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

North America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Chicago or Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Chicago or Pocono Mountains?

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.

Pocono Mountains

The Poconos are a region of mountains, small towns, and natural areas in Eastern Pennsylvania. Located just a few hours from both New York City and Philadelphia, this region of 4 counties (Wayne, Pike, Monroe, & Carbon) consists of plenty of mountain scenery, gorgeous lakes, historic small towns, ski resorts, state parks, water parks, and more.

Which city is cheaper, Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains is $139. 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 Pocono Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chicago $152
    Pocono Mountains $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chicago $304
    Pocono Mountains $142
Compare Hotels in Chicago and Pocono Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Chicago or Pocono Mountains? 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 Pocono Mountains


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 Pocono Mountains Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chicago $29
    Pocono Mountains $39
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:

  • Private Airport Transfer: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Chicago: $43
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Chicago to O’Hare International Airport (ORD): $43
  • Private Airport Transfer: Midway International Airport (MDW) to Chicago: $55
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Chicago to Midway International Airport (MDW): $55
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Chicago Midway Airport to Chicago City: $66
  • Private Departure Transfer from Chicago City to Midway International Airport: $66
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Chicago City: $78
  • Private Departure Transfer from Chicago City to O'Hare International Airport: $78
  • Arrival Private Transfer Chicago O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago by Sedan Car: $79
  • Departure Private Transfer Chicago City to O'Hare Airport ORD by Sedan Car: $79
  • Private Departure Transfer to Chicago Airports (ORD)(MDW): $80
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Chicago Airports (ORD) (MDW): $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Chicago or Pocono Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Pocono Mountains 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
    Pocono Mountains $42
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chicago $34
    Pocono Mountains $24
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:

  • A Storied Neighborhood: Dance the dialectic with Bill Ayers on an audio tour: $5.00
  • Discovering Vintage The Loop Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.34
  • Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.00
  • Millennium Park Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.00
  • Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.00
  • Skip the Line: American Writers Museum Admission Ticket: $14
  • Pilsen Walking Tour of Local Publicly Displayed Art: $15
  • Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Historic Chicago Theatre: $18
  • Chicago Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Windy City Ghost Tour: $24
  • Street Art & Mural Tours By Native 312- Wabash Arts Corridor: $25
  • In the Streets: Milwaukee Ave Guided Bike Tour: $25

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
    Pocono Mountains $11

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

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Chicago or Pocono Mountains?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Chicago or Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chicago and Pocono Mountains. Many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chicago is generally around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains. Temperatures in Chicago average around 77°F (25°C), and Pocono Mountains stays around 75°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pocono Mountains this time of the year. In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chicago usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during summer. Chicago gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

Pocono Mountains receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chicago usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Chicago gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chicago 77°F (25°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Chicago or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chicago as well as Pocono Mountains. 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.

Chicago is around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains in the autumn. The temperature in Chicago is usually 56°F (14°C) in October, and Pocono Mountains stays around 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Chicago often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Chicago gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun.

Chicago usually gets less rain in October than Pocono Mountains. Chicago gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chicago 56°F (14°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Chicago or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

Both Pocono Mountains and Chicago are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Pocono Mountains can be very cold. Chicago can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Chicago is much colder than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chicago in January are around 25°F (-4°C), and Pocono Mountains is about 28°F (-2°C).

Chicago usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains during winter. Chicago gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chicago usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Chicago gets 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chicago 25°F (-4°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Chicago or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

Both Pocono Mountains and Chicago during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Chicago is generally around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains. Temperatures in Chicago average around 52°F (11°C), and Pocono Mountains stays around 51°F (11°C).

In Pocono Mountains, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chicago. In the spring, Chicago often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains. Chicago gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. Chicago usually gets more rain in April than Pocono Mountains. Chicago gets 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chicago 52°F (11°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Chicago

Chicago Pocono Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°F (-4°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 29°F (-2°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Mar 41°F (5°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 52°F (11°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Aug 76°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 56°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Dec 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)


Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
Sign Up

More City Comparisons
Washington vs. Chicago
Washington vs. Pocono Mountains
Clearwater vs. Chicago
Clearwater vs. Pocono Mountains
Fort Lauderdale vs. Chicago
Fort Lauderdale vs. Pocono Mountains
Gainesville vs. Chicago
Gainesville vs. Pocono Mountains
Jacksonville vs. Chicago
Jacksonville vs. Pocono Mountains
Miami vs. Chicago
Miami vs. Pocono Mountains
Orlando vs. Chicago
Orlando vs. Pocono Mountains
Saint Petersburg vs. Chicago
Saint Petersburg vs. Pocono Mountains
Tallahassee vs. Chicago
Tallahassee vs. Pocono Mountains
Tampa vs. Chicago
Tampa vs. Pocono Mountains
Atlanta vs. Chicago
Atlanta vs. Pocono Mountains
Savannah vs. Chicago
Savannah vs. Pocono Mountains
New Orleans vs. Chicago
New Orleans vs. Pocono Mountains
Baltimore vs. Chicago
Baltimore vs. Pocono Mountains
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Chicago vs. Pocono Mountains Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.