A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chicago vs. Grand Canyon National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park?

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 Grand Canyon National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Chicago

Chicago is a edgey, cosmopolitan, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, theater, and nightlife.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a gorgeous, striking, and breathtaking national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Chicago and Grand Canyon National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chicago than Grand Canyon National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chicago is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Grand Canyon National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Grand Canyon National Park is more touristy than Chicago and is popular for its iconic beauty, layers of color, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned geological history. Chicago is well known for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. Also, Chicago is famous for The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower).

How is Chicago different from Grand Canyon National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park?

Chicago is renowned for its museums and history. However, Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Chicago from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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).

Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Theater?

Chicago is renowned for theatre. However, Grand Canyon National Park 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chicago is renowned for its restaurants. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Grand Canyon National Park. There are several markets, restaurants, and cafes in the park but, in general, the options are expensive and not the best. If possible, bring your own food and plan for a picnic with a view.

Is Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is renowned for nightlife. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Music?

Chicago is renowned for live music. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a live music destination.

Chicago is known as a music capital around the world. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Resorts?

Grand Canyon National Park is very good for its resorts. However, Chicago is not a resort destination.

Grand Canyon National Park has a few great resort options. There are several options within and near the park that range from luxury to affordable. Reservations should be made well in advance for most hotels within the park. Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim) and Phantom Ranch are all unique places to stay.

Chicago is not a resort destination.

Is Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Beaches?

Chicago is a good destination for its beaches. However, Grand Canyon National Park 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Hiking?

Grand Canyon National Park is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Chicago is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Grand Canyon National Park. Hiking options at the Grand Canyon include an easy walk along the rim or a hike into the canyon. If you're planning to enjoy a view from the rim and then stroll along the rim walk, a day or two is plenty. Hiking into the canyon is a thrilling experience, but it does require more preparation and planning. You should also check out the weather before you depart as temperatures within the canyon can become dangerously hot.

Chicago is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park?

Chicago is renowned for shopping. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Chicago. 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Christmas?

Chicago is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Grand Canyon National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Chicago is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Grand Canyon National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a good destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Grand Canyon National Park 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.

Grand Canyon National Park does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Families?

Chicago is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Grand Canyon National Park. This park is a spectacular landmark with a number of nature programs that kids can enjoy. There's also a simple rim walk along the edge of the canyon that is perfect for little legs.

Is Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Couples?

Grand Canyon National Park is renowned for couples. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Grand Canyon National Park has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy beauty, nature, and adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are amazing hikes and breathtaking views that make this a truly romantic destination. There are also several hotels and lodges that make for a truly romantic getaway (book well in advance!).

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 Grand Canyon National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grand Canyon National Park is renowned for backpackers. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Grand Canyon National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Backpackers and budget travelers can take in one of America's most notable landmarks while camping at the large and affordable national park campground.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Is Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Students?

Chicago is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

Chicago is a very popular place to visit 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

Is Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chicago is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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 generally limited in Grand Canyon National Park. There are free shuttle buses that run along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Is Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park a more walkable city?

Chicago is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Grand Canyon National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There's a nice rim walk that is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, but to reach many parts of the park you'll want to have a car or plan to take some form of transit.

For even more information, also check out Is Chicago Worth Visiting? and Is Grand Canyon National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Grand Canyon National Park or Chicago?

How long in Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Chicago due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Chicago, and 1-4 days is enough time in Grand Canyon National Park.

Families should spend more time in Chicago than Grand Canyon National Park. 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 Grand Canyon National Park. 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 Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park?

Each neighborhood in Chicago has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Grand Canyon National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park 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 Grand Canyon National Park?

Each neighborhood in Chicago has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Grand Canyon National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Grand Canyon National Park has to offer.

Five days in Chicago or Grand Canyon National Park?

Each neighborhood in Chicago has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This city offers something for everyone.

Grand Canyon National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Grand Canyon National Park?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the city of Chicago. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Grand Canyon National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Grand Canyon National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Grand Canyon National Park, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Grand Canyon National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Grand Canyon National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park.

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