A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlotte vs. Chicago for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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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.

Where Should I go: Charlotte or Chicago?

Charlotte

With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Chicago or Charlotte?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $191, while the average daily cost in Chicago is $279. 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 Charlotte and Chicago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlotte $118
    Chicago $194
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlotte $236
    Chicago $388
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Chicago

Looking for a hotel in Charlotte 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 Charlotte


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: Charlotte Hotel Prices and Chicago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlotte $33
    Chicago $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

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

  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT: $54
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54

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:

  • From Chicago to O'Hare Airport Private Sedan Transfer: $200
  • Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD): Private Transfer to Chicago: $193
  • Executive Airport transfer Sedan: $141
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Chicago Airport (ORD) -Chicago City: $138
  • Private Transfer in Chicago (ORD/MDW): $130
  • Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) to Round-Trip Transfer: $112
  • Private Departure Transfer to Chicago Airports (ORD)(MDW): $90
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Chicago Airports (ORD) (MDW): $90
  • Private one-way airport transfer O'Hare Airport to/from Chicago : $81
  • From/to Chicago O´Hare International Airport: Private Round Trip Transfer: $69
  • Airport transfer between Chicago O'Hare and Milwaukee: $34
  • Chicago O´Hare International Airport Private Transfer One-Way: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Chicago?

Prices for flights to both Chicago and Charlotte 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
    Charlotte $46
    Chicago $46
Typical Food prices in Charlotte

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

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.

  • Downtown Chicago Walking Pizza Tour: $55
  • Chicago : Hands-on Cooking Classes With Local Chef: $55
  • Downtown Pizza Guided Walking Tour with Tastings: $58
  • Chicago Food Tour: Deep Roots to Deep Dish: $69
  • Chicago West Loop Pizza Crawl: $69
  • Chicago Small Group Food Tour: $69
  • Chicago Pizza Tour: $75
  • Secret Food Tour: $78
  • Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $80
  • Downtown Family Food Tour by Bike with Sightseeing: $80
  • Private Indian-Mexican Fusion Cooking Class with a Modern Cook in Chicago: $84
  • Chicago Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charlotte $43
    Chicago $43

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.

  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
  • Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour: $12
  • Uptown A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of Queen City: $12
  • UPTOWN FUNK: 1 Hour Guided Historical Walking Tour in Charlotte: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Charlotte by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Carolina Panthers Football Game Ticket at Bank of America Stadium: $21
  • Charlotte Hornets Basketball Game Ticket at Spectrum Center: $21
  • Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour : $25
  • Sea Life Charlotte Concord Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25
  • Charlottesville: Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour: $26

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:

  • Field Museum of Natural History Early Access Ticket : $68
  • Windy City Ghosts: Hauntings of Chicago By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 2 Hour Pier Fireworks and Evening Segway Tour in Chicago: $78
  • 2-Hour Chicago Lakefront and Museum Campus Segway Tour: $76
  • 2-Hour Chicago Wine and Cheese Cruise : $65
  • 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
  • 3-Hour Chicago Suburbs Movie Sites Tour: $61
  • 360 Chicago Observation Deck Sip and View Ticket: $44
  • 45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile: $27
  • 6-Hour Chicago City Tour by SUV: $1,200

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
    Charlotte $20
    Chicago $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

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

  • Trolley Pub Tour of Charlotte: $42
  • Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
  • Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $125

Sample the Local Flavors in Chicago

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

  • Haunted Chicago Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $36
  • Walking tour to Chicago dive bars: $41
  • Chicago Local Brewery Expedition with Homemade Guacamole: $54
  • Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour: $100
  • Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus: $100
  • Private Speakeasy Pub Crawl in Chicago with Local Historian: $880

How are these travel costs calculated?

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.

Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Chicago?

Chicago is bigger, and its population is about 4.7 times larger than the population of Charlotte. When comparing the population of Charlotte vs. 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 and the activities 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. 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C) 
    Chicago 77°F (25°C)

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. 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Chicago 56°F (14°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Charlotte during the winter are popular places to visit. 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C) 
    Chicago 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Chicago in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Chicago. 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Chicago 52°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Chicago and Charlotte

Charlotte Chicago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 29°F (-2°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
May 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 76°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 44°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 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.
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