A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Alexandria vs. Chicago for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Alexandria or Chicago?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Alexandria and Chicago. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chicago

Chicago is a edgey, cosmopolitan, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Alexandria and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alexandria or Chicago?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chicago than Alexandria. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Chicago is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Alexandria attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Alexandria is famous for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Chicago is famous for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also well known for The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower).

How is Alexandria different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chicago and Alexandria. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alexandria or Chicago?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Chicago has many famous sights for visitors. 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).

Alexandria offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Is Alexandria or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its shows and theatre. However, Alexandria is not a theatre destination.

Chicago is considered to be a world-class theater destination. 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.

Alexandria is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Alexandria or Chicago? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Chicago, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Alexandria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Alexandria or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Chicago is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Alexandria or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Alexandria is not a live music destination.

Chicago has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Alexandria is not a live music destination.

Is Alexandria or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Chicago is a good destination for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Chicago offers a nice beach destination. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Is Alexandria or Chicago Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Chicago does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Alexandria is one of the most recognized in the world. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Chicago does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Chicago?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Chicago specifically to go shopping. 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.

Alexandria is an extremely popular place for shoppers. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Is Alexandria or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Alexandria does not offer Christmas activities.

Chicago is a very popular destination during Christmas. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Alexandria does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Alexandria or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a good destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Alexandria does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Chicago. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Alexandria does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Alexandria or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Chicago is very family-friendly. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Alexandria or Chicago Better for Couples?

Alexandria is a great destination for couples. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Alexandria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Chicago is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

Is Alexandria or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Alexandria and Chicago are nice places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Is Alexandria or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not popular with students.

Chicago is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

Alexandria is not popular with students.

Is Alexandria or Chicago Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alexandria and Chicago both offer first-rate public transit to get you around.

Visitors in Alexandria can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Chicago has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

Is Alexandria or Chicago a more walkable city?

Alexandria is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Alexandria on foot is easy. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Chicago is very walkable. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Alexandria Worth Visiting? and Is Chicago Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Chicago?

In either Alexandria or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Alexandria because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alexandria, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

Families should spend more time in Chicago than Alexandria. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chicago, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Chicago than Alexandria. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chicago that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chicago than Alexandria if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Chicago.

One day in Alexandria or Chicago?

In Alexandria, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

When visiting Chicago, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Alexandria or Chicago?

In Alexandria, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Alexandria has to offer.

When visiting Chicago, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Alexandria or Chicago?

Alexandria is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Chicago, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Alexandria or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alexandria. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alexandria. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Chicago is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago than you might in Alexandria.

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

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Chicago, 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 Alexandria or Chicago?

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 Alexandria or Chicago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Chicago. Many travelers come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Chicago in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Alexandria is around the same temperature as Chicago in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alexandria this time of the year. In the summer, Alexandria often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Alexandria gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chicago. Alexandria usually gets less rain in July than Chicago. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Chicago in the Autumn?

Both Chicago and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Alexandria in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Chicago for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Alexandria is a little warmer than Chicago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Chicago averages at about 56°F (14°C).

Alexandria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago during autumn. Alexandria gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Chicago. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Alexandria or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Alexandria during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Alexandria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Chicago because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Chicago can be very cold. Alexandria can be very cold during winter. In January, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 35°F (1°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Alexandria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago. Alexandria gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Alexandria usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Chicago in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Chicago. The spring months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

Alexandria is a little warmer than Chicago in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In Alexandria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alexandria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago during spring. Alexandria gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Chicago. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Alexandria