Which place is cheaper, Wisconsin Dells or Chicago?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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 Wisconsin Dells can help you decide which place is right for you.
Chicago is a cosmopolitan, diverse, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and beaches.
Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. Other popular activities here include hiking, nightlife, and food.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Chicago. Although Chicago and Wisconsin Dells are both popular with visitors, Chicago has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chicago is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Wisconsin Dells is known for its resorts and hiking. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Chicago and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Chicago is popular for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also home to The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower).
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Wisconsin Dells and Chicago. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Chicago is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Chicago are among the most recognizable in the world. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).
While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.
Chicago is a world-class destination for its theatre productions. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a theatre destination.
The theater and performance venues in Chicago draw crowds from around the world. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.
Wisconsin Dells is not a theatre destination.
Chicago is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
For foodies, Chicago is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.
Wisconsin Dells is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.
Chicago is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.
People head to Chicago just to party. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.
The nightlife in Wisconsin Dells has something for everybody. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.
Chicago is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a live music destination.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Chicago The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.
Wisconsin Dells is not a live music destination.
Wisconsin Dells is very good for its resorts. However, Chicago is not a resort destination.
Wisconsin Dells has a few great resort options. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.
Chicago is not a resort destination.
Chicago is a popular place for the beache. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.
Chicago is a good option for a beach vacation. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.
Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.
Wisconsin Dells is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Chicago is not a hiking destination.
Many people include a hike when visiting Wisconsin Dells. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.
Chicago is not a hiking destination.
Chicago is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Chicago make it a world-class shopping destination. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.
Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.
Chicago is a great destination for its Christmas activities. However, Wisconsin Dells does not offer Christmas activities.
Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Chicago. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.
Wisconsin Dells does not offer Christmas activities.
Chicago is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Wisconsin Dells does not offer Christmas markets.
Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Chicago. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.
Wisconsin Dells does not offer Christmas markets.
You'll find world-class kid-friendly activities in either Chicago or Wisconsin Dells.
Chicago is one of the most popular family destinations. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.
Wisconsin Dells is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.
Both Chicago and Wisconsin Dells are good destinations to visit as a couple.
Chicago is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.
Wisconsin Dells is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.
Chicago is a popular place for backpackers. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.
Wisconsin Dells is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find campgrounds in the area, but most places are very built up and don't have the natural setting that backpackers appreciate.
Chicago is a world-class destination for students. However, Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.
Many students frequent Chicago. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.
Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.
Chicago is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.
With a huge network, the transit system in Chicago can get you around easily. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.
Public transit is quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.
Chicago is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.
Chicago is a very walkable city. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.
Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.
For even more information, also check out Is Chicago Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.
It's fun to spend time in either Chicago or Wisconsin Dells. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Chicago due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Chicago, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.
Families should spend more time in Chicago than Wisconsin Dells. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chicago, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Chicago than Wisconsin Dells. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chicago that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chicago than Wisconsin Dells if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Chicago.
Chicago is a big city with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
In Wisconsin Dells, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Chicago is a big city with plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
In Wisconsin Dells, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wisconsin Dells has to offer.
Chicago is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.
Wisconsin Dells is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Chicago. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wisconsin Dells. Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Wisconsin Dells. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Chicago is $288, while the average daily cost in Wisconsin Dells is $142. 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 Wisconsin Dells in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Chicago or Wisconsin Dells? 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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chicago:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chicago:
Prices for flights to both Wisconsin Dells 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Chicago:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chicago.
Here are a few typical costs in Chicago for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Chicago for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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.
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chicago:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chicago and Wisconsin Dells, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Wisconsin Dells much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Wisconsin Dells would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chicago Expensive? and Is Wisconsin Dells Expensive?.
Chicago has a larger population, and is about 1160 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Chicago and Wisconsin Dells, 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.
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.
Both Wisconsin Dells and Chicago are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Wisconsin Dells because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Chicago is generally around the same temperature as Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Chicago average around 77°F (25°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Wisconsin Dells. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. Chicago usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wisconsin Dells during summer. Chicago gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Chicago. In July, Chicago usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Chicago gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Wisconsin Dells and Chicago during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year.
Chicago is a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chicago averages around 56°F (14°C) in October, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
In the autumn, Chicago often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Chicago gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun.
Chicago usually gets more rain in October than Wisconsin Dells. Chicago gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chicago and Wisconsin Dells. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chicago this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Wisconsin Dells. It's quite cold in Chicago in the winter. In the winter, Chicago is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chicago in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 19°F (-7°C).
Chicago usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wisconsin Dells during winter. Chicago gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Chicago usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Chicago gets 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Chicago as well as Wisconsin Dells. Many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Chicago is generally a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Chicago average around 52°F (11°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wisconsin Dells. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In the spring, Chicago often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wisconsin Dells. Chicago gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun.
Chicago receives a lot of rain in the spring. Chicago usually gets more rain in April than Wisconsin Dells. Chicago gets 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Chicago | Wisconsin Dells | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) | 19°F (-7°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) |
Feb | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 24°F (-5°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
Mar | 41°F (5°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
Apr | 52°F (11°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) | 49°F (10°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
May | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
Jun | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
Aug | 76°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Sep | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
Oct | 56°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
Nov | 44°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 39°F (4°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
Dec | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |