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

Should you visit Melbourne or Chicago?

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

Should I visit Melbourne 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.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a cultural, progressive, and livable city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chicago

Chicago is a cosmopolitan, diverse, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Melbourne and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Chicago?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chicago than Melbourne. While Melbourne is larger than Chicago, Chicago has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chicago is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Melbourne is known for its beaches. Chicago is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also home to The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). Melbourne is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.

How is Melbourne different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chicago is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Chicago are world-renowned. 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).

Many visitors head to Melbourne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Is Melbourne or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is very popular for its theatre productions. However, Melbourne is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Chicago draw crowds from around the world. 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.

Melbourne is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Chicago is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Melbourne is an experience not to be missed. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Melbourne or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Chicago is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Melbourne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Is Melbourne or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is very popular for its live music scene. However, Melbourne is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Chicago. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Melbourne is not a live music destination.

Is Melbourne or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a great destination for the beach. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Chicago has a beach worth visiting. 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 the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Chicago?

Chicago is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Chicago draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Melbourne or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Melbourne or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Melbourne does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Chicago. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Melbourne does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Melbourne or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Chicago is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Melbourne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Melbourne or Chicago Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Melbourne and Chicago make for a good place to visit.

Melbourne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Chicago is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Melbourne or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Melbourne and Chicago are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Chicago is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Is Melbourne or Chicago Better for Students?

Both Melbourne and Chicago are world-class destinations for students.

Many students frequent Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Students come from all over the world to visit Chicago. 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.

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

Chicago is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Chicago has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Melbourne. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Is Melbourne or Chicago a more walkable city?

Melbourne and Chicago are great when it comes to walkability.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

Chicago is a very walkable destination. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Chicago Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Chicago?

In either Melbourne or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Chicago has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Chicago than Melbourne. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

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

Because Melbourne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find museums and theater around the city of Chicago. 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 Melbourne or Chicago?

Because Melbourne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Melbourne has to offer.

You'll find theater and nightlife around the vibrant big city of Chicago. 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 Melbourne or Chicago?

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Melbourne has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the diverse city of Chicago. 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 Melbourne or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Melbourne. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, 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 Melbourne and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Melbourne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Melbourne is in Pacific 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 Melbourne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Melbourne 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 Melbourne.

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

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Chicago?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Chicago. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Chicago?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Chicago has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Melbourne or Chicago in the Summer?

Both Chicago and Melbourne during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Melbourne is cooler than Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Melbourne in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C)in July.

In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Melbourne. In the summer, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Chicagoin July. Melbourne gets 271 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. Melbourne usually gets less rain in January than Chicagoin July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Chicago. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. 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 April, Melbourne is generally a little warmer than Chicagoin October. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 15°C (60°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

Melbourne usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Chicagoin October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Melbourne or Chicago in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Chicago. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. 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. Melbourne is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 9°C (49°F) in July, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C)in January.

In the winter, Melbourne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chicagoin January. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in July than Chicagoin January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Chicago in the Spring?

Both Chicago and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Melbourne is a little warmer than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Melbourne in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C)in April.

It's quite sunny in Chicago. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. Melbourne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago during spring. Melbourne gets 216 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 October, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Chicagoin April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Melbourne