Which place is cheaper, Chicago or Guatemala City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Guatemala City or Chicago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Guatemala City 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: Guatemala City or Chicago?
Guatemala City
Referred to by the locals as "Guate," Guatemala City is the largest and most modern city in Guatemala, as well as its capital. While the atmosphere of the place is big, dirty, and dangerous with city fumes and skyscrapers, it is the hub of the country. It is the place where travelers first step foot into Guatemala and, though it is a place of modern chaos, it does have some of the best galleries and museums as well as a selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Guatemala, The Best Adventure Tours to Guatemala, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
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Guatemala City Prices
Guatemala PricesChicago Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuatemala City $56Chicago $323
The average daily cost (per person) in Guatemala City is $56, while the average daily cost in Chicago is $323. 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 Guatemala City and Chicago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuatemala City $25Chicago $198
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuatemala City $50Chicago $396
Compare Hotels in Guatemala City and Chicago
Looking for a hotel in Guatemala City 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: Guatemala City Hotel Prices and Chicago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guatemala City $6.28Chicago $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:
- Airport Transfer for Large Groups – Private Bus: $195
- Guatemala Airport (GUA) to San Felipe de Lara - Arrival Transfer: $185
- Guatemala Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Antigua Guatemala: $56
- PRIVATE TRANSFER From Airport/Guate City to ANTIGUA or Vice-versa: $40
- Private Airport Transfer from Guatemala to La Aurora airport: $26
- Private Arrival Transfer: La Aurora International Airport to Antigua Hotel: $35
- Private Departure Transfer:Guatemala City-La Aurora Airport(GUA): $24
- Private Ground Transfer Airport - Antigua Guatemala: $30
- Private Ground Transfer Guatemala City To Panajachel, LakeAtitlan: $80
- Private Transfer - Guatemala Airport (GUA) to Puerto Quetzal Port: $206
- Private Transfer Aeropuerto to Antigua Guatemala Cities Transfer: $74
- Private Transfer From La Aurora AirPort to Panajachel Atitlan: $84
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:
- Airport transfer between Chicago O'Hare and Milwaukee: $38
- Private Airport Transfer to/from ORD Airport: $43
- Private Transfer ORD Airport to Chicago / Milwaukee / Oak Brook: $46
- Private Transfer Chicago Airport MDW to Chicago Downtown: $50
- Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) to Chicago hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
- Chicago to Chicago Airport (MDW) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
- Chicago to Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) - Departure Private Car Transfer: $74
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport private transfer, pick up: $80
- Private Arrival Transfer from Chicago Airports (ORD) (MDW): $90
- Round Trip Private Transfer ORD Airport to Chicago City Oak Brook: $92
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer From Chicago To O'Hare Airport: $93
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer from O'Hare Airport to Chicago: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Guatemala City or Chicago?
Prices for flights to both Chicago and Guatemala City 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 dayGuatemala City $27Chicago $85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guatemala City.
- Small-Group Cooking Class in Antigua from Guatemala City: $120
- Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum from Guatemala City: $188
- Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza Surrounded by The Volcano: $195
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.
- Tamales and Tacos with Margarita Cooking Class at Su Casa: $59
- Traveling Spoon Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Private Online Cooking Class: $59
- Downtown Pizza Guided Walking Tour with Tastings: $73
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Chicago: $75
- Immersive Potsticker Cooking Class in Chicago: $75
- Chicago West Loop Pizza Crawl: $79
- Friday Night Pizza Crawl - River North, Chicago: $79
- Downtown Family Food Tour by Bike with Sightseeing: $80
- Chicago Food Tour: 6 Dishes with Deep Dish Pizza & Beef Sandwich: $85
- Taste of Chicago's Chinatown Food Tours: $85
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guatemala City $1.23Chicago $47
Tours and Activities in Guatemala City
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Guatemala City are as follows:
- Half Day Guatemala City Tour: $32
- Graffiti Walking Tour in 4 Grados Norte Guatemala City: $35
- Walking Tour of Guatemala City's Historical Center: $35
- Guatemala city walking tour only weekends. 2 persons and up: $39
- Half Day Antigua Guatemala Tour: $40
- City walking tour Guatemala City and Relieff Map: $47
- Heart of Guatemala City Tour with Local Guide: $50
- Antigua Guatemala Full-Day Shared City Tour: $54
- El mejor Tour VIP Ciudad de Guatemala (el mas Completo): $55
- Pacaya Volcano Shared Hiking Tour: $59
- Day Tour in Antigua Guatemala, the Colonial City: $60
- Half-Day Guatemala City Tour: $60
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:
- Hyde Park Walking Tour History Race and Urban Change: $5.00
- Chicago Sports Legends Guided Tour: $5.00
- Sip Happens: Chicago Loop Prohibition Tour: $5.00
- Chicago 80's Movie Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $6.00
- Chicago Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Chicago’s Ragtime & Jazz Eras: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Chicago Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 25 Audio Commentaries: $7.00
- Chicago Chinatown: Dragon Kings Puzzle Adventure: $7.42
- Chicago Chocolate Tour: $8.00
- Discover A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.42
- Chicago’s Millennium Park Self Guided Audio GPS Walking Tour: $9.75
- Bizarre Wicker Park: Medicine and Mobsters Self-Guided Audio 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuatemala City $6.96Chicago $25
Sample the Local Flavors in Chicago
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chicago:
- Astounding Chicago Bar Crawl: Chi-Town Showdown: $15
- Burlesque Peep Show Ticket in Chicago: $32
- Burning Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Chicago Local Brewery Expedition with Homemade Guacamole: $63
- Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus: $100
- Chicago:Milwaukee City Highlights Day Trip with Brewery Tour: $106
- Chicago to Milwaukee Day Trip with Brewery Tour & City Highlights: $125
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guatemala City and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Guatemala City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Guatemala City is in Central America 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 Guatemala City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guatemala City 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 Guatemala City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guatemala City Expensive? and Is Chicago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guatemala City or Chicago?
Chicago has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Guatemala City. When comparing the sizes of Guatemala City 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.
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.