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

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Should you visit Chicago or Minneapolis?

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

Where Should I go: Chicago or Minneapolis?

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.

Minneapolis

Known as one of the Twin Cities with its neighbor, Saint Paul, the Minneapolis area is the second largest economic center in the Midwest, behind Chicago. Originally a city of lumber and flour milling, the city has grown to prosper in commerce, rail and trucking, health care, industry, education, publishing, milling, and food processing amongst others. In addition to housing the headquarters for five Fortune 500 Companies, Minneapolis is a city of thriving culture. From visual arts, music, and theater to sporting events and award-winning restaurants, the entertainment is never lacking.

Which city is cheaper, Minneapolis or Chicago?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Chicago is $221, while the average daily cost in Minneapolis is $164. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chicago and Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chicago $152
    Minneapolis $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chicago $304
    Minneapolis $176
Compare Hotels in Chicago and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Chicago or Minneapolis? 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 Minneapolis


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 Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chicago $29
    Minneapolis $34
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:

  • Transfers in Chicago: $107
  • Transfer to Chicago Premium Outlets: $288
  • Transfer from O'Hare International Airport to Chicago: $93
  • Private transfer: Chicago to Chicago International Airport (MDW): $105
  • Private transfer: Chicago International Airport (MDW) to Chicago: $105
  • Private Transfer: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Chicago: $133
  • Private Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare International Airport (ORD): $133
  • Private Transfer from Chicago City to Chicago (ORD) Airport: $113
  • Private Transfer from Chicago City to Chicago (MDW) Airport: $113
  • Private Transfer from Chicago (ORD) Airport to Chicago City: $113
  • Private Transfer from Chicago (MDW) Airport to Chicago City: $113
  • Private Sedan Transfer from Chicago Downtown to O`Hare airport: $100

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis to Minneapolis Airport (MSP) - Departure Private Transfer: $92
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $75
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $75
  • Private transfer: Minneapolis to Minneapolis Airport (MSP): $622

Is it cheaper to fly into Chicago or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis 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 $37
    Minneapolis $32
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.

  • Traveling Spoon Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Private Online Cooking Class: $27
  • Learn to Make Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza with a Local: $49
  • Lonely Planet Experiences: River North Historical Food Tour: $61
  • Private Fusion Cooking Class in Downtown Chicago: $64
  • Best in Chow: Chicago River North Food Tour: $64
  • Signature Food Tour at Chicago's Navy Pier: $64
  • Skip the Line: Tommy Gun's Garage Dinner and Show Ticket: $67
  • Small-Group Chicago Food Tour: Gold Coast and Old Town: $75
  • Best of Chicago Tour Including a Deep-Dish Pizza: $75
  • River North Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Chicago's Wicker Park Food Tour: $75
  • Private Indian-Mexican Fusion Cooking Class with a Modern Cook: $78

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

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

  • Historic Northeast Minneapolis Food Tour: $52
  • Private Dining: Mediterranean dinner in Minneapolis with local chef: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chicago $34
    Minneapolis $21
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:

  • 2 Hours Chicago Sightseeing Tour - Luxury Private Stretch Limo / 8 Passengers: $250
  • 2-Hour Chicago City Lights and Skyline Segway Tour: $76
  • 2-Hour Chicago Fireworks Segway Tour: $76
  • 2-Hour Chicago Lakefront and Museum Campus Segway Tour: $73
  • 2-Hour Haunted Segway Tour of Chicago: $76
  • 2-Hour History of Chicago Architecture and Art Segway Tour: $75
  • 3 Hours Chicago Sightseeing Tour - Luxury Private SUV, ALL Inclusive: $392
  • 4 Hours Chicago Sightseeing Tour - Luxury Private SUV, ALL Inclusive: $220
  • 4 Hours Chicago Sightseeing Tour - Luxury Private Sedan: $215
  • 4 Hours Chicago Sightseeing Tour - Luxury Private Stretch Limousine/8 passengers: $728
  • A Most Magnificent Mile Shopping and Sightseeing Tour: $40
  • A Storied Neighborhood: Dance the dialectic with Bill Ayers on an audio tour: $5.00

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

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

  • St Paul Minnesota: Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • 3-Hour Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Walking Minneapolis Downtown & Skyways Private Tour (2 hrs): $175
  • Walking Minneapolis Downtown Parks, Fountains & Sculpture Private Tour (2 hrs): $175
  • Walking Minneapolis Mississippi River, Falls & Historic Mills Private Tour(2hrs): $175
  • City of Lakes Tour With An Interpreter In Minneapolis: $179
  • The Twin Cities St Paul Tour With An Interpreter: $179
  • "Crooked" St. Paul Gangsters Private Riding Tour (2 hrs): $325
  • Minneapolis & St. Paul Highlights Private Riding & Walking Tour (2 hrs): $325
  • Minneapolis & St. Paul Highlights Private Riding & Walking Tour (3 hrs): $425
  • The best of Minneapolis walking tour: $498
  • Romantic tour in Minneapolis: $498

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 $20
    Minneapolis $19

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: $25
  • Walking tour to Chicago dive bars: $41
  • Chicago Barrel Bus Craft Distillery Tour: $90
  • Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour: $90
  • Ultimate Girl's Night Out in Sparkling Wine, Photo Shoot, Burlesque: $900

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • All Inclusive 3hr Craft Brewery Tour: $82
  • Minneapolis Distillery Tour: $87

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Chicago or Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis in the Summer?

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

In July, Chicago is generally around the same temperature as Minneapolis. Temperatures in Chicago average around 77°F (25°C), and Minneapolis stays around 76°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In the summer, Chicago often gets less sunshine than Minneapolis. Chicago gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chicago usually gets more rain in July than Minneapolis. Chicago gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chicago 77°F (25°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Chicago or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

Both Minneapolis 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.

Chicago is a little warmer than Minneapolis in the autumn. The temperature in Chicago is usually 56°F (14°C) in October, and Minneapolis stays around 52°F (11°C).

Chicago usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during autumn. Chicago gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chicago usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Chicago gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chicago 56°F (14°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Chicago or Minneapolis in the Winter?

Both Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis can be very cold during winter. Chicago can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Chicago is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chicago in January are around 25°F (-4°C), and Minneapolis is about 15°F (-10°C).

In the winter, Chicago often gets less sunshine than Minneapolis. Chicago gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun.

Chicago usually gets more rain in January than Minneapolis. Chicago gets 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chicago 25°F (-4°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Chicago or Minneapolis in the Spring?

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

In April, Chicago is generally a little warmer than Minneapolis. Temperatures in Chicago average around 52°F (11°C), and Minneapolis stays around 49°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chicago usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during spring. Chicago gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 244 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 Minneapolis. Chicago gets 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chicago 52°F (11°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Chicago

Chicago Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°F (-4°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 29°F (-2°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 41°F (5°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 52°F (11°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 76°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 56°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)


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Chicago vs. Minneapolis Travel Comparison

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