A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sydney vs. Chicago for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Sydney or Chicago?

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

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

Sydney

Sydney is a adventurous, glamorous , and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sydney travel costs.

Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant, multicultural, and edgey city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Chicago offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Chicago travel costs.

Sydney and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Chicago?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Chicago than Sydney. While Sydney is larger than Chicago, Chicago has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Chicago is very popular for its theatre productions, food, music, and christmas markets, while Sydney attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Sydney is famous for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. Chicago is famous 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).

How is Sydney different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Sydney or Chicago.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Sydney on the map. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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).

Is Sydney or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its shows and theatre. However, Sydney 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.

Sydney is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sydney. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

Is Sydney or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Sydney and Chicago.

The nightlife in Sydney is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

Chicago is a world class party destination. 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.

Is Sydney or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Sydney is not a live music destination.

In Chicago you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Sydney is not a live music destination.

Is Sydney or Chicago Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chicago is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Chicago is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Sydney is renowned for the beach. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Sydney is a very popular vacation destination. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

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.

Is Sydney or Chicago Better for Hiking?

Sydney 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 Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Chicago is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Chicago?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Chicago and Sydney.

Sydney is a world class destination for shoppers. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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.

Is Sydney or Chicago More Beautiful?

Sydney is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

Chicago is a gorgeous place to visit. The water makes this city a truly unique place to explore, and the world class architecture is not to be missed.

Is Sydney or Chicago Better for Families?

Sydney and Chicago are both terrific destinations for the whole family.

Sydney is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

Chicago is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Is Sydney or Chicago Better for Couples?

Sydney is renowned for couples. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Sydney has plenty to offer. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is renowned for backpackers. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sydney is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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.

Is Sydney or Chicago Better for Students?

Sydney and Chicago are terrific places to visit for students.

Sydney is a great destination for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Chicago is a very popular city 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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Sydney and Chicago.

Visitors in Sydney can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

Chicago has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

Is Sydney or Chicago a more walkable city?

Sydney and Chicago both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Chicago?

In either Sydney or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney than Chicago because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sydney, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

Families should spend more time in Chicago than Sydney. 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 Sydney than Chicago. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sydney that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney than Chicago 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 Sydney.

One day in Sydney or Chicago?

Because Sydney is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the big city destination of Chicago. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sydney or Chicago?

Because Sydney 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Chicago is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sydney or Chicago?

Sydney is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sydney has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chicago. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sydney or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sydney. Because Sydney is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the multicultural big city of Chicago. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Chicago?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Chicago. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Chicago?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Chicago has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sydney or Chicago in the Summer?

Both Chicago and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, 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.

Sydney is cooler than Chicago in the summer. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C)in July.

It's quite sunny in Chicago. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during summer. Sydney gets 236 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 Sydney. In January, Sydney usually receives more rain than Chicagoin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sydney or Chicago in the Autumn?

Both Chicago and Sydney during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Sydney because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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.

In the autumn, Sydney is a little warmer than Chicago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sydney in April average around 19°C (65°F), and Chicago averages at about 56°F (14°C)in October.

In the autumn, Sydney often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chicagoin October. Sydney gets 195 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 Sydney. Sydney usually gets more rain in April than Chicagoin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Chicago in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Chicago. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Furthermore, 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. In July, Sydney is generally much warmer than Chicagoin January. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 12°C (53°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during winter. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Sydney usually receives more rain than Chicagoin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sydney or Chicago in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Chicago. Many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Chicago in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Sydney is much warmer than Chicago in the spring. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the spring, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Chicagoin April. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chicago. Sydney usually gets less rain in October than Chicagoin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Sydney