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

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Should you visit Dallas or Chicago?

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 Dallas and Chicago can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dallas or Chicago?

Dallas

Located in the north central part of the state, Dallas is a prominent city in Texas and is one of the most populated metropolitan areas in the United States of America. The business reputation of Dallas rose from its historical status as the center for cotton and oil industries. It was also positioned among numerous railroads.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Chicago or Dallas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dallas is $141, while the average daily cost in Chicago is $279. 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 Dallas and Chicago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dallas $84
    Chicago $194
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dallas $168
    Chicago $388
Compare Hotels in Dallas and Chicago

Looking for a hotel in Dallas or Chicago? 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 Dallas


Hotels in Chicago


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: Dallas Hotel Prices and Chicago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dallas $28
    Chicago $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • A2Z Private Airport Transfer, Dallas : $125
  • Allen or Plano to Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Addison by Luxury Vehicle: $80
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Dowtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $80
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $136
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Plano by Luxury Vehicle: $85
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $106
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury SUV: $127
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury Van: $128
  • Dallas Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Dallas Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • Dallas Airport (DFW) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $58

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:

  • Chicago O´Hare International Airport Private Transfer One-Way: $27
  • Airport transfer between Chicago O'Hare and Milwaukee: $34
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Chicago Airports ORD Or MDW: $50
  • Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Chicago hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Chicago City to Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • Chicago to Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD): Departure Transfer: $57
  • Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) to Arrival Private Transfer: $57
  • Chicago to Chicago Airport (MDW) - Departure Private Transfer: $58
  • Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Chicago -Arrival Private Transfer: $58
  • Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) to Chicago hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $63
  • Chicago to Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) - Departure Private Car Transfer: $63
  • From/to Chicago O´Hare International Airport: Private Round Trip Transfer: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Dallas or Chicago?

Prices for flights to both Chicago and Dallas 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
    Dallas $35
    Chicago $46
Typical Food prices in Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dallas.

  • Happy Hour West Village Food Tour: $39
  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Deep Ellum Foodie Lovers Tour with Food Tours of America: $85
  • Discover Downtown Dallas Food Tour with Food Tours of America: $89
  • Uptown Eats! Trolley Tour with Food Tours of America: $89
  • JFK Food & Culture Walking Tour with Food Tours of America: $89
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $93
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $95

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
  • Downtown Chicago Walking Pizza Tour: $55
  • Chicago : Hands-on Cooking Classes With Local Chef: $55
  • Downtown Pizza Guided Walking Tour with Tastings: $58
  • Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $69
  • Chicago Food Tour: Deep Roots to Deep Dish: $69
  • Friday Pizza Walk of Downtown Chicago: $69
  • Chicago Small Group Food Tour: $69
  • Chicago Style Food Tour: $70
  • Chicago Pizza Tour: $75
  • Secret Food Tour: $78
  • Chicago West Loop Pizza Crawl: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dallas $13
    Chicago $43

Tours and Activities in Dallas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dallas are as follows:

  • Historic Downtown Audio Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Historic Dallas Downtown Solo Self Guided Walking Tour : $6.75
  • Kennedy Assassination Walking Tour - Oswald Was Framed: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Dallas in Wonderland: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Irving Scavenger Hunt: Irving Adventure: $12
  • Must-See Landmarks & Attractions Self-Guided Tour: $14
  • Dallas Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour: $14
  • JFK Assassination Walking Tour (Self-Guided): $16
  • The Assassination of John F. Kennedy Experience: $19
  • Dallas Sightseeing Walking Tour (Self-Guided): $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Plano by Zombie Scavengers: $20

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: A Self-Guided Audio Tour with Bill Ayers: $5.40
  • Chicago Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
  • Haunted Sites Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Chicago's Dark Side Smartphone (GPS/APP) Audio / Self Guided Walking Tour: $6.95
  • Discovering Vintage A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Loop: $6.99
  • Chicago’s Ragtime & Jazz Eras: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Vice, Crime and Gangsters Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Vice, Crime and Gangsters in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.00
  • Millennium Park Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.99
  • Must-Sees & Hidden Gems In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
  • Chicago Millennium Park Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99

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
    Dallas $12
    Chicago $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

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

  • Dallas Bar Hunt: Dallas Dynasty Bar Crawl: $12
  • 1-Hour Distillery Tour & Tasting in Dallas: $35
  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Haunted Dallas Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $37
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Private Brewery Limousine Tour : $600

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: $36
  • Walking tour to Chicago dive bars: $41
  • Chicago Local Brewery Expedition with Homemade Guacamole: $54
  • Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour: $100
  • Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus: $100
  • Private Speakeasy Pub Crawl in Chicago with Local Historian: $880

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Dallas or Chicago?

Chicago is bigger, and its population is about 2.3 times larger than the population of Dallas. When comparing the population of Dallas vs. Chicago, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Dallas or Chicago?

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 Dallas or Chicago in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and Chicago. Furthermore, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

In the summer, Dallas is a little warmer than Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dallas in July average around 88°F (31°C), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dallas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago during summer. Dallas gets 337 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun in the summer.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Dallas usually receives less rain than Chicago. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dallas 88°F (31°C) 
    Chicago 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dallas as well as Chicago. Additionally, 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.

In October, Dallas is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 69°F (21°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In the autumn, Dallas often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Dallas gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets more rain in October than Chicago. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dallas 69°F (21°C) 
    Chicago 56°F (14°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Chicago in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Chicago can get quite cold in the winter. Dallas is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 46°F (8°C) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

Dallas usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during winter. Dallas gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dallas usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chicago. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dallas 46°F (8°C) 
    Chicago 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Chicago in the Spring?

Both Chicago and Dallas during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Dallas is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dallas in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dallas. In the spring, Dallas often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Dallas gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun.

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dallas usually gets less rain in April than Chicago. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dallas 68°F (20°C) 
    Chicago 52°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Chicago and Dallas

Dallas Chicago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Feb 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 29°F (-2°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
Mar 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
May 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Jul 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 76°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 44°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Dec 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (71 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.
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Dallas vs. Chicago Travel Comparison

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