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

Should you visit Reykjavik or Chicago?

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

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

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a safe, friendly, and clean city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant, multicultural, and edgey city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include theater, nightlife, and live music.

Reykjavik and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reykjavik or Chicago?

You'll generally find more things to do in Chicago than Reykjavik. Chicago is bigger than Reykjavik, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Chicago is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is well known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Chicago is well known for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. Also, Chicago is famous for The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower).

How is Reykjavik different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chicago is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Chicago from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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).

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Reykjavik or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is an amazing city to visit for theatre. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chicago is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Reykjavik or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Chicago has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Reykjavik or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Chicago is known as a music capital around the world. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Is Reykjavik or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Chicago is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

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.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Reykjavik or Chicago Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Chicago is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Chicago is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Reykjavik or Chicago?

Chicago is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Chicago. 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.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Reykjavik or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is an excellent place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Reykjavik or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a nice place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Reykjavik does not offer Christmas markets.

Chicago has Christmas markets worth visiting. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Reykjavik does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Reykjavik or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Reykjavik or Chicago Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

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 Reykjavik or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reykjavik and Chicago are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

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 Reykjavik or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

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

Chicago is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Chicago is top-notch. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Reykjavik or Chicago a more walkable city?

Reykjavik and Chicago are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Reykjavik is very walkable. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Reykjavik?

How long in Reykjavik or Chicago?

In either Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Reykjavik, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

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

In Reykjavik, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Reykjavik or Chicago?

In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik or Chicago?

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. 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 Reykjavik or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland, 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 Reykjavik and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Reykjavik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik.

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

Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik or Chicago in the Summer?

Both Chicago and Reykjavik during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking 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.

In July, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 11°C (52°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Reykjavik gets 171 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. Reykjavik usually gets less rain in July than Chicago. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Chicago. The autumn months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, 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.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Reykjavik is much colder than Chicago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 5°C (41°F) in October, and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Reykjavik gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Reykjavik usually receives more rain than Chicago. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Chicago in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Chicago. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Reykjavik 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. It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. In the winter, Reykjavik is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Reykjavik in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Chicago averages at about 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Reykjavik gets 27 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Reykjavik usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Chicago in the Spring?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In April, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 3°C (38°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Chicago. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during spring. Reykjavik gets 140 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, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Chicago. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Reykjavik