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

Should you visit Charlotte 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 Charlotte and Chicago can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a evolving, up-and-coming, and growing city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chicago

Chicago is a diverse, vibrant, and multicultural 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 shopping, museums, and theater.

Charlotte and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlotte or Chicago?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chicago than Charlotte. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Chicago is more touristy than Charlotte 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). Charlotte is famous for its banking industry and growing Uptown area.

How is Charlotte different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chicago is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice 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).

Charlotte is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Is Charlotte or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is terrific for its shows and theatre. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Charlotte offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

Is Charlotte or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlotte. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

Is Charlotte or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is terrific for its music scene. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a live music destination.

Is Charlotte or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Chicago is very good for the beach. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Chicago?

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

Charlotte is a great destination for shopping. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

Is Charlotte or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Charlotte or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is very good for visiting Christmas markets. However, Charlotte does not offer Christmas markets.

Chicago offers some nice Christmas markets. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Charlotte does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Charlotte or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Is Charlotte or Chicago Better for Couples?

Both Charlotte and Chicago are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Charlotte is a good city for couples to visit. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

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 Charlotte or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chicago is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlotte is not a good destination for backpackers.

Chicago is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Charlotte is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a backpacker destination, there are some cheaper motels that budget travelers can stay at.

Is Charlotte or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Chicago. 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.

Charlotte is a good city to visit for students. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

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

Chicago is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Chicago can take you anywhere. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

Charlotte has a few public transit options. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Is Charlotte or Chicago a more walkable city?

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

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

Charlotte is somewhat walkable. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Chicago?

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

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

In Charlotte, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

People visit Chicago because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Charlotte or Chicago?

In Charlotte, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Charlotte has to offer.

People visit Chicago because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Charlotte or Chicago?

Charlotte is a great place to explore. 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.

People visit Chicago because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Charlotte or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charlotte. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Charlotte. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Chicago is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, 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 Charlotte and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Charlotte much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Charlotte would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Charlotte 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 Charlotte.

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

Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Charlotte. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte or Chicago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Chicago. The summer months attract visitors to Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is around the same temperature as Chicago in the summer. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 81°F (27°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 Charlotte this time of the year. In the summer, Charlotte often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chicago. Charlotte receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charlotte usually gets more rain in July than Chicago. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlotte or Chicago in the Autumn?

Both Chicago and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Charlotte 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 the autumn, Charlotte is a little warmer than Chicago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charlotte in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Chicago averages at about 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Chicago. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Charlotte or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Charlotte during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Charlotte 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. In January, Charlotte is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 42°F (6°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlotte or Chicago in the Spring?

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

Charlotte is much warmer than Chicago in the spring. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°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 Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during spring. Charlotte gets 273 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, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Chicago. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Charlotte