Which place is cheaper, Chicago or Cape Town?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cape Town or Chicago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cape Town or Chicago? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Cape Town or Chicago?
Cape Town
Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.
Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.
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 The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCape Town $98Chicago $288
The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Town is $98, 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 Cape Town and Chicago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCape Town $39Chicago $198
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCape Town $78Chicago $396
Compare Hotels in Cape Town and Chicago
Looking for a hotel in Cape Town 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.
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: Cape Town Hotel Prices and Chicago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cape Town $17Chicago $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town
Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Camps Bay Cape Town: $18
- Airport transfers: $22
- 1 Day Durbanville Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Private Transfers: $178
- 1 Day Explore Cape Town Like a Local with Private Guided Transfer: $149
- 1 Day Helderberg Valley Winelands Tour with Private Transfers: $232
- 1 Day Hemel en Aarde Whale Coast Wine Tour with Private Transfers: $205
- 1 Day Tastes of Stellenbosch Wine Tour with Private Transfers: $220
- 1 Day West Coast Wonders Tour with Private Transfers: $177
- 1 Day Wine Lover Wander Connoisseur Tour with Private Transfers: $180
- 1-3 Passenger Private Arrival & Departure Cape Town - Airport Transfers: $54
- 1.Cape Town Airport Transfer (&Private tour trips during yo Stay): $17
- AIRPORT Transfer to and from Cape Town City: $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chicago
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chicago:
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Parking$19
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Taxi Ride$10
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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 Cape Town or Chicago?
Prices for flights to both Chicago and Cape Town 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
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Food Meals for one dayCape Town $42Chicago $49
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner At Mandela's - Cultural Township Dinner Experience: $28
- Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $41
- 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $43
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $55
- Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $56
- Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $59
- African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $61
- African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $61
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $62
- Cruise and Dine Dinner / Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $71
- Cape Town Food tour (Includes all food) 4hrs: $76
- Private Cooking Class and Meal in Local Wynberg Cape Town Home: $80
Typical Food Prices in Chicago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Chicago:
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Dinner for 1$24
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cape Town $23Chicago $47
Tours and Activities in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $2.99
- District Six Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $3.24
- Skip the Line: District Six Museum Admission Ticket: $3.60
- Kirstenbosch: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.99
- Hop-On Hop-Off Cape Town Canal Cruise: $4.15
- Cape Town 30-minute V&A Harbour Cruise: $4.15
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Up): $4.35
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Down): $4.35
- Meandering through Mouille Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- V&A Waterfront: Seal & Harbour Cruise: $5.00
- Sea Point Promenade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.13
- Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: Amble along the amazing False Bay Coast on an audio tour: $5.20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chicago
Here are a few typical costs in Chicago for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Sears Tower (family of 4)$102
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Aquarium for 4$118
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Water Taxi (family of 4)$22
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IMAX Movie for Two$35
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Shakespeare Play (2)$116
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Art Institute (2)$36
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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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCape Town $21Chicago $25
Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town
Also in Cape Town, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Distillery Tour, rum and gin tasting: $7.13
- Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.60
- African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $24
- Drumstruck at Silvermist. Live African Drum Show & Wine tasting: $25
- Sip 15 Wines on a 3-Region Wine Tour with Cheese: $38
- Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $38
- Three Region Wine Tour: $44
- Cape Winelands and Wine Tasting Full Day Tour: $47
- half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $49
- Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $51
- Fullday Wine Tour: $51
- Stellenbosch Wine Tour half day from Cape Town: $54
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 Cape Town and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Cape Town much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cape Town is in Africa 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 Cape Town would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cape Town 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 Cape Town.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cape Town Expensive? and Is Chicago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cape Town or Chicago?
Cape Town has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Chicago. When comparing the sizes of Cape Town 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 Cape Town or Chicago?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cape Town is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Chicago has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Cape Town or Chicago in the Summer?
Both Chicago and Cape Town during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Cape Town is cooler than Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Town in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C)in July.
In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cape Town. In the summer, Cape Town often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chicagoin July. Cape Town gets 338 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.
Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cape Town usually gets less rain in January than Chicagoin July. Cape Town gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyCape Town 21°C (70°F)Chicago 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Cape Town or Chicago in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Town and Chicago. Also, many visitors come to Chicago in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In April, Cape Town is generally a little warmer than Chicagoin October. Daily temperatures in Cape Town average around 18°C (64°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
In Cape Town, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Town usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Cape Town gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In April, Cape Town usually receives less rain than Chicagoin October. Cape Town gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberCape Town 18°C (64°F)Chicago 56°F (14°C)
Should I visit Cape Town or Chicago in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cape Town as well as Chicago. Also, most visitors come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
Chicago can be very cold during winter. Cape Town is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Town averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C)in January.
In the winter, Cape Town often gets more sunshine than Chicagoin January. Cape Town gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.
Cape Town usually gets more rain in July than Chicagoin January. Cape Town gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCape Town 13°C (55°F)Chicago 25°F (-4°C)
Should I visit Cape Town or Chicago in the Spring?
Both Chicago and Cape Town are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Cape Town is a little warmer than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Town in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C)in April.
It's quite sunny in Chicago. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Town. Cape Town usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during spring. Cape Town gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. In October, Cape Town usually receives less rain than Chicagoin April. Cape Town gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilCape Town 16°C (61°F)Chicago 52°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Chicago and Cape Town
| Cape Town | Chicago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Apr | 18°C (64°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Jun | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Jul | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Sep | 14°C (58°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Nov | 19°C (65°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.