you try a Chicago hot dog. They are all beef and served on a poppy seed bun. Toppings can get extravagant and include mustard, tomatoes, pickles, peppers and onions.
There is also a wide diversity of ethnic cuisines around Chicago. If you're looking for something specific, find the right neighborhood and then wander around until you find a good restaurant. Your options include Greektown, the Devon Ave Indian corridor, Chinatown, and Chatham's soul food and barbecue. You can find almost any type of ethnic food somewhere in the city so do some research and figure out what appeals to you.
Eating at nicer restaurants for lunch instead of dinner is a great way to save money. Many dining venues in tourist areas or business centers feature lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These are often smaller and cheaper versions of the dinner menu. If you're willing to search, you might discover a full multi-course gourmet meal at a great price. For dinner, you can just enjoy a light meal.
If you're traveling with little ones, try to find restaurants that feature a children's menu. This can really cut costs since these meals are often cheaper. Remember, some places don't display kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask the waiter first.
Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also better for the environment.
When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.
If you want to experience the culture in Chicago, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Fun Chicago Bike Tour with Pizza, Hot Dogs, Cupcakes and Beer for $179 details
- Chicago Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours for $89 details
- Chicago Pizza Tour for $89 details
Typical food prices in Chicago, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
-
Dinner for 1
$24
-
Dinner for 3
$118
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Chicago
It's not surprising that visitors come to Chicago, as it offers museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and music.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Chicago typically cost an average of $47 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Free Things to Do in Chicago, Chicago Bucket List: The Best Places to See, and The Best Museums in Chicago.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$47
Chicago has something for everyone. There are world class museums, adrenaline filled sporting events and beautiful architecture. Some of the more popular museums include Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum of Natural History and Shedd Aquarium. Notable buildings and landmarks in the city include Sears Tower, the Old Water Tower, the Magnificent Mile, the Navy Pier, Buckingham Fountain, John Hancock Center, and Tribune Tower. Also make sure you head to the shore of Lake Michigan and spend some time at the beach. On a nice day it's bound to be crowded with Chicago locals. Parks are also popular throughout the city. If you're in town on a beautiful day then head to some of the area's interesting parks which include Grant Park, Millennium Park, and Midway Park.
Chicago has no shortage of activities. From the theater to the sporting events, there's likely to be any number of options available when you're in town. Festivals also take place most weekends throughout the year. The city doesn't let its cold weather dampen the fun. One of the city's biggest festivals is Taste of Chicago in July. This is the largest outdoor food festival in the world. Popular music festivals include the Blues Fest and Gospel Fest in June, Lollapalooza in August and the Jazz Fest in September.
Museums and Attractions:
Many people visit Chicago specifically to see its famous museums and landmarks. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).
Theatre Productions:
Be sure to check out the incredible theater scene. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.
Music:
The music scene in Chicago is exciting and appeals to a wide audience. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.
Shopping:
Shopping here is something you definitely shouldn't overlook. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.
A nice way to explore destinations in Chicago is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Small-Group Sightseeing Boat Tour in Chicago for $85 details
- Chicago Architecture Walking Tour: What's New for $30 details
- Chicago in a Day: Food and Architecture Private Walking Tour for $273 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Chicago, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
Nightlife Budget in Chicago
Visitors flock to Chicago for its exceptional nightlife, which is famous around the world. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $25 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Chicago per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$25
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
Be vigilant if you're out at night, especially if alcohol is involved. Thieves often target distracted individuals, so it's smart to stay with trusted friends and avoid going off by yourself.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Chicago. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Oktoberfest Walking Brewery Tour in Malt Row for $25 details
- Oktoberfest Walking Brewery Tour in Logan Square for $25 details
- Walking tour to Chicago dive bars for $41 details
Travel cost data last updated: Mar 1, 2024
Traveling in Chicago
Chicago’s Elevated Train
Located in the Midwest, Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. It has a population of almost 3 million and a metropolitan area that covers more than 10,000 square kilometers. It is also a hub for music, comedy and theater. It's skyline is beautiful with modern skyscrapers and Lake Michigan as a backdrop. It is easy to stay entertained in Chicago for weeks. There are world class museums, upscale or eclectic shopping opportunities, and impressive architecture.
Chicago is known for its cold winters and bitter wind. The city experiences four different seasons. Summers can be warm and humid with temperatures averaging around 75 degrees Fahrenheit and highs reaching above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for parts of the summer. Winters experience a lot of snow and highs can stay below freezing. Spring and fall are pleasant with low humidity.
Neighborhoods & Around
Most visitors to Chicago stay in the central area. The most popular neighborhoods include the Downtown, River North, Streeterville, Old Town, the Gold Coast, Central Station, the South Loop, Printer's Row and Greek Town and many more. In these neighborhoods you'll find many of the city's top attractions, impressive skyscrapers, and entertainment options. Don't limit yourself to these neighborhoods though. If you have time, explore outside of this central area and you'll find plenty of hidden gems that are worth a visit. Neighborhoods throughout the city each have their own character and history. The diversity within the city is fascinating and the character changes from neighborhood to neighborhood. Each area has something to offer visitors.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.
We didn't think it was as expensive as places like New York, but hotels can still be pretty pricey.