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

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Should you visit Chicago or Cleveland?

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 Cleveland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Chicago or Cleveland?

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.

Cleveland

Located on the shores of Lake Erie of the Great Lakes, Cleveland is the second largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. As a culturally diverse and thriving metropolitan area, the city is host to a vast range of sights and activities, such as world-class museums, cultural events, professional sports, and golf courses as well as plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities.

Which place is cheaper, Cleveland or Chicago?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Chicago is $279, while the average daily cost in Cleveland is $132. 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 Chicago and Cleveland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chicago $194
    Cleveland $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chicago $388
    Cleveland $150
Compare Hotels in Chicago and Cleveland

Looking for a hotel in Chicago or Cleveland? 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 Chicago


Hotels in Cleveland


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: Chicago Hotel Prices and Cleveland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chicago $37
    Cleveland $19
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:

  • Transfer in private vehicle from Chicago Airport (ORD) -Chicago City: $138
  • Private Transfer in Chicago (ORD/MDW): $130
  • Private Departure Transfer to Chicago Airports (ORD)(MDW): $90
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Chicago Airports (ORD) (MDW): $90
  • From/to Chicago O´Hare International Airport: Private Round Trip Transfer: $69
  • From Chicago to O'Hare Airport Private Sedan Transfer: $200
  • Executive Airport transfer Sedan: $141
  • Chicago O´Hare International Airport Private Transfer One-Way: $27
  • Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD): Private Transfer to Chicago: $188
  • Airport transfer between Chicago O'Hare and Milwaukee: $36

Typical Local Transportation prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cleveland are as follows:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland

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

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64
  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Chicago or Cleveland?

Prices for flights to both Cleveland and Chicago 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
    Chicago $46
    Cleveland $36
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
  • Downtown Pizza Guided Walking Tour with Tastings: $58
  • Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $69
  • Chicago West Loop Pizza Crawl: $69
  • Chicago Food Tour: Deep Roots to Deep Dish: $69
  • Chicago Small Group Food Tour: $71
  • Chicago Pizza Tour: $75
  • Secret Food Tour: $76
  • Downtown Family Food Tour by Bike with Sightseeing: $80
  • Lake Michigan Gourmet Brunch/Lunch/Dinner Cruise: $82
  • Private Indian-Mexican Fusion Cooking Class with a Modern Cook in Chicago: $84
  • Chicago Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $88

Typical Food prices in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $1.79
  • Sandwich
    $9.75
  • Large Pizza
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • West Side Market Food Tour: $49
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $74
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chicago $43
    Cleveland $40
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 Chicago Lakefront and Museum Campus Segway Tour: $69
  • 2-Hour Chicago Wine and Cheese Cruise : $65
  • 2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Chicago: $65
  • 2-Hour Haunted Segway Tour of Chicago: $76
  • 3 Hours Chicago Architecture Tour - Skyscrapers and Photo Ops: $135
  • 360 Chicago Observation Deck Sip and View Ticket: $42
  • 45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile: $27
  • 6-Hour Chicago City Tour by SUV: $1,200
  • 90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour: $42
  • African American Heritage Tour of Chicago : $125

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Skip the Line: Cleveland History Center Admission Ticket: $14
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Guided Walking Tour: Downtown Highlights: $24
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cleveland Sights & Stories: $28
  • Walking Tour Ghosts in Cleveland : $32
  • Erie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $32

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
    Chicago $25
    Cleveland $45

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
  • Chicago Local Brewery Expedition with Homemade Guacamole: $54
  • Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour: $100
  • Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus: $100

Typical Alcohol prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:


  • A Night of Shots
    $36

Sample the Local Flavors in Cleveland

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cleveland:

  • Cleveland Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Chicago or Cleveland?

Chicago is bigger, and its population is about 6.3 times larger than the population of Cleveland. When comparing the population of Chicago vs. Cleveland, 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 Chicago or Cleveland?

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 Chicago or Cleveland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chicago as well as Cleveland. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

In the summer, Chicago is around the same temperature as Cleveland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chicago in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Cleveland averages at about 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In the summer, Chicago often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland. Chicago gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cleveland. Chicago receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chicago usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Cleveland. Chicago gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chicago 77°F (25°C) 
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Chicago or Cleveland in the Autumn?

Both Cleveland and Chicago are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 October, Chicago is generally around the same temperature as Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Chicago average around 56°F (14°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Chicago usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during autumn. Chicago gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chicago usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Chicago gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chicago 56°F (14°C) 
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Chicago or Cleveland in the Winter?

Both Cleveland and Chicago during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Chicago in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Cleveland can be very cold during winter. Chicago can get quite cold in the winter. Chicago is much colder than Cleveland in the winter. The daily temperature in Chicago averages around 25°F (-4°C) in January, and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Chicago often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Chicago gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun.

Chicago usually gets more rain in January than Cleveland. Chicago gets 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chicago 25°F (-4°C) 
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Chicago or Cleveland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chicago and Cleveland. Most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Chicago is around the same temperature as Cleveland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chicago in April average around 52°F (11°C), and Cleveland averages at about 51°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cleveland this time of the year. In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chicago usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland during spring. Chicago gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Chicago usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Chicago gets 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chicago 52°F (11°C) 
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Chicago

Chicago Cleveland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°F (-4°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Feb 29°F (-2°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Mar 41°F (5°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 52°F (11°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 76°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Oct 56°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Dec 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 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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Chicago vs. Cleveland Travel Comparison

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