A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Chicago for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a outdoorsy, relaxed, and luxurious coastal city. 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 live music, food, and beaches.

Boca Raton and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Chicago?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chicago than Boca Raton. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Chicago is very popular for its museums & sights, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Boca Raton attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Chicago is more touristy than Boca Raton and is popular 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). Boca Raton is famous for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere.

How is Boca Raton different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Chicago?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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).

Boca Raton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

Is Boca Raton or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its shows and theatre. However, Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Boca Raton makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

Is Boca Raton or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

People head to Chicago just to party. 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.

Boca Raton has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Is Boca Raton or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton is not a live music destination.

Is Boca Raton or Chicago Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton is a great destination for its resorts. However, Chicago is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Boca Raton. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Chicago is not a resort destination.

Is Boca Raton or Chicago Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chicago is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Chicago is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is renowned for the beach. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Boca Raton is a very popular vacation destination. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Chicago has a beach worth visiting. 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 Boca Raton or Chicago Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Chicago is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Boca Raton. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Chicago is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Chicago?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

Boca Raton is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Is Boca Raton or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Boca Raton or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a good destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Boca Raton or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Boca Raton is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Is Boca Raton or Chicago Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Boca Raton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

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 Boca Raton or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chicago is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boca Raton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Boca Raton is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's known for its upscale luxury, and you won't find much in the form of hostels or backpacker-friendly accommodation.

Is Boca Raton or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton is not popular with students.

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

Chicago is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Chicago can get you around easily. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

Boca Raton has a few public transit options. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

Is Boca Raton or Chicago a more walkable city?

Chicago is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its walkability.

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

Boca Raton is somewhat walkable. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Chicago?

In either Boca Raton or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Chicago has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Chicago than Boca Raton. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Chicago than Boca Raton. 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 Boca Raton. 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 Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton or Chicago?

In Boca Raton, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal 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 Boca Raton or Chicago?

In Boca Raton, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Boca Raton or Chicago?

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Boca Raton has to offer. 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 Boca Raton or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boca Raton. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Boca Raton. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Boca Raton and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton or Chicago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Chicago. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, 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.

Boca Raton is a little warmer than Chicago in the summer. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 82°F (28°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 Boca Raton this time of the year. In the summer, Boca Raton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chicago. Boca Raton receives a lot of rain in the summer. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in July than Chicago. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Chicago in the Autumn?

Both Chicago and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. 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, Boca Raton is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Boca Raton in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Chicago averages at about 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. In October, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Chicago. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Boca Raton during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Boca Raton 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. In January, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 65°F (19°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the winter, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Chicago in the Spring?

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

Boca Raton is much warmer than Chicago in the spring. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 74°F (23°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 Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during spring. Boca Raton gets 300 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, Boca Raton usually receives less rain than Chicago. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Boca Raton