Which place is cheaper, Fairfield or Chicago?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chicago or Fairfield?
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 Fairfield can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Chicago or Fairfield?
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.
Fairfield
The city of Fairfield is in Solano County, California, in the Sacramento Valley area. It's a medium sized city that is home to the Travis Air Force Base. It's also halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento along Interstate 80. There are a handful of interesting activities in the area. Consider visiting either the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area or the Hill Slough Wildlife Area both of which have hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and boating opportunities. You can also take a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory which is in town, or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery which includes two complimentary beers and a limitless supply of pretzels. On Thursdays you can take a guided tour of the Travis Air Force Base. If you're interested in visited a working ranch, Rush Ranch is open to the public and can be a fun experience with an opportunity to visit with the animals.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChicago $288Fairfield $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Chicago is $288, while the average daily cost in Fairfield is $131. 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 Fairfield in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChicago $198Fairfield $97
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChicago $396Fairfield $194
Compare Hotels in Chicago and Fairfield
Looking for a hotel in Chicago or Fairfield? 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.
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 Fairfield Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chicago $37Fairfield -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chicago
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chicago:
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Parking$19
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Taxi Ride$10
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Taxi from Airport$45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chicago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chicago:
- Meet and Greet Private SUV Transfer from MDW to Downtown Chicago: $300
- Meet and Greet Private SUV Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $300
- RoundTrip transfer in private car from-to Chicago Airport (ORD)- Chicago City: $276
- Private SUV Transfer from Chicago Downtown to O'Hare airport: $240
- Meet and Greet Private Sedan Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $240
- Meet and Greet Private Sedan Transfer from MDW to Downtown Chicago: $240
- Departure Private Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Luxury Car: $232
- Private Sedan Transfer from Chicago Downtown to O'Hare airport: $220
- Private Sedan Transfer from Chicago Downtown to Midway airport: $220
- Chicago Airport Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Luxury SUV: $201
- Departure Private Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Luxury SUV: $201
- Arrival Private Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Luxury SUV: $201
Is it cheaper to fly into Chicago or Fairfield?
Prices for flights to both Fairfield 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
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Food Meals for one dayChicago $49Fairfield $30
Typical Food Prices in Chicago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Chicago:
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Dinner for 1$24
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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.
- Traveling Spoon Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Chicago : Hands-on Cooking Classes With Local Chef: $55
- Downtown Pizza Guided Walking Tour with Tastings: $58
- Chicago's Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $63
- Fulton Market Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $63
- Chicago Small Group Food Tour: $69
- Lake Michigan Gourmet Brunch/Lunch/Dinner Cruise: $72
- Chicago Pizza Tour: $75
- Chicago West Loop Pizza Crawl: $79
- Chicago Bucktown-Wicker Park Pizza Crawl: $79
- Downtown Family Food Tour by Bike with Sightseeing: $80
- Nitti's Supper Club Dinner and Show: $85
Typical Food Prices in Fairfield
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fairfield:
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El Pollo Loco Lunch (for 3)$17
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Hometown Buffet Dinner (for 3)$44
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chicago $47Fairfield $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chicago
Here are a few typical costs in Chicago for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Sears Tower (family of 4)$102
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Aquarium for 4$118
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Water Taxi (family of 4)$22
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IMAX Movie for Two$35
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Shakespeare Play (2)$116
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Art Institute (2)$36
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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:
- 2 Hour Pier Fireworks and Evening Segway Tour in Chicago: $78
- 2-Hour Chicago Fireworks Segway Tour: $80
- 2-Hour Chicago Lakefront and Museum Campus Segway Tour: $70
- 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
- Adults Party Art Experience: $66
- Amazing Lakefront Segway Tour of Chicago: $79
- App Chicago self-guided tours with multilingual audioguides: $9.59
- Architectural and Historical Private Tour in Downtown Chicago: $199
- Art Institute of Chicago Skip-the-Line Guided Museum Tour : $126
- Art of a City, Downtown Chicago - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour: $292
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChicago $25Fairfield -
Sample the Local Flavors in Chicago
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chicago:
- Malt Row Walking Brewery Tour: $30
- Walking tour to Chicago dive bars: $41
- Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour: $100
- Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus: $100
Sample the Local Flavors in Fairfield
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fairfield:
- Olive Oil, Cheese, and Wine Tasting with Local Expert: $133
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chicago and Fairfield, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Fairfield much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fairfield would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fairfield 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 Fairfield.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chicago Expensive? and Is Fairfield Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chicago or Fairfield?
Chicago has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Fairfield. When comparing the sizes of Chicago and Fairfield, 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 Fairfield?
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 Fairfield in the Summer?
Both Fairfield and Chicago during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Chicago is a little warmer than Fairfield. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chicago in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Fairfield averages at about 73°F (23°C).
In Fairfield, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chicago. In the summer, Chicago often gets less sunshine than Fairfield. Chicago gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fairfield receives 439 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. Chicago usually gets more rain in July than Fairfield. Chicago gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChicago 77°F (25°C)Fairfield 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Chicago or Fairfield in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chicago and Fairfield. 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.
In October, Chicago is generally cooler than Fairfield. Daily temperatures in Chicago average around 56°F (14°C), and Fairfield fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fairfield this time of the year. Chicago usually receives less sunshine than Fairfield during autumn. Chicago gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Fairfield receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Chicago usually receives more rain than Fairfield. Chicago gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChicago 56°F (14°C)Fairfield 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Chicago or Fairfield in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Chicago as well as Fairfield. Most visitors come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
Chicago can be very cold during winter. Chicago is much colder than Fairfield in the winter. The daily temperature in Chicago averages around 25°F (-4°C) in January, and Fairfield fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).
In the winter, Chicago often gets less sunshine than Fairfield. Chicago gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fairfield receives 149 hours of full sun.
Chicago usually gets less rain in January than Fairfield. Chicago gets 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChicago 25°F (-4°C)Fairfield 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Chicago or Fairfield in the Spring?
Both Fairfield and Chicago are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Chicago is cooler than Fairfield. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chicago in April average around 52°F (11°C), and Fairfield averages at about 56°F (13°C).
It's quite sunny in Fairfield. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. Chicago usually receives less sunshine than Fairfield during spring. Chicago gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Fairfield receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Chicago. In April, Chicago usually receives more rain than Fairfield. Chicago gets 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChicago 52°F (11°C)Fairfield 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Fairfield and Chicago
| Chicago | Fairfield | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
| Feb | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 41°F (5°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Apr | 52°F (11°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Jun | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Oct | 56°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Nov | 44°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Dec | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.6 inches (65 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.