Which place is cheaper, Chicago or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Chicago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Islamabad and Chicago can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Islamabad or Chicago?
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
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 Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, 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 dayIslamabad $42Chicago $288
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, 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 Islamabad and Chicago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Chicago $198
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Chicago $396
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Chicago
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad 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: Islamabad Hotel Prices and Chicago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67Chicago $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
- Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
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:
- Meet and Greet Private SUV Transfer from MDW to Downtown Chicago: $300
- Meet and Greet Private SUV Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $300
- RoundTrip transfer in private car from-to Chicago Airport (ORD)- Chicago City: $276
- Private SUV Transfer from Chicago Downtown to O'Hare airport: $240
- Meet and Greet Private Sedan Transfer from MDW to Downtown Chicago: $240
- Private SUV Transfer from Chicago Downtown to Midway airport: $240
- Meet and Greet Private Sedan Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $240
- Arrival Private Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Luxury Car: $234
- Private Sedan Transfer from Chicago Downtown to O'Hare airport: $220
- Arrival Private Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Luxury SUV: $203
- Chicago Airport Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Luxury SUV: $203
- Chicago Airport Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Luxury SUV: $203
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Chicago?
Prices for flights to both Chicago and Islamabad 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 dayIslamabad $15Chicago $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.Islamabad $9.48Chicago $47
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Private Tour: Half Day Islamabad Saidpur Village Exploration Tour: $80
- Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
- Guided Top 5 Wonders Exploration Tour: $95
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
- Full Day Private City Tour Of Islamabad: $99
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
- Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
- From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
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 dayIslamabad $2.88Chicago $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 Islamabad and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Islamabad is in Asia 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 Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad 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 Islamabad.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Chicago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Chicago?
Chicago has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad 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 Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Chicago in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Chicago. Additionally, most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the summer, Islamabad often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Chicago. Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Chicago. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 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 JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Chicago 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Islamabad or Chicago in the Autumn?
Both Chicago and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chicago because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Islamabad is much warmer than Chicago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Chicago. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 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 OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Chicago 56°F (14°C)
Should I visit Islamabad or Chicago in the Winter?
Both Chicago and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.
It's quite cold in Chicago in the winter. In the winter, Islamabad is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Chicago averages at about 25°F (-4°C).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Chicago. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 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 JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Chicago 25°F (-4°C)
Should I visit Islamabad or Chicago in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Chicago. Also, many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.
Chicago receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Chicago. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 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 AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Chicago 52°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Chicago and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Chicago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.