A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chicago vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Chicago and Carmel-by-the-Sea can help you decide which place is right for you.

Chicago

Chicago is a multicultural, edgey, and cosmopolitan 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. Other popular activities here include museums, theater, and nightlife.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quaint, charming, and picturesque town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Chicago and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chicago. Although Chicago and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations, Chicago has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chicago is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Chicago is famous 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). Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts.

How is Chicago different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Chicago is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Chicago on the map. 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).

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Is Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Theater?

Chicago is renowned for its shows and theatre. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Chicago that are not to be missed. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chicago is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Chicago have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

Is Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

Chicago is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Music?

Chicago is renowned for its music scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

In Chicago you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

Is Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for the beach. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Chicago has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Chicago is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Chicago is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

Is Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Christmas?

Chicago is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea does not offer Christmas activities.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a city with good options for its Christmas markets. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea does not offer Christmas markets.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Chicago is renowned for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Chicago is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for couples. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Carmel-by-the-Sea frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

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 Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chicago is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chicago is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels or accommodation options that appeal to backpackers.

Is Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Students?

Chicago is renowned for students. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

Chicago is a very popular city 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

Is Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chicago is renowned for its public transit. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

Is Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Chicago and Carmel-by-the-Sea both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is very walkable. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

For even more information, also check out Is Chicago Worth Visiting? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Chicago?

How long in Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chicago and Carmel-by-the-Sea. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Chicago, and 1-3 days is enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Families should spend more time in Chicago than Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chicago that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chicago than Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

When visiting Chicago, people usually allow for lots of time. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

When visiting Chicago, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Carmel-by-the-Sea has to offer.

Five days in Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

When visiting Chicago, people usually allow for lots of time. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A week in Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Chicago is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Since Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 700 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Chicago and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chicago and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Chicago is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer. The daily temperature in Chicago averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chicago usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Chicago gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chicago as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Chicago is cooler than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chicago in October average around 56°F (14°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Chicago usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Chicago gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Chicago are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Chicago can be very cold during winter. In January, Chicago is generally much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Chicago average around 25°F (-4°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Chicago usually receives less rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Chicago gets 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chicago or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Chicago during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

Chicago is cooler than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring. The daily temperature in Chicago averages around 52°F (11°C) in April, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. Chicago usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Chicago gets 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Chicago