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

Should you visit Beaufort or Chicago?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Beaufort or Chicago, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a character-filled, southern, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant, multicultural, and edgey city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for museums, theater, and nightlife.

Beaufort and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beaufort or Chicago?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chicago than Beaufort, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chicago is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Beaufort is more popular for its historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Chicago is more touristy than Beaufort and is known for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. Also, Chicago is famous for The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). Beaufort is well known for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes.

How is Beaufort different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chicago is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Chicago that are not to be missed. 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).

Beaufort offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.

Is Beaufort or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is renowned for theatre. However, Beaufort is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Chicago. 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.

Beaufort is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chicago is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Beaufort has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

Is Beaufort or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is renowned for nightlife. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Chicago is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Beaufort. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Is Beaufort or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is renowned for live music. However, Beaufort is not a live music destination.

Chicago is a world class music destination. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Beaufort is not a live music destination.

Is Beaufort or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Both Beaufort and Chicago have notable beaches worth visiting.

Beaufort has a beach worth visiting. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Chicago. 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.

Is Beaufort or Chicago Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Chicago does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Beaufort. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

Chicago does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or Chicago?

Chicago is renowned for shopping. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Chicago is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beaufort. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Is Beaufort or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is notable for its Christmas activities. However, Beaufort does not offer Christmas activities.

Chicago is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Beaufort does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Beaufort or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a nice place to visit for its Christmas markets. However, Beaufort does not offer Christmas markets.

Chicago has Christmas markets worth visiting. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Beaufort does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Beaufort or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is renowned for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Chicago is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Beaufort is not always a place people visit with their families. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.

Is Beaufort or Chicago Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Beaufort frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

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 Beaufort or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chicago is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Beaufort is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't any real places for backpackers to stay in the area.

Is Beaufort or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is renowned for students. However, Beaufort is not popular with students.

Chicago is a great destination 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.

Beaufort is not popular with students.

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

Chicago is renowned for its public transit. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Chicago has a great public transit system. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

Public transit is quite limited in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Is Beaufort or Chicago a more walkable city?

Beaufort and Chicago both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Beaufort is very walkable. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Beaufort?

How long in Beaufort or Chicago?

In either Beaufort or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Beaufort because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Beaufort, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

Families should spend more time in Chicago than Beaufort. 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 Beaufort. 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 Beaufort 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 Beaufort or Chicago?

Beaufort is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Chicago is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Beaufort or Chicago?

Beaufort might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Beaufort has to offer.

Chicago is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Beaufort or Chicago?

Beaufort 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 is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chicago, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Beaufort or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaufort. Since Beaufort is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Beaufort or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Beaufort 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 Beaufort or Chicago?

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 Beaufort or Chicago in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and Chicago. Most visitors come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Beaufort is generally a little warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 82°F (28°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In Beaufort, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beaufort usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during summer. Beaufort gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun in the summer.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beaufort gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Beaufort usually receives more rain than Chicago. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beaufort or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as Chicago. The autumn months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

Beaufort is a little warmer than Chicago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaufort this time of the year. In the autumn, Beaufort often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Beaufort gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun.

Beaufort usually gets more rain in October than Chicago. Beaufort gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaufort or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chicago. In the winter, Beaufort is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beaufort in January average around 48°F (9°C), and Chicago averages at about 25°F (-4°C).

Beaufort usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during winter. Beaufort gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beaufort usually receives more rain than Chicago. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beaufort or Chicago in the Spring?

Both Chicago and Beaufort during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chicago in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Beaufort is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 67°F (19°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beaufort. In the spring, Beaufort often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Beaufort gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun.

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beaufort usually gets less rain in April than Chicago. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Beaufort