Which place is cheaper, Chicago or Valdosta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Valdosta or Chicago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Valdosta 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.
Where Should I go: Valdosta or Chicago?
Valdosta
Valdosta is a fast-growing city located in Southern Georgia in the United States. With a humid, subtropical climate, Valdosta is sometimes called the Azalea City, as the blossoms thrive in the area. The city is also home to many museums, galleries, restaurants, and venues for entertainment, as well as Valdosta State University.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayValdosta $136Chicago $288
The average daily cost (per person) in Valdosta is $136, 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 Valdosta and Chicago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personValdosta $70Chicago $198
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomValdosta $140Chicago $396
Compare Hotels in Valdosta and Chicago
Looking for a hotel in Valdosta 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: Valdosta Hotel Prices and Chicago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Valdosta $34Chicago $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chicago
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chicago:
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Parking$19
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Taxi Ride$10
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Taxi from Airport$45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chicago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chicago:
- Meet and Greet Private SUV Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $300
- Meet and Greet Private SUV Transfer from MDW to Downtown Chicago: $300
- RoundTrip transfer in private car from-to Chicago Airport (ORD)- Chicago City: $276
- Private SUV Transfer from Chicago Downtown to O'Hare airport: $240
- Private SUV Transfer from Chicago Downtown to Midway airport: $240
- Meet and Greet Private Sedan Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $240
- Departure Private Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Luxury Car: $233
- Arrival Private Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Luxury Car: $233
- Private Sedan Transfer from Chicago Downtown to O'Hare airport: $220
- Chicago Airport Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Luxury SUV: $202
- Departure Private Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Luxury SUV: $202
- Chicago Airport Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Luxury SUV: $202
Is it cheaper to fly into Valdosta or Chicago?
Prices for flights to both Chicago and Valdosta 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
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Food Meals for one dayValdosta $45Chicago $49
Typical Food Prices in Chicago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Chicago:
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Dinner for 1$24
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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.
- Traveling Spoon Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Chicago : Hands-on Cooking Classes With Local Chef: $55
- Downtown Pizza Guided Walking Tour with Tastings: $58
- Fulton Market Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $63
- Chicago's Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour: $63
- Lake Michigan Gourmet Brunch/Lunch/Dinner Cruise: $72
- Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Self-Guided Tour: $75
- Chicago Pizza Tour: $75
- Chicago West Loop Pizza Crawl: $79
- Chicago Bucktown-Wicker Park Pizza Crawl: $79
- Downtown Family Food Tour by Bike with Sightseeing: $80
- Nitti's Supper Club Dinner and Show: $85
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Valdosta $19Chicago $47
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chicago
Here are a few typical costs in Chicago for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Sears Tower (family of 4)$102
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Aquarium for 4$118
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Water Taxi (family of 4)$22
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IMAX Movie for Two$35
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Shakespeare Play (2)$116
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Art Institute (2)$36
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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:
- Chicagoland Sightseeing in Style Luxury Private Sedan: $190
- Field Museum of Natural History Early Access Ticket : $73
- 2 Hour Pier Fireworks and Evening Segway Tour in Chicago: $78
- 2-Hour Chicago Fireworks Segway Tour: $80
- 2-Hour Chicago Lakefront and Museum Campus Segway Tour: $68
- 2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Chicago: $65
- 2-Hour Haunted Segway Tour of Chicago: $78
- 3 Hours Chicago Architecture Tour - Skyscrapers and Photo Ops: $135
- Adults Party Art Experience: $66
- African American Heritage Tour of Chicago : $125
- Amazing Lakefront Segway Tour of Chicago: $79
- App Chicago self-guided tours with multilingual audioguides: $9.63
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayValdosta $27Chicago $25
Sample the Local Flavors in Chicago
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chicago:
- Malt Row Walking Brewery Tour: $30
- Walking tour to Chicago dive bars: $41
- Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour: $100
- Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valdosta and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Valdosta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valdosta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdosta 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 Valdosta.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Valdosta Expensive? and Is Chicago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Valdosta or Chicago?
Chicago has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Valdosta. When comparing the sizes of Valdosta 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 Valdosta 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 Valdosta or Chicago in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Valdosta as well as Chicago. Also, many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Valdosta is around the same temperature as Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valdosta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C).
It's quite rainy in Chicago. Valdosta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Valdosta usually gets more rain in July than Chicago. Valdosta gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyValdosta 82°F (28°C)Chicago 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Chicago in the Autumn?
Both Chicago and Valdosta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 October, Valdosta is generally a little warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Valdosta average around 69°F (20°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
In October, Valdosta usually receives more rain than Chicago. Valdosta gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberValdosta 69°F (20°C)Chicago 56°F (14°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Chicago in the Winter?
Both Chicago and Valdosta during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, 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. Valdosta is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Valdosta averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).
Valdosta usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. Valdosta gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryValdosta 51°F (11°C)Chicago 25°F (-4°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Chicago in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdosta and Chicago. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Valdosta is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valdosta in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C).
Chicago receives a lot of rain in the spring. Valdosta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Valdosta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chicago. Valdosta gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilValdosta 67°F (19°C)Chicago 52°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Chicago and Valdosta
| Valdosta | Chicago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
| Mar | 60°F (16°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Apr | 67°F (19°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| May | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 6.6 inches (168 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.9 inches (227 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 6.9 inches (175 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 6.7 inches (169 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (20°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Nov | 60°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
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.