Which place is cheaper, North Conway or Chicago?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Chicago or North Conway?
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 North Conway can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Chicago or North Conway?
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.
North Conway
North Conway is a small town in New Hampshire in the Mount Washington Valley (MWV). The entire valley is a popular vacation area year-round due to the multiple ski resorts and summer activities including amusement parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChicago $288North Conway $224
The average daily cost (per person) in Chicago is $288, while the average daily cost in North Conway is $224. 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 North Conway in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChicago $198North Conway $125
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChicago $396North Conway $250
Compare Hotels in Chicago and North Conway
Looking for a hotel in Chicago or North Conway? 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 North Conway Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chicago $37North Conway $52
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 ORD to Downtown Chicago: $300
- Meet and Greet Private SUV Transfer from MDW 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
- Private SUV Transfer from Chicago Downtown to Midway airport: $240
- Meet and Greet Private Sedan Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $240
- Departure Private Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Luxury Car: $233
- Arrival Private Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Luxury Car: $233
- Private Sedan Transfer from Chicago Downtown to O'Hare airport: $220
- Chicago Airport Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Luxury SUV: $202
- Departure Private Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Luxury SUV: $202
- Chicago Airport Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Luxury SUV: $202
Is it cheaper to fly into Chicago or North Conway?
Prices for flights to both North Conway 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 $49North Conway $64
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 : $40
- Chicago : Hands-on Cooking Classes With Local Chef: $55
- Downtown Pizza Guided Walking Tour with Tastings: $58
- Fulton Market Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $63
- Chicago's Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour: $63
- Lake Michigan Gourmet Brunch/Lunch/Dinner Cruise: $72
- Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Self-Guided Tour: $75
- 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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chicago $47North Conway $38
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:
- Chicagoland Sightseeing in Style Luxury Private Sedan: $190
- Field Museum of Natural History Early Access Ticket : $73
- 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: $68
- 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
- African American Heritage Tour of Chicago : $125
- Amazing Lakefront Segway Tour of Chicago: $79
- App Chicago self-guided tours with multilingual audioguides: $9.63
Tours and Activities in North Conway
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for North Conway.
- Kancamagus Highway: Audio Driving Tour: $12
- Kancamagus Scenic Byway Audio Driving Tour Guide: $17
- 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Littleton, NH: $39
- Meet the Winemakers - Seven Birches Winery Tour: $40
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 $25North Conway $33
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chicago and North Conway, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is North Conway much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to North Conway would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in North Conway 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 North Conway.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chicago Expensive? and Is North Conway Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chicago or North Conway?
Chicago has a larger population, and is about 1340 times larger than the population of North Conway. When comparing the sizes of Chicago and North Conway, 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 North Conway?
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 North Conway in the Summer?
Both North Conway and Chicago during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Chicago is generally a little warmer than North Conway. Daily temperatures in Chicago average around 77°F (25°C), and North Conway fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).
In North Conway, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chicago. In the summer, Chicago often gets more sunshine than North Conway. Chicago gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while North Conway receives 282 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. Chicago usually gets more rain in July than North Conway. Chicago gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while North Conway receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyChicago 77°F (25°C)North Conway 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit Chicago or North Conway in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chicago and North Conway. The autumn months attract visitors to Chicago because of 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 North Conway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chicago averages around 56°F (14°C) in October, and North Conway fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).
Chicago usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as North Conway during autumn. Chicago gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while North Conway receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Chicago usually receives less rain than North Conway. Chicago gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while North Conway receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChicago 56°F (14°C)North Conway 49°F (9°C)
Should I visit Chicago or North Conway in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Chicago as well as North Conway. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in North Conway. It's quite cold in Chicago in the winter. In the winter, Chicago is a little warmer than North Conway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chicago in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and North Conway averages at about 21°F (-6°C).
In the winter, Chicago often gets less sunshine than North Conway. Chicago gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while North Conway receives 163 hours of full sun.
Chicago usually gets less rain in January than North Conway. Chicago gets 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain, while North Conway receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChicago 25°F (-4°C)North Conway 21°F (-6°C)
Should I visit Chicago or North Conway in the Spring?
Both North Conway and Chicago are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Chicago is generally much warmer than North Conway. Daily temperatures in Chicago average around 52°F (11°C), and North Conway fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).
It's quite sunny in North Conway. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. Chicago usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as North Conway during spring. Chicago gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while North Conway receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Chicago. In April, Chicago usually receives more rain than North Conway. Chicago gets 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain, while North Conway receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilChicago 52°F (11°C)North Conway 43°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for North Conway and Chicago
| Chicago | North Conway | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) | 21°F (-6°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Feb | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 24°F (-5°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Mar | 41°F (5°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Apr | 52°F (11°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Jun | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 67°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Sep | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Oct | 56°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 44°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 39°F (4°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) |
| Dec | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 27°F (-3°C) | 4.1 inches (103 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.