Which place is cheaper, Newton or Chicago?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Chicago or Newton?
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 Newton can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Chicago or Newton?
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.
Newton
Newton, a large suburb of Boston, consists of 13 villages or neighborhoods: Auburndale, Chestnut Hill, Lower Falls, Newton Centre, Newton Corner, Newton Highlands, Newtonville, Nonantum, Oak Hill, Thompsonville, Upper Falls, Waban, and West Newton. It's a good sized city with a population of over 80,000. Each village has its own historical and architectural character. Many of the villages were founded around railroad stations when the Boston & Worcester line opened in 1833 along the north side of the city. Another railroad line started along the south side of town in 1851. It's now the "D" line of the MBTA's Green Line. Walking tours of most villages are available and recommended for history buffs.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChicago $288Newton $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Chicago is $288, while the average daily cost in Newton is $147. 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 Newton in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChicago $198Newton $82
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChicago $396Newton $164
Compare Hotels in Chicago and Newton
Looking for a hotel in Chicago or Newton? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chicago $37Newton $80
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:
- Meet and Greet Private SUV Transfer from MDW to Downtown Chicago: $300
- Departure Private Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Luxury Car: $241
- Arrival Private Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Luxury Car: $241
- Meet and Greet Private Sedan Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $240
- Curbside SUV Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $240
- Private Chicagoland One-Way Transfer by Mercedes Sprinter : $229
- Private Sedan Transfer from Chicago Downtown to Midway airport: $220
- Arrival Private Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Luxury SUV: $208
- Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD): Private Transfer to Chicago: $197
- Curbside Sedan Transfer from O'Hare Airport to Downtown Chicago: $190
- Chicago 4-Hour Sightseeing Transfer by Luxury Private Sedan: $190
- One-Way Private MDW Meet and Greet Luxury Airport Transfer: $185
Is it cheaper to fly into Chicago or Newton?
Prices for flights to both Newton 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 dayChicago $49Newton $25
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.
- Chicago : Hands-on Cooking Classes With Local Chef: $55
- Bucktown Pizza Crawl in Chicago: $59
- Downtown Chicago Walking Pizza Tour: $69
- Lake Michigan Gourmet Brunch/Lunch/Dinner Cruise: $72
- Downtown Pizza Guided Walking Tour with Tastings: $73
- Downtown Family Food Tour by Bike with Sightseeing: $80
- Chicago Murder Mystery FOOD Tour: $82
- Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $86
- Secret Food Tour: $88
- Chicago Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89
- Chicago Pizza Tour: $89
- Chicago's Wicker Park Food Tour: $89
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chicago $47Newton -
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:
- Private Chicago Scenic Driving Tour: $300
- 2 Hour Magnificent Chicago Tour with Photos and Popcorn: $35
- 2-Hour Chicago City Lights Evening Segway Tour: $78
- 3 Hours Chicago Architecture Tour - Skyscrapers and Photo Ops: $135
- 360 Chicago Observation Deck Sip and View Ticket: $44
- Amazing Lakefront Segway Tour of Chicago: $65
- App Chicago self-guided tours with multilingual audioguides: $10
- Art Institute of Chicago Skip-the-Line Guided Museum Tour : $106
- Art Institute of Chicago Ticket & In-App Audio Tour: $64
- Art of a City Downtown Chicago - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour: $52
- Best of Architecture & Highlights City Private Tour: $320
- Best of Architecture & Highlights City Private Tour: $245
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 dayChicago $25Newton -
Sample the Local Flavors in Chicago
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chicago:
- Oktoberfest Walking Brewery Tour in Malt Row: $25
- Oktoberfest Walking Brewery Tour in Logan Square: $25
- Oktoberfest Malt Row Walking Brewery Tour: $25
- Oktoberfest Walking Brewery Tour in Logan Square: $25
- Chicago Haunted Pub Crawl: Water Tower Specter and Beyond: $38
- Walking tour to Chicago dive bars: $41
- Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour: $100
- Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus: $100
- Milwaukee Harley-Davidson Museum & Brewery Day Tour: $125
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chicago and Newton, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Newton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Newton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Newton 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 Newton.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chicago Expensive? and Is Newton Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chicago or Newton?
Chicago has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Newton. When comparing the sizes of Chicago and Newton, 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 Newton?
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 Newton in the Summer?
Both Newton and Chicago during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Chicago is around the same temperature as Newton in the summer. The daily temperature in Chicago averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Newton fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
In Newton, 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 Newton. Chicago gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newton receives 304 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. Chicago usually gets more rain in July than Newton. Chicago gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Newton receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyChicago 77°F (25°C)Newton 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Chicago or Newton in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chicago and Newton. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.
In the autumn, Chicago is around the same temperature as Newton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chicago in October average around 56°F (14°C), and Newton averages at about 54°F (12°C).
Chicago usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Newton during autumn. Chicago gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Newton receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Chicago usually receives less rain than Newton. Chicago gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Newton receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChicago 56°F (14°C)Newton 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Chicago or Newton in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Chicago as well as Newton. Many travelers come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Newton can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Chicago. In January, Chicago is generally much colder than Newton. Daily temperatures in Chicago average around 25°F (-4°C), and Newton fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).
In the winter, Chicago often gets less sunshine than Newton. Chicago gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newton receives 153 hours of full sun.
Chicago usually gets less rain in January than Newton. Chicago gets 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain, while Newton receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChicago 25°F (-4°C)Newton 29°F (-2°C)
Should I visit Chicago or Newton in the Spring?
Both Newton and Chicago are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Chicago in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Chicago is a little warmer than Newton in the spring. The daily temperature in Chicago averages around 52°F (11°C) in April, and Newton fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).
It's quite sunny in Newton. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. Chicago usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Newton during spring. Chicago gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Newton receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Chicago. In April, Chicago usually receives more rain than Newton. Chicago gets 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain, while Newton receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilChicago 52°F (11°C)Newton 48°F (9°C)
Typical Weather for Newton and Chicago
| Chicago | Newton | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) | 29°F (-2°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Feb | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) |
| Mar | 41°F (5°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 38°F (4°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Apr | 52°F (11°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Jun | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Sep | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Oct | 56°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 44°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Dec | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.9 inches (99 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.