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

Should you visit Charlottesville or Chicago?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Charlottesville and Chicago. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a proud, traditional, and young university town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Chicago

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

Charlottesville and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlottesville or Chicago?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chicago. Although Charlottesville and Chicago are both popular with visitors, Chicago has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chicago is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Charlottesville is known for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Chicago is more touristy than Charlottesville and 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). Charlottesville is popular for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Charlottesville different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlottesville. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

Is Charlottesville or Chicago Better for Theater?

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

Chicago is considered to be a world-class theater destination. 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.

Charlottesville is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Chicago, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Charlottesville or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlottesville. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

Is Charlottesville or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is terrific for its live music scene. However, Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville is not a live music destination.

Is Charlottesville or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Chicago is a good destination for the beache. However, Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

Chicago offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

Is Charlottesville or Chicago Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Chicago does not have a historic old town.

Charlottesville offers a nice historic old town area. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Chicago does not have a historic old town.

Is Charlottesville or Chicago Better for Hiking?

Charlottesville is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Chicago is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Charlottesville. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Chicago is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlottesville or Chicago?

Chicago is terrific for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Charlottesville or Chicago Better for Christmas?

With various activities, both Charlottesville and Chicago are high quality places to visit during Christmas.

Charlottesville is a very popular destination during Christmas. From Christmas lights on campus to a festive atmosphere at the Monticello, the town is beautiful for Christmas.

Chicago is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Is Charlottesville or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a good destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Charlottesville does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Chicago. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Charlottesville does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Charlottesville or Chicago Better for Families?

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Chicago is very family-friendly. 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.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Charlottesville or Chicago Better for Couples?

Charlottesville and Chicago both good destinations for a couple.

Charlottesville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Chicago is a good university town for couples to visit. 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 Charlottesville or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chicago is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlottesville is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Charlottesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is camping an hiking in the area that is a good option for backpackers.

Is Charlottesville or Chicago Better for Students?

For students, both Charlottesville and Chicago are first-rate places to visit.

Charlottesville is a very popular place to visit for students. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Many students frequent 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.

Is Charlottesville 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. However, Charlottesville is not known 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Is Charlottesville or Chicago a more walkable city?

Chicago is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Charlottesville is not known for its ease of walking around.

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

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Charlottesville?

How long in Charlottesville or Chicago?

In either Charlottesville or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Charlottesville because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlottesville, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

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

Charlottesville is a small town with plenty to do. This university town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Chicago is a big city with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Charlottesville or Chicago?

Charlottesville might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Charlottesville has to offer.

Chicago is a big city with plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Charlottesville or Chicago?

Charlottesville 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.

Chicago is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Charlottesville or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charlottesville. Since Charlottesville is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Chicago. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Charlottesville or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Charlottesville. When comparing the sizes of Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville or Chicago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Charlottesville as well as Chicago. Many travelers come to Charlottesville for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Chicago in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Charlottesville is around the same temperature as Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charlottesville in July average around 78°F (26°C), 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 Charlottesville this time of the year. In the summer, Charlottesville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago. Charlottesville gets 305 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chicago. Charlottesville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charlottesville usually gets more rain in July than Chicago. Charlottesville gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Chicago in the Autumn?

Both Chicago and Charlottesville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charlottesville in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Chicago for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Charlottesville is generally a little warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 59°F (15°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. Charlottesville usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Charlottesville gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Chicago. Charlottesville gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Charlottesville during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Charlottesville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Chicago because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Chicago can be very cold. Charlottesville can be very cold during winter. Charlottesville is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Charlottesville averages around 36°F (2°C) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Charlottesville often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Charlottesville gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Charlottesville usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. Charlottesville gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Chicago in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlottesville and Chicago. The spring months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

In the spring, Charlottesville is a little warmer than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlottesville in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In Charlottesville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlottesville usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during spring. Charlottesville gets 265 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, Charlottesville usually receives less rain than Chicago. Charlottesville gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Charlottesville