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

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Should you visit Chicago or Honolulu?

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

Where Should I go: Chicago or Honolulu?

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.

Honolulu

Hawaii's capital city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the state's center for government, finance, and transportation. It's also the home of Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the state of Hawaii. Nearly one million people live in this Honolulu metropolitan area. This is almost 80% of the state's population. The city is not the relaxed Hawaiian destination that you might be searching for, but is instead a fast paced, cosmopolitan city. In addition to attracting many tourists every year, you'll also find international businesses, military defense and a diverse culture and population.

Which place is cheaper, Honolulu 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 Honolulu is $284. 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 Honolulu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chicago $194
    Honolulu $183
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chicago $388
    Honolulu $366
Compare Hotels in Chicago and Honolulu

Looking for a hotel in Chicago or Honolulu? 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 Honolulu


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 Honolulu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chicago $37
    Honolulu $26
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:

  • From Chicago to O'Hare Airport Private Sedan Transfer: $200
  • Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD): Private Transfer to Chicago: $193
  • Executive Airport transfer Sedan: $141
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Chicago Airport (ORD) -Chicago City: $138
  • Private Transfer in Chicago (ORD/MDW): $130
  • Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) to Round-Trip Transfer: $112
  • Private Departure Transfer to Chicago Airports (ORD)(MDW): $90
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Chicago Airports (ORD) (MDW): $90
  • Private one-way airport transfer O'Hare Airport to/from Chicago : $81
  • From/to Chicago O´Hare International Airport: Private Round Trip Transfer: $69
  • Airport transfer between Chicago O'Hare and Milwaukee: $34
  • Chicago O´Hare International Airport Private Transfer One-Way: $27

Typical Local Transportation prices in Honolulu

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


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $35
  • Airport Shuttle for Two
    $30
  • Hilton Parking
    $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honolulu

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

  • Honolulu Airport HNL Round-Trip Private Transfer in SUV: $253
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Honolulu Airport HNL to Honolulu in Business Car: $106
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Honolulu Airport HNL to Honolulu in Luxury SUV: $134
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu To Ko'olina: $53
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Waikiki or Cruise Terminal: $18
  • Chief's Luau Admission Including Transfers: $174
  • Departure Private Transfer: Honolulu to Honolulu Airport HNL in Business Car: $81
  • Departure Transfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Waikiki or Cruise Terminal: $18
  • Honolulu Airport & Ko Olina Hotels Private Transfer by Minivan (up to 5 people): $90
  • Honolulu Airport & KoOlina Hotels Private Transfer by Luxury SUV(up to 5 People): $180
  • Honolulu Airport & Waikiki Hotels Private Transfer by Luxury SUV(up to 5 people): $130
  • Honolulu Airport & Waikiki Hotels Private Transfer by Mercedes Van(up to 14ppl): $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Chicago or Honolulu?

Prices for flights to both Honolulu 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
    Honolulu $53
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
  • Chicago : Hands-on Cooking Classes With Local Chef: $55
  • Downtown Pizza Guided Walking Tour with Tastings: $58
  • Chicago Food Tour: Deep Roots to Deep Dish: $69
  • Chicago West Loop Pizza Crawl: $69
  • Chicago Small Group Food Tour: $69
  • Chicago Pizza Tour: $75
  • Secret Food Tour: $78
  • Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $80
  • Downtown Family Food Tour by Bike with Sightseeing: $80
  • 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 Honolulu

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Honolulu:


  • Dinner for Two
    $73
  • Lapperts Hawaii Ice Cream
    $5.55
  • Chai's Island Bistro (for 2)
    $53
  • Cheeseburger Waikiki (for 2)
    $34
  • Matsumoto Shave Ice (for 2)
    $7.50
  • Hot Dog with the Fixins'
    $8.30
  • Sushi Dinner for Two
    $73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Honolulu

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

  • Hawaii Food Tour - Off The Beaten Path : $140
  • Oahu Da Local's Food Tour: $150
  • Hawaiian Food Tours 7AM - 1 PM Half Day : $170
  • Sunset Dinner W/ Turtle Snorkeling +5 Activity (Free Pickup): $179
  • Local Grinds Food Tour in Chinatown 8AM - 1PM: $180
  • Hawaiian Food Tour 7AM - 1PM: $180
  • Lanai Tabura curated Aloha Plate Hawaii Food Tour with Pickup: $199
  • Lanai Tabura curated Private Aloha Plate Food Tour with Pickup: $239

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chicago $43
    Honolulu $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 Pier Fireworks and Evening Segway Tour in Chicago: $78
  • 2-Hour Chicago Lakefront and Museum Campus Segway Tour: $76
  • 2-Hour Chicago Wine and Cheese Cruise : $65
  • 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
  • 3-Hour Chicago Suburbs Movie Sites Tour: $61
  • 360 Chicago Observation Deck Sip and View Ticket: $44
  • 45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile: $27
  • 6-Hour Chicago City Tour by SUV: $1,200

Typical Entertainment prices in Honolulu

For Honolulu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Parking for Hike
    $5.00
  • Pearl Harbor Audio Tour for Two
    $12
  • 2 hr Dinner Cruise
    $85
  • 1 Day Kayak Rental
    $36

Tours and Activities in Honolulu

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Honolulu.

  • Oahu: USS Arizona Memorial Chief's Narrated Multimedia Tour: $7.99
  • Arrival Trasfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Cruise Terminal: $17
  • Origamitours | 24 Hour Rental Snorkeling Gear [Mask, Snorkel, Fins]: $20
  • Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Ticket with Audio Tour and Shuttle: $26
  • Bishop Museum General Admission Ticket: $27
  • Airport Shuttle Round Trip Honolulu and Waikiki or Cruise Terminal: $35
  • Diamond Head Hiking with Hotel Pickup and Short Waikiki Tour: $37
  • Tribute to Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial Tour: $44
  • Tickets to The Escape Game Honolulu at Ala Moana: $47
  • Arizona Memorial Pearl Harbor & Honolulu City Tour from Waikiki: $50
  • From Waikiki: USS Arizona Memorial and Honolulu City Tour: $50
  • Arizona Memorial Pearl Harbor & Honolulu City Tour from Waikiki: $52

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
    Honolulu $6.47

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
  • Walking tour to Chicago dive bars: $41
  • Chicago Local Brewery Expedition with Homemade Guacamole: $54
  • Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour: $100
  • Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus: $100
  • Private Speakeasy Pub Crawl in Chicago with Local Historian: $880

Sample the Local Flavors in Honolulu

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Honolulu:

  • Shaxi Dive Bar Tour: $37
  • Dolphins, Cave, and Local Distillery: $99

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Chicago and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

Which is Bigger, Chicago or Honolulu?

Chicago is bigger, and its population is about 7.6 times larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the population of Chicago vs. Honolulu, 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 Honolulu?

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 Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu 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 around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chicago in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chicago. In the summer, Chicago often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu. Chicago gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. Chicago usually gets more rain in July than Honolulu. Chicago gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chicago 77°F (25°C) 
    Honolulu 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Chicago or Honolulu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chicago and Honolulu. 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 much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Chicago average around 56°F (14°C), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. Chicago usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during autumn. Chicago gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chicago usually receives around the same amount of rain as Honolulu. Chicago gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chicago 56°F (14°C) 
    Honolulu 80°F (26°C)

Should I visit Chicago or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chicago as well as Honolulu. 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 Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Chicago averages around 25°F (-4°C) in January, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. In the winter, Chicago often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Chicago gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Chicago usually gets less rain in January than Honolulu. Chicago gets 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chicago 25°F (-4°C) 
    Honolulu 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Chicago or Honolulu in the Spring?

Both Honolulu 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 much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chicago in April average around 52°F (11°C), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. Chicago usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during spring. Chicago gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Chicago. In April, Chicago usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Chicago gets 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chicago 52°F (11°C) 
    Honolulu 76°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Chicago

Chicago Honolulu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°F (-4°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 29°F (-2°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 41°F (5°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 74°F (24°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 52°F (11°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 76°F (24°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 78°F (25°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)
Aug 76°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Oct 56°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 80°F (26°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Dec 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (98 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. Honolulu Travel Comparison

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