Which place is cheaper, Chicago or Savannah?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Savannah 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.
Savannah is a charming, scenic, and historic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.
Chicago is a cosmopolitan, diverse, and vibrant 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.
You'll generally find more things to do in Chicago than Savannah. Chicago is bigger than Savannah, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Chicago is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Savannah is more popular for its historical sights. Chicago is more touristy than Savannah and is 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). Savannah is well known for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chicago and Savannah. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Chicago is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Chicago that are not to be missed. 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 Savannah specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.
Chicago is an amazing city to visit for theatre. However, Savannah 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.
Savannah is not a theatre destination.
Chicago is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.
Savannah has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.
Chicago is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. However, Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.
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.
Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.
Chicago is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Savannah is not a live music destination.
Chicago is a world class music destination. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.
Savannah is not a live music destination.
For a relaxing beach holiday, both Savannah and Chicago are notable choices.
Savannah is a good option for a beach vacation. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.
Many people head to Chicago to enjoy the beach. 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.
Savannah is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Chicago does not have a historic old town.
There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Savannah. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.
Chicago does not have a historic old town.
Chicago is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.
Chicago is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.
Savannah is well-known for its shopping. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.
Chicago is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Savannah does not offer Christmas activities.
Chicago is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.
Savannah does not offer Christmas activities.
Chicago is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Savannah 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.
Savannah does not offer Christmas markets.
Chicago is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.
Savannah is a family-friendly city. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.
Savannah is a great destination for couples. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
Couples visit Savannah frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.
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.
Both Savannah and Chicago are notable destinations for backpackers.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Savannah. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.
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.
Chicago is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.
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.
Plenty of students visit Savannah. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Chicago is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Savannah is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.
Public transit in Chicago is top-notch. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.
Public transit is mostly limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.
Savannah and Chicago both are great when exploring on foot.
Savannah is very walkable. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place 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 Savannah Worth Visiting? and Is Chicago Worth Visiting?.
In either Savannah or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Savannah because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Savannah, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.
Families should spend more time in Chicago than Savannah. 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 Savannah. 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 Savannah 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.
In Savannah, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.
Chicago is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
In Savannah, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Savannah has to offer.
Chicago is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Savannah is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chicago, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Savannah. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Savannah. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
Chicago is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Savannah is $160, while the average daily cost in Chicago is $288. 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 Savannah and Chicago in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Savannah 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 specific examples of transportation prices in Savannah:
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 Savannah 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Savannah.
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.
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Savannah are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Savannah are as follows:
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 specific costs for nightlife related activities in Savannah:
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 Savannah and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Savannah much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Savannah would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Savannah 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 Savannah.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Savannah Expensive? and Is Chicago Expensive?.
Chicago has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Savannah. When comparing the sizes of Savannah 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.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Savannah and Chicago. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Savannah 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 July, Savannah is generally around the same temperature as Chicago. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 82°F (28°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In Savannah, it's very sunny this time of the year. Savannah usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during summer. Savannah gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun in the summer.
Chicago receives a lot of rain in the summer. Savannah gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Savannah usually receives more rain than Chicago. Savannah gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Savannah as well as Chicago. Many travelers come to Savannah for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, 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.
Savannah is a little warmer than Chicago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Savannah this time of the year. In the autumn, Savannah often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Savannah gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun.
Savannah usually gets more rain in October than Chicago. Savannah gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Chicago and Savannah are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Savannah 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. In the winter, Savannah is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Savannah in January average around 49°F (9°C), and Chicago averages at about 25°F (-4°C).
Savannah usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during winter. Savannah gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Savannah usually receives more rain than Chicago. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Chicago and Savannah during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Savannah for the beaches and the natural beauty 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 April, Savannah is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 66°F (19°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Savannah. In the spring, Savannah often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Savannah gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun.
Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Savannah usually gets less rain in April than Chicago. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Savannah | Chicago | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 49°F (9°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
Feb | 52°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
Mar | 59°F (15°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
Apr | 66°F (19°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
May | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 5.9 inches (150 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 7.9 inches (200 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 6.5 inches (164 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
Sep | 77°F (25°C) | 5.6 inches (141 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
Oct | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
Nov | 59°F (15°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
Dec | 52°F (11°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |