Which place is cheaper, Chicago or Jerusalem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jerusalem or Chicago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Chicago, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Jerusalem or Chicago?
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.
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 Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, 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 dayJerusalem $108Chicago $288
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $108, 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 Jerusalem and Chicago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $64Chicago $198
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $128Chicago $396
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Chicago
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem 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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices and Chicago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $6.74Chicago $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Local Bus$3.17
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Light Rail Jerusalem$9.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:
- Private Transfer From Ben Gurion Airport To Haifa Hotels : $300
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Allaenby Bridge: $105
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
- Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
- Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
- Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
- Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $300
- Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $148
- Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
- Private Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
- Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
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:
- Chicago O´Hare International Airport Private Transfer One-Way: $27
- Airport transfer between Chicago O'Hare and Milwaukee: $38
- Private Arrival Transfer from Chicago Airports ORD Or MDW: $50
- Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Chicago hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Chicago to Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD): Departure Transfer: $57
- Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) to Arrival Private Transfer: $57
- Chicago to Chicago Airport (MDW) - Departure Private Transfer: $58
- Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Chicago -Arrival Private Transfer: $58
- ORD Airport Private Transfer to/from Chicago: $81
- Private one-way airport transfer O'Hare Airport to/from Chicago : $86
- Private Transfer Chicago to Chicago Airport by Luxury Car or SUV: $87
- MDW Airport Private Transfer to/from Chicago: $100
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Chicago?
Prices for flights to both Chicago and Jerusalem 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 dayJerusalem $32Chicago $49
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Orange Juice$2.69
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Watermelon$4.04
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Lunch$12
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Food at Market$15
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Juice$2.69
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Bagels$8.07
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Lunch for 2$15
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Snacks$5.65
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.
- Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $96
- Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $115
- The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $117
- Christmas Eve in Israel: Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour with Dinner and Midnight Mass Viewing in Bethlehem: $125
- Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $170
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.Jerusalem $8.55Chicago $47
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Cooking Classes for 2$34
Tours and Activities in Jerusalem
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:
- 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
- In The Footsteps of Jesus Day Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App: $7.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
- Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20
- Independent graffiti tour in Jerusalem at your own time and pace: $22
- Self-Guided Tour at Machne Yehuda Market with Chef Tali Fridman: $25
- Old City Shabbat Experience and Walking Tour: $28
- Guided Walking Tour of the Old City: $30
- Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $30
- Guided Shabbat Experience in Jerusalem: $30
- Old City Highlights Tour: $39
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:
- Discovering Chicago with Walking In App Audio Tour: $6.00
- Haunted Sites Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.50
- Vice, Crime and Gangsters Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Chicago’s Ragtime & Jazz Eras: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Vice, Crime and Gangsters in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Must-Sees & Hidden Gems In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
- Chicago White Sox Baseball Game Ticket: $9.25
- Chicago White Sox Baseball Game Ticket at Guaranteed Rate Field: $9.32
- App Chicago self-guided tours with multilingual audioguides: $9.69
- Millennium Park Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
- Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
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 dayJerusalem $16Chicago $25
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Beer$4.84
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 Jerusalem and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Jerusalem much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East 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 Jerusalem would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Chicago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Chicago?
Chicago has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem or Chicago?
Chicago has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jerusalem experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Jerusalem or Chicago in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Chicago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Jerusalem is generally around the same temperature as Chicago. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 23°C (73°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun in the summer.
Chicago receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Chicago. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyJerusalem 23°C (73°F)Chicago 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Chicago in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Chicago. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.
Jerusalem is a little warmer than Chicago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the autumn, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun.
Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Chicago. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJerusalem 19°C (66°F)Chicago 56°F (14°C)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Chicago in the Winter?
Both Chicago and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Chicago. In the winter, Jerusalem is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jerusalem in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Chicago averages at about 25°F (-4°C).
Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during winter. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Chicago. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJerusalem 8°C (46°F)Chicago 25°F (-4°C)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Chicago in the Spring?
Both Chicago and Jerusalem during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Chicago in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Jerusalem is generally a little warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 16°C (61°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Jerusalem gets 269 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. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Chicago. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJerusalem 16°C (61°F)Chicago 52°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Chicago and Jerusalem
| Jerusalem | Chicago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.