A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marseille vs. Chicago for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Marseille or Chicago?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille 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.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant, multicultural, and edgey city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and beaches.

Marseille and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marseille or Chicago?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chicago than Marseille. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Chicago is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Marseille attracts visitors for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Marseille is famous for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Chicago is famous for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also well known for The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower).

How is Marseille different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chicago is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Chicago has many famous sights for visitors. 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).

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Marseille or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its shows and theatre. However, Marseille is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Chicago. 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.

Marseille is not a theatre destination.

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

Foodies will find both Marseille and Chicago both to be terrific destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Marseille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Many restaurants in Chicago have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Is Marseille or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Both Marseille and Chicago have terrific vibes after the sun sets.

People head to Marseille just to party. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.

The nightlife in Chicago is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Is Marseille or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Marseille is not a live music destination.

Chicago has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Marseille is not a live music destination.

Is Marseille or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Both Marseille and Chicago have nice beaches worth visiting.

Marseille has a beach worth visiting. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Chicago. 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 Marseille or Chicago Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Chicago does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Marseille is one of the most recognized in the world. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.

Chicago does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Chicago?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Chicago specifically to go shopping. 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.

Marseille is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Is Marseille or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is an excellent place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Marseille does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Chicago is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Marseille does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Marseille or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille and Chicago are both places where visitors can find nice Christmas markets.

Marseille has Christmas markets worth visiting. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Chicago is a nice place to see Christmas markets. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Is Marseille or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Marseille is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Chicago is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Marseille doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Is Marseille or Chicago Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Marseille frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

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 Marseille or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marseille and Chicago are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marseille. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

Chicago is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Is Marseille or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Chicago is a great destination for students. 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Marseille. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

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

Chicago is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Chicago can get you around easily. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

You'll find some public transit in Marseille, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Marseille or Chicago a more walkable city?

Marseille and Chicago are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Marseille is a very walkable destination. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.

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 Marseille Worth Visiting? and Is Chicago Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Chicago?

In either Marseille or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Marseille because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Marseille, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

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

In Marseille, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Chicago because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marseille or Chicago?

In Marseille, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marseille has to offer.

People visit Chicago because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marseille or Chicago?

Marseille is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

People visit Chicago because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Marseille or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Marseille. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Chicago is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marseille or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Marseille. When comparing the sizes of Marseille 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 Marseille 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 Marseille or Chicago in the Summer?

Both Chicago and Marseille during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Marseille is around the same temperature as Chicago in the summer. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 24°C (75°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 Marseille. In the summer, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Marseille gets 366 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. Marseille usually gets less rain in July than Chicago. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Chicago. The autumn months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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.

In the autumn, Marseille is a little warmer than Chicago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marseille in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Chicago averages at about 56°F (14°C).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marseille usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago during autumn. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Marseille usually receives more rain than Chicago. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marseille or Chicago in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Chicago. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marseille this time of 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 January, Marseille is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 7°C (44°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Chicago. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Chicago in the Spring?

Both Chicago and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Chicago in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Marseille is a little warmer than Chicago in the spring. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Chicago. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during spring. Marseille gets 245 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, Marseille usually receives less rain than Chicago. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Marseille