Which place is cheaper, Chicago or Roatan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Roatan or Chicago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Roatan and Chicago. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Roatan or Chicago?
Roatan
Your next great vacation lies just thirty miles off the north coast of Honduras. Right above the world's largest coral reef is the island of Roatan. As a popular tourist attraction and standard cruise destination, it's not uncommon to see tons of Americans during your trip. In fact, the cruising industry has had huge impact on the island's culture. While ships are in port, traffic will be heavier and prices may go up. Because of the growth of tourism, most locals speak both Spanish and English.
Chicago
Located in the Midwest, Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. It has a population of almost 3 million and a metropolitan area that covers more than 10,000 square kilometers. It is also a hub for music, comedy and theater. It's skyline is beautiful with modern skyscrapers and Lake Michigan as a backdrop. It is easy to stay entertained in Chicago for weeks. There are world class museums, upscale or eclectic shopping opportunities, and impressive architecture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Honduras, The Best Adventure Tours to Honduras, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
-
Roatan Prices
Honduras PricesChicago Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRoatan $42Chicago $323
The average daily cost (per person) in Roatan is $42, while the average daily cost in Chicago is $323. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Roatan and Chicago in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRoatan $10Chicago $198
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRoatan $20Chicago $396
Compare Hotels in Roatan and Chicago
Looking for a hotel in Roatan 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Chicago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Roatan $17Chicago $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Roatan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Roatan are as follows:
-
Water Taxi$3.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Roatan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Roatan:
- Airport, Hotel or Cruise Port, Ferry Roatan Private Transfer: $35
- Discover Scuba Diving in Roatan at Upachaya with Private Transfer: $150
- Honduras Roatan Airport (RTB) to Roatan -Round-Trip Transfer: $113
- King Kong Extreme Zipline, City Tour and Transfer: $80
- Let's Go Native Roatan City Cultural Tour, Transfer: $80
- Mahogany Bay Cruise Port to Roatan - Arrival Private Transfer: $56
- Mahogany Bay Cruise Port to Roatan Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
- Mahogany Bay Cruise Port to Roatan Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $122
- Private Transfer from Honduras Roatan Airport (RTB) to Roatan Hotels: $153
- Roatan East End Cultural Experience, Island Lunch & Private Transfer: $95
- Roatan Island hotels to Mahogany Bay Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $61
- Roatan Private Transfers: Airport, Cruise Port or Hotel: $110
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chicago
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chicago:
-
Parking$19
-
Taxi Ride$10
-
Taxi from Airport$45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chicago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chicago:
- Airport transfer between Chicago O'Hare and Milwaukee: $38
- ORD Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $40
- Private Airport Transfer to/from ORD Airport: $43
- Private Transfer ORD Airport to Chicago / Milwaukee / Oak Brook: $46
- Private Transfer Chicago Airport MDW to Chicago Downtown: $50
- Chicago to Chicago Airport (MDW) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
- Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Chicago -Arrival Private Transfer: $74
- Chicago to Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) - Departure Private Car Transfer: $74
- Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) to Chicago hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
- Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Chicago hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $76
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport private transfer, pick up: $80
- Private Arrival Transfer from Chicago Airports (ORD) (MDW): $90
Is it cheaper to fly into Roatan or Chicago?
Prices for flights to both Chicago and Roatan 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.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayRoatan $15Chicago $85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Roatan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Roatan.
- Cooking classes from a Local!: $245
Typical Food Prices in Chicago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Chicago:
-
Dinner for 1$24
-
Dinner for 3$118
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chicago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chicago.
- Pizza Walking or Bus Tour: $59
- Tamales and Tacos with Margarita Cooking Class at Su Casa: $59
- Traveling Spoon Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Private Online Cooking Class: $59
- Deep Dish Cooking Class at Pizzeria Uno in Chicago: $59
- City Cruises Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $63
- Downtown Chicago Walking Pizza Tour: $69
- Chicago West Loop Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Cookies, & More: $70
- Downtown Pizza Guided Walking Tour with Tastings: $73
- City Cruises Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise: $74
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Chicago: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $75
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Roatan $25Chicago $47
Tours and Activities in Roatan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Roatan are as follows:
- Custom Private Roatan Shuttle Tour: Explore at Your Own Pace: $30
- Roatan Island Tours, Sightseeing and Shopping Adventures: $39
- Roatán Ron and Chocolate Custom Tour.: $40
- Roatan VIP island tour in Honduras: $41
- Roatan Comprehensive Real Estate Tour Experience: $45
- Roatan Zipline & Eco walk/Suspension Bridge Combo Tours: $45
- 1 Stop Snorkel Adventure with Beach Break: $45
- Customizable Best Of Roatan Island Tour in Honduras: $45
- Roatan VIP Free-Style Private Tour: $49
- Extreme Zip Line Adventure at Mahogany Bay: $49
- Goodman's Island Style Roatan Highlights Tour: $50
- Customizable Roatán Private Tour: Rum, Chocolate & Island Culture: $50
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chicago
Here are a few typical costs in Chicago for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Sears Tower (family of 4)$102
-
Aquarium for 4$118
-
Water Taxi (family of 4)$22
-
IMAX Movie for Two$35
-
Shakespeare Play (2)$116
-
Art Institute (2)$36
-
U-Boat Tour (2)$8.00
Tours and Activities in Chicago
Here are a few actual costs in Chicago for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Discover A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $1.15
- Sip Happens: Chicago Loop Prohibition Tour: $5.00
- Chicago Downtown Sports History Adventure: $5.00
- Hyde Park Walking Tour History Race and Urban Change: $5.00
- Chicago Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Chicago 80's Movie Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $6.00
- Chicago’s Ragtime & Jazz Eras: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Chicago Art Heist: Millennium Park Puzzle Adventure: $7.39
- Lincoln Park Zoo Adventure: $8.00
- Chicago Chinatown: Dragon Kings Puzzle Adventure: $8.21
- Chicago’s Millennium Park Self Guided Audio GPS Walking Tour: $9.75
- Self-Guided Chicago Loop Tour Explore the City at Your Own Pace: $9.99
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.
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRoatan $6.52Chicago $25
Sample the Local Flavors in Roatan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Roatan:
- Bar Crawl Tour in West End Village by Pedibike- Let the Good Times Roll: $80
- Roatan ATV Adventure, Island Tour and Craft Brewery Experience: $99
- Roatan Horseback Ride, Island Tour and Brewery Tasting: $125
Sample the Local Flavors in Chicago
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chicago:
- Astounding Chicago Bar Crawl: Chi-Town Showdown: $15
- Rising Stars Burlesque Revue Tickets in Chicago: $30
- Burlesque Peep Show Ticket in Chicago: $32
- Burning Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Chicago Local Brewery Expedition with Homemade Guacamole: $63
- Chicago Local Brewery Expedition with Homemade Guacamole: $63
- Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour: $100
- Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus: $100
- Chicago to Milwaukee Day Trip with Brewery Tour & City Highlights: $125
- Chicago to Milwaukee: 1-Day City Highlights w/Miller Brewery: $125
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Roatan and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Roatan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Roatan is in Central America 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 Roatan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Roatan 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 Roatan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Roatan Expensive? and Is Chicago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Roatan or Chicago?
Chicago has a larger population, and is about 380 times larger than the population of Roatan. When comparing the sizes of Roatan 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.