A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Chicago for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Families

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Chicago?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Chicago? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a energetic, lively, and fun beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and live music.

Chicago

Chicago is a cosmopolitan, diverse, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Daytona Beach and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Chicago?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chicago than Daytona Beach. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Chicago is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Daytona Beach attracts visitors for its resorts. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Chicago and is known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Chicago is famous for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also well known for The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower).

How is Daytona Beach different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chicago and Daytona Beach. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Daytona Beach or Chicago?

Chicago is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Chicago on the map. 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).

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Daytona Beach or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is a must-visit destination for its shows and theatre. However, Daytona Beach 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.

Daytona Beach is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Daytona Beach or Chicago? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chicago is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

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.

Daytona Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Is Daytona Beach or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Both Daytona Beach and Chicago are world-class when it comes to partying.

Daytona Beach is a world class party destination. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

Chicago is a must-see party destination. 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.

Is Daytona Beach or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is a must-visit destination for its music scene. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for live music.

In Chicago you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Is Daytona Beach or Chicago Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach is a beach city with a few options for its resorts. However, Chicago is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Daytona Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

Chicago is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Chicago Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Daytona Beach and Chicago are nice choices.

Daytona Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

Many people head to Chicago to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Chicago?

Chicago is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

Chicago is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Daytona Beach is a good destination for shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.

Is Daytona Beach or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Daytona Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Chicago is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Daytona Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Daytona Beach or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Daytona Beach 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.

Daytona Beach does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Daytona Beach or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Chicago is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Daytona Beach is not always a place people visit with their families. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.

Is Daytona Beach or Chicago Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Chicago make for a nice place to visit.

Daytona Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.

Chicago is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Daytona Beach or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chicago is a popular place for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Chicago Better for Students?

Daytona Beach and Chicago are both world-class destinations for students and younger travelers.

Many students frequent Daytona Beach. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Is Daytona Beach or Chicago Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chicago is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

Chicago has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

Public transit is quite limited in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.

Is Daytona Beach or Chicago a more walkable city?

Chicago is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Chicago is a very walkable destination. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

For even more information, also check out Is Daytona Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Chicago Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Chicago?

In either Daytona Beach or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Daytona Beach because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

Families should spend more time in Chicago than Daytona Beach. 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 Daytona Beach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chicago that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chicago than Daytona Beach 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.

One day in Daytona Beach or Chicago?

In Daytona Beach, you'll find nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This beach 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 bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Daytona Beach or Chicago?

In Daytona Beach, you'll find live music and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chicago. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Daytona Beach or Chicago?

Daytona Beach 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.

Chicago is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Daytona Beach or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Daytona Beach. Many people enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting Daytona Beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find theater and nightlife around the city of Chicago. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Daytona Beach Expensive? and Is Chicago Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and 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 along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach or Chicago in the Summer?

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

Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Chicago in the summer. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Chicago. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Chicago. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, 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.

In the autumn, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Daytona Beach in October average around 74°F (23°C), and Chicago averages at about 56°F (14°C).

Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in October than Chicago. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Chicago can be very cold during winter. In January, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Chicago. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Chicago in the Spring?

Both Chicago and Daytona Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Daytona Beach is much warmer than Chicago in the spring. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 69°F (21°C) in April, and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Chicago. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Daytona Beach