A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Duck vs. Chicago for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Duck or Chicago?

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

Should I visit Duck 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.

Duck

Duck is a laid-back, traditional, and compact beach town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and food.

Chicago

Chicago is a cosmopolitan, diverse, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for museums, theater, and nightlife.

Duck and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Duck or Chicago?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chicago than Duck, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chicago is better known for its museums & sights, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Duck is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Duck is well known for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Chicago is well known for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. Also, Chicago is famous for The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower).

How is Duck different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Duck or Chicago?

Chicago is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Chicago that are not to be missed. 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).

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.

Is Duck or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is renowned for theatre. However, Duck 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.

Duck is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit 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.

Duck has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Is Duck or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is renowned for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

Chicago is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is Duck or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is renowned for live music. However, Duck is not a live music destination.

Chicago is a world class music destination. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Duck is not a live music destination.

Is Duck or Chicago Better for Resorts?

Duck is very good for its resorts. However, Chicago is not a resort destination.

Duck has a few great resort options. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Chicago is not a resort destination.

Is Duck or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Duck is renowned for the beach. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Duck is a very popular vacation destination. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Chicago has a beach worth visiting. 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 Duck or Chicago Better for Hiking?

Duck is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Chicago is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Duck. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Chicago is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Chicago?

Chicago is renowned for shopping. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Chicago is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Duck is well-known for its shopping. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

Is Duck or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Duck 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.

Duck does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Duck or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

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

Duck does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Duck or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Duck is very family-friendly. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

Is Duck or Chicago Better for Couples?

Duck is a great destination for couples. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Duck frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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 Duck or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chicago is a popular place for backpackers. However, Duck is not a good beach town 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.

Duck is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's an upscale town with many beach houses available for rent, and very little in the form of budget accommodation.

Is Duck or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is renowned for students. However, Duck 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.

Duck is not popular with students.

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

Chicago is renowned for its public transit. However, Duck is not a good beach town for times when you don't have a car.

Chicago has a great public transit system. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

Public transit is mostly limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

Is Duck or Chicago a more walkable city?

Duck is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Duck on foot is easy. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Duck?

How long in Duck or Chicago?

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

Families should spend more time in Chicago than Duck. 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 Duck. 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 Duck 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 Duck or Chicago?

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This beach town 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 destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Duck or Chicago?

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Chicago is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Duck or Chicago?

Duck is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Duck has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Chicago is a multicultural big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Duck or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Duck. Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

The diverse city of Chicago offers food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Duck or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 5060 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Duck 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 Duck 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 Duck or Chicago in the Summer?

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

In July, Duck is generally around the same temperature as Chicago. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 78°F (26°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during summer. Duck gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun in the summer.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the summer. Duck gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Duck usually receives more rain than Chicago. Duck 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 Duck or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Duck as well as Chicago. Many travelers come to Duck for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. 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.

Duck is a little warmer than Chicago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck this time of the year. In the autumn, Duck often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Duck gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun.

Duck usually gets more rain in October than Chicago. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Duck or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Duck 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. Duck can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Duck is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Duck in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Chicago averages at about 25°F (-4°C).

Duck usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during winter. Duck gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Duck. In January, Duck usually receives more rain than Chicago. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Duck or Chicago in the Spring?

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

In April, Duck is generally a little warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 59°F (15°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Duck. In the spring, Duck often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Duck gets 253 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. Duck usually gets less rain in April than Chicago. Duck gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Duck