A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Roanoke vs. Chicago for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Roanoke or Chicago?

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

Should I visit Roanoke 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a scenic, outdoorsy, and laid back town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chicago

Chicago is a cosmopolitan, diverse, and vibrant 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 museums, theater, and nightlife.

Roanoke and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Roanoke or Chicago?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chicago than Roanoke. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Chicago is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Roanoke attracts visitors for its hiking. Chicago is more touristy than Roanoke and is popular 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). Roanoke is famous for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Roanoke different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chicago is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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).

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

Is Roanoke or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is renowned for its shows and theatre. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Roanoke or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Chicago is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Roanoke or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is renowned for its music scene. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a live music destination.

Is Roanoke or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Chicago is a popular place for the beach. However, Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Chicago is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Roanoke or Chicago Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Chicago is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Roanoke. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Chicago is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Chicago?

Chicago is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Roanoke is a great destination for shopping. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Roanoke or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is a great city for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Roanoke does not offer Christmas activities.

Chicago is a very popular destination during Christmas. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Roanoke does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Roanoke or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Roanoke or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Roanoke or Chicago Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Roanoke frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

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 Roanoke or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Roanoke and Chicago are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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 Roanoke or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Roanoke is not popular with students.

Many students frequent 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.

Roanoke is not popular with students.

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

Chicago is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, Roanoke is not known for its public transit.

Chicago has a great public transit system. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

Public transit is generally limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Roanoke or Chicago a more walkable city?

Chicago is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its walkability.

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

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Chicago?

In either Roanoke or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Roanoke because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Roanoke, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

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

In Roanoke, you'll find museums and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Because Chicago is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Roanoke or Chicago?

In Roanoke, you'll find nightlife and shopping. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Roanoke has to offer.

Because Chicago 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Roanoke or Chicago?

Roanoke is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chicago has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Roanoke or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Roanoke. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Roanoke. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chicago. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Chicago. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Roanoke. When comparing the sizes of Roanoke 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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke or Chicago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Chicago. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Roanoke is around the same temperature as Chicago in the summer. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In the summer, Roanoke often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Roanoke gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chicago. Roanoke receives a lot of rain in the summer. Roanoke usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Chicago. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Chicago in the Autumn?

Both Chicago and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, 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 the autumn, Roanoke is a little warmer than Chicago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Roanoke in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Chicago averages at about 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. Roanoke usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Roanoke gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Chicago. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Roanoke or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Roanoke during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Roanoke in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. Roanoke can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Roanoke is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 38°F (3°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Roanoke often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Roanoke gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Roanoke usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Chicago in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Chicago. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Roanoke is a little warmer than Chicago in the spring. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. Roanoke usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during spring. Roanoke gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Roanoke usually receives less rain than Chicago. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Roanoke