Which place is cheaper, Chicago or Gothenburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gothenburg or Chicago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gothenburg 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.
Where Should I go: Gothenburg or Chicago?
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Sweden, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGothenburg $98Chicago $288
The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $98, while the average daily cost in Chicago is $288. 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 Gothenburg and Chicago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGothenburg $40Chicago $198
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGothenburg $80Chicago $396
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Chicago
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg 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.
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: Gothenburg Hotel Prices and Chicago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gothenburg $18Chicago $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Gothenburg Airport Transfers : Gothenburg to Airport GOT in Luxury Van: $153
- Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $95
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $111
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $15
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Central Ostersund to Ostersund Airport: $176
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $120
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Stockholm: $509
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chicago
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chicago:
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Parking$19
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Taxi Ride$10
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Taxi from Airport$45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chicago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chicago:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Chicago APT-HTL (ORD) , (MDW): $128
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Chicago APT-HTL (ORD) , (MDW): $126
- Transfer in private vehicle from Chicago City - Chicago Airport (ORD): $138
- Transfer in private vehicle from Chicago Airport (ORD) -Chicago City: $138
- RoundTrip transfer in private car from-to Chicago Airport (ORD)- Chicago City: $276
- Private one-way airport transfer O'Hare Airport to/from Chicago : $86
- Private Transfer: Midway Airport MDW to Chicago by Luxury SUV: $163
- Private Transfer from Chicago City to Chicago (MDW) Airport: $144
- Private Transfer from Chicago (MDW) Airport to Chicago City: $144
- Private Transfer Chicago to Chicago Airport by Luxury Car or SUV: $87
- Private Sedan Transfer from Chicago Downtown to O'Hare airport: $220
- Private SUV Transfer from Chicago Downtown to O'Hare airport: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Chicago?
Prices for flights to both Chicago and Gothenburg 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
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Food Meals for one dayGothenburg $38Chicago $49
Typical Food Prices in Chicago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Chicago:
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Dinner for 1$24
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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 Pizza Guided Walking Tour with Tastings: $58
- Chicago's Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour: $63
- Chicago Small Group Food Tour: $69
- Lake Michigan Gourmet Brunch/Lunch/Dinner Cruise: $72
- Chicago Pizza Tour: $75
- Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Self-Guided Tour: $75
- Chicago Bucktown-Wicker Park Pizza Crawl: $79
- Chicago West Loop Pizza Crawl: $79
- Downtown Family Food Tour by Bike with Sightseeing: $80
- Nitti's Supper Club Dinner and Show: $80
- Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $86
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gothenburg $16Chicago $47
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Universeum Entry Ticket: $21
- Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $30
- Hop-On Hop-Off 24-Hour Sightseeing Boat: $30
- Lilla Bommen: 4-Hour Guided Boat Tour to Vinga Island: $31
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $31
- Land & Water Amphibious Bus Sightseeing Tour: $31
- 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $32
- City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
- Paddan Sightseeing Cruise on the Savean River: $33
- Guided boat tour to Vinga in Gothenburg: $33
- Archipelago cruise with guide: $37
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chicago
Here are a few typical costs in Chicago for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Sears Tower (family of 4)$102
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Aquarium for 4$118
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Water Taxi (family of 4)$22
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IMAX Movie for Two$35
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Shakespeare Play (2)$116
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Art Institute (2)$36
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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:
- Chicagoland Sightseeing in Style Luxury Private Sedan: $190
- Field Museum of Natural History Early Access Ticket : $73
- Windy City Ghosts: Hauntings of Chicago Walking Tour: $28
- 2 Hour Pier Fireworks and Evening Segway Tour in Chicago: $78
- 2-Hour Chicago Fireworks Segway Tour: $80
- 2-Hour Chicago Lakefront and Museum Campus Segway Tour: $72
- 2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Chicago: $65
- 2-Hour Haunted Segway Tour of Chicago: $78
- 3 Hours Chicago Architecture Tour - Skyscrapers and Photo Ops: $135
- Adults Party Art Experience: $66
- Amazing Lakefront Segway Tour of Chicago: $79
- App Chicago self-guided tours with multilingual audioguides: $9.69
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGothenburg $21Chicago $25
Sample the Local Flavors in Chicago
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chicago:
- Malt Row Walking Brewery Tour: $30
- Walking tour to Chicago dive bars: $41
- Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour: $100
- Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Gothenburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Gothenburg is in Europe and Chicago is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Gothenburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gothenburg Expensive? and Is Chicago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Chicago?
Chicago has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg or Chicago?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Gothenburg or Chicago in the Summer?
Both Chicago and Gothenburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Gothenburg is much colder than Chicago in the summer. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gothenburg. In the summer, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.
Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in July than Chicago. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGothenburg 16°C (61°F)Chicago 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Chicago in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Chicago. Furthermore, 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, Gothenburg is much colder than Chicago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gothenburg in October average around 9°C (47°F), and Chicago averages at about 56°F (14°C).
Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Chicago. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGothenburg 9°C (47°F)Chicago 56°F (14°C)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Chicago in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Chicago. Additionally, 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. Gothenburg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Gothenburg is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around -2°C (29°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).
In the winter, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGothenburg -2°C (29°F)Chicago 25°F (-4°C)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Chicago in the Spring?
Both Chicago and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Gothenburg is much colder than Chicago in the spring. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
It's quite sunny in Chicago. Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during spring. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. In April, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Chicago. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGothenburg 5°C (41°F)Chicago 52°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Chicago and Gothenburg
| Gothenburg | Chicago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
| Feb | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Oct | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Nov | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 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.