Which city is cheaper, Chicago or Miami?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Miami and Chicago can help you decide which place is right for you.
Miami is a exciting, diverse, and bustling beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.
Chicago is a diverse, vibrant, and multicultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for theater, nightlife, and live music.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chicago and Miami. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Miami and Chicago can be difficult as they are each unique in their own way.
Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is known for its Stone Crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and Key Lime pie.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chicago is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.
Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Miami and Chicago.
Miami has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy.
Chicago is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.
Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Miami or Chicago.
Miami is a world class music destination. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.
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.
Miami and Chicago are good choices for a beach vacation.
Many people head to Miami to enjoy the beach. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all.
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.
Shopping is a popular activity in both Chicago and Miami.
Miami is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases.
Known for shopping, Chicago draws large crowds to its stores. The most famous shopping area is Michigan Avenue and the famous Magnificent Mile.
Chicago offers a wider variety of activities for kids than Miami.
Chicago is a very family-friendly place 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.
For families, Miami is not always the best place to visit. Because it's so big, you'll find some kid-friendly options in the area. There are kid-friendly museums and activities around the city.
Both Miami and Chicago are good destinations to visit as a couple.
Couples visit Miami frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be.
Chicago makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods.
Miami and Chicago are comparable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Miami is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.
It's common for backpackers to visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.
Students usually think of Chicago as better than Miami.
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 common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.
Chicago provides more public transit options than Miami.
Public transit in Chicago is top-notch. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.
While Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.
Miami and Chicago both are comparable when exploring on foot.
Miami is very walkable. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.
Chicago is a very walkable beach city. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.
In either Miami or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Miami because of the overall number of sights and activities.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Miami is 7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Chicago is 3-5 days.
Because Miami is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
In Chicago, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this multicultural big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
Because Miami 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. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chicago. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Miami is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.
Chicago is a fun place to experience. In Chicago, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Miami. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
You'll find shopping and museums around the multicultural big city of Chicago. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $164, while the average daily cost in Chicago is $221. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Miami and Chicago in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Miami 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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chicago:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chicago:
Prices for flights to both Chicago and Miami 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Chicago:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chicago.
Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few typical costs in Chicago for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Chicago for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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.
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chicago:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Miami and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Miami much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Miami would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Miami 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 Miami.
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Both Chicago and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.
In July, Miami is generally a little warmer than Chicago. Temperatures in Miami average around 83°F (28°C), and Chicago stays around 77°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Chicago. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago during summer. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. It's quite rainy in Miami. In July, Miami usually receives more rain than Chicago. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Chicago and Miami during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Miami this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chicago for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Miami is much warmer than Chicago in the autumn. The temperature in Miami is usually 78°F (26°C) in October, and Chicago stays around 56°F (14°C).
It's quite sunny in Miami. In the autumn, Miami often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually gets more rain in October than Chicago. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Chicago. Many travelers come to Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chicago in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Chicago can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Miami is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Miami in January are around 67°F (20°C), and Chicago is about 25°F (-4°C).
In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during winter. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Miami usually receives more rain than Chicago. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Miami as well as Chicago. Many visitors come to Miami in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Miami is generally much warmer than Chicago. Temperatures in Miami average around 75°F (24°C), and Chicago stays around 52°F (11°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the spring, Miami often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Chicago. Miami usually gets less rain in April than Chicago. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Miami | Chicago | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
Feb | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
Mar | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
Apr | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
May | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
Aug | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
Sep | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
Oct | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
Nov | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
Dec | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
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