A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bogota vs. Chicago for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bogota or Chicago?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bogota 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.

Where Should I go: Bogota or Chicago?

Bogota

Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.

Chicago

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Chicago or Bogota?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bogota is $52, while the average daily cost in Chicago is $288. 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 Bogota and Chicago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bogota $26
    Chicago $198
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bogota $52
    Chicago $396
Compare Hotels in Bogota and Chicago

Looking for a hotel in Bogota or Chicago? 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 Bogota


Hotels in Chicago


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: Bogota Hotel Prices and Chicago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bogota $8.61
    Chicago $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota

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


  • Taxi from Airport
    $7.42
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.39
  • 2 Bus Passes
    $0.87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota

Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Andres Carne de Res Chia • Premium Private Transfer: $39
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City in a Luxury Van: $134
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by Minibus: $124
  • Bogotá Graffiti Bike Tour - No Transfers: $80
  • Bogotá Private Luxury Transfer - Airport Pick Up or Drop Off - SUV Mercedes Benz: $97
  • Bogotá to or from Barichara or San Gil Private Transfer: $167
  • Bogotá to or from Villa de Leyva Private Transfer: $80
  • Bogota Airport BOG to Downtown Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $24
  • Bogota Airport BOG to Downtown Hotels Round Trip Private Transfer: $48
  • Departure Private Transfer Bogota City to Bogota Airport BOG in Luxury Van: $134
  • El Dorado International Airport (BOG) - Private Round trip transfer Bogota: $80
  • Premium Private Transfer from El Dorado Airport to Bogota Hotels: $21

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chicago

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chicago:


  • Parking
    $19
  • Taxi Ride
    $10
  • Taxi from Airport
    $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chicago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chicago:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Chicago APT-HTL (ORD) , (MDW): $128
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Chicago APT-HTL (ORD) , (MDW): $126
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Chicago City - Chicago Airport (ORD): $138
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Chicago Airport (ORD) -Chicago City: $138
  • RoundTrip transfer in private car from-to Chicago Airport (ORD)- Chicago City: $276
  • Private one-way airport transfer O'Hare Airport to/from Chicago : $86
  • Private Transfer: Midway Airport MDW to Chicago by Luxury SUV: $163
  • Private Transfer from Chicago City to Chicago (MDW) Airport: $144
  • Private Transfer from Chicago (MDW) Airport to Chicago City: $144
  • Private Transfer Chicago to Chicago Airport by Luxury Car or SUV: $87
  • Private Sedan Transfer from Chicago Downtown to O'Hare airport: $220
  • Private SUV Transfer from Chicago Downtown to O'Hare airport: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Bogota or Chicago?

Prices for flights to both Chicago and Bogota 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
    Bogota $13
    Chicago $49
Typical Food Prices in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $1.54
  • Hot Dog
    $0.90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Bogota Local Food Tour in the City Center: $13
  • Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
  • PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
  • Bogota Food Tour • Private Car • Fruits Cacao Lunch Coffee Beer: $59
  • Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $90
  • Dinner and party at Andres Carne de Res DC: $100
  • Private Street Food Tour in Candelaria Bogota: $131

Typical Food Prices in Chicago

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Chicago:


  • Dinner for 1
    $24
  • Dinner for 3
    $118

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chicago

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

  • Traveling Spoon Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Private Online Cooking Class : $40
  • Downtown Pizza Guided Walking Tour with Tastings: $58
  • Chicago's Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour: $63
  • Chicago Small Group Food Tour: $69
  • Lake Michigan Gourmet Brunch/Lunch/Dinner Cruise: $72
  • Chicago Pizza Tour: $75
  • Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Self-Guided Tour: $75
  • Chicago Bucktown-Wicker Park Pizza Crawl: $79
  • Chicago West Loop Pizza Crawl: $79
  • Downtown Family Food Tour by Bike with Sightseeing: $80
  • Nitti's Supper Club Dinner and Show: $80
  • Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bogota $13
    Chicago $47
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Beer
    $1.29

Tours and Activities in Bogota

For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Party Tour: 6 nightclubs, Disco-Truck, After Party, 2 openbars: $2.95
  • Colonial Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of La Candelaria: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part I : $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part II: $6.99
  • Monserrate Regular Tickets: $11
  • Bike Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $12
  • Graffiti Tour: a fascinating walk through a street art City: $13
  • Graffiti Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $13
  • Tour of the Colombian Armed Conflict: war, drug trafficking and peace: $13
  • Walking Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $14
  • Alternative tour of Bogotá: gastronomic and cultural: $19
  • Bike Tour through Bogotá: $19

Typical Entertainment Prices in Chicago

Here are a few typical costs in Chicago for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Sears Tower (family of 4)
    $102
  • Aquarium for 4
    $118
  • Water Taxi (family of 4)
    $22
  • IMAX Movie for Two
    $35
  • Shakespeare Play (2)
    $116
  • Art Institute (2)
    $36
  • U-Boat Tour (2)
    $8.00

Tours and Activities in Chicago

Here are a few actual costs in Chicago for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Chicagoland Sightseeing in Style Luxury Private Sedan: $190
  • Field Museum of Natural History Early Access Ticket : $73
  • Windy City Ghosts: Hauntings of Chicago Walking Tour: $28
  • 2 Hour Pier Fireworks and Evening Segway Tour in Chicago: $78
  • 2-Hour Chicago Fireworks Segway Tour: $80
  • 2-Hour Chicago Lakefront and Museum Campus Segway Tour: $72
  • 2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Chicago: $65
  • 2-Hour Haunted Segway Tour of Chicago: $78
  • 3 Hours Chicago Architecture Tour - Skyscrapers and Photo Ops: $135
  • Adults Party Art Experience: $66
  • Amazing Lakefront Segway Tour of Chicago: $79
  • App Chicago self-guided tours with multilingual audioguides: $9.69

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.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bogota $14
    Chicago $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:

  • Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá: $25
  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá : $25
  • Pub Crawl in Bogota - Ancient Brews : $103

Sample the Local Flavors in Chicago

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chicago:

  • Malt Row Walking Brewery Tour: $30
  • Walking tour to Chicago dive bars: $41
  • Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour: $100
  • Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus: $100


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bogota and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Bogota much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bogota is in South America and Chicago is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bogota would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bogota 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 Bogota.

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


Which is Bigger, Bogota or Chicago?

Bogota has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Chicago. When comparing the sizes of Bogota 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 Bogota or Chicago?

Chicago has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bogota experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bogota or Chicago in the Summer?

Both Chicago and Bogota during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bogota is generally much colder than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Bogota average around 14°C (57°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bogota usually gets less rain in July than Chicago. Bogota gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bogota 14°C (57°F) 
    Chicago 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Bogota or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bogota and Chicago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bogota year-round. Furthermore, 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.

Bogota is around the same temperature as Chicago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bogota averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

Bogota gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bogota usually receives more rain than Chicago. Bogota gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bogota 14°C (57°F) 
    Chicago 56°F (14°C)

Should I visit Bogota or Chicago in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bogota as well as Chicago. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, 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, Bogota is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bogota in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Chicago averages at about 25°F (-4°C).

Bogota usually gets less rain in January than Chicago. Bogota gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bogota 14°C (57°F) 
    Chicago 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Bogota or Chicago in the Spring?

Both Chicago and Bogota are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Chicago in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Bogota is generally a little warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Bogota average around 15°C (59°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. In April, Bogota usually receives less rain than Chicago. Bogota gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bogota 15°C (59°F) 
    Chicago 52°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Chicago and Bogota

Bogota Chicago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 25°F (-4°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 29°F (-2°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 50 mm (2 in) 41°F (5°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 52°F (11°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
May 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Jul 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 76°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 56°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 44°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)