A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Budapest vs. Chicago for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Budapest or Chicago?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Budapest and Chicago can help you decide which place is right for you.

Budapest

Budapest is a cultural, artistic, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Budapest attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Budapest travel costs.

Chicago

Chicago is a diverse, vibrant, and multicultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Chicago is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and theater. See Chicago travel costs.

Budapest and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Chicago?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chicago than Budapest, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chicago is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, and christmas markets, while Budapest is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Budapest is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Chicago is popular for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also home to The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower).

How is Budapest different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chicago is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Chicago are world-renowned. 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).

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Budapest can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Is Budapest or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Budapest is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Chicago is world-class. 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.

Budapest is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Chicago has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Budapest or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Chicago is a must-see party destination. 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.

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Budapest or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is terrific for its live music scene. However, Budapest is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Chicago. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Budapest is not a live music destination.

Is Budapest or Chicago Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Chicago to enjoy the beach. 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.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Budapest or Chicago Better for its Old Town?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Chicago does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Budapest or Chicago?

Chicago is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Chicago draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Budapest or Chicago More Beautiful?

Budapest is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Budapest attracts visitors from all around. Set against the river, the city has beautiful buildings and nice parks.

Chicago is a gorgeous place to visit. The water makes this city a truly unique place to explore, and the world class architecture is not to be missed.

Is Budapest or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Chicago is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Budapest or Chicago Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Budapest frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is renowned for backpackers. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Budapest is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other 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.

Is Budapest or Chicago Better for Students?

For students, both Budapest and Chicago are fantastic places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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.

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

Budapest and Chicago both offer fantastic public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Budapest can take you anywhere. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Budapest or Chicago a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Budapest Worth Visiting? and Is Chicago Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Chicago?

In either Budapest 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 Budapest. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Budapest, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

Families should spend more time in Chicago than Budapest. 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 Budapest. 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.

One day in Budapest or Chicago?

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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.

The city of Chicago offers shopping and museums. 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 Budapest or Chicago?

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Budapest 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 Budapest or Chicago?

Budapest is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Budapest has to offer. 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 Budapest or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Budapest. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Budapest. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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 Budapest 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 Budapest or Chicago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Chicago. The summer months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

In the summer, Budapest is cooler than Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Budapest in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Chicago averages at about 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 Budapest this time of the year. In the summer, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chicago. Budapest usually gets less rain in July than Chicago. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Chicago in the Autumn?

Both Chicago and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chicago for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Budapest is generally cooler than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Budapest usually receives less rain than Chicago. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Budapest or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Budapest during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chicago in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Chicago can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Budapest. Budapest is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in January than Chicago. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Chicago in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Chicago. Many visitors come to Budapest in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Budapest is around the same temperature as Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Budapest in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during spring. Budapest gets 178 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, Budapest usually receives less rain than Chicago. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Budapest