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

Should you visit Wellington or Chicago?

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

Should I visit Wellington 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.

Wellington

Wellington is a laid-back, funky, and compact city. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Chicago

Chicago is a cosmopolitan, diverse, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Wellington and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wellington or Chicago?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chicago than Wellington, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chicago is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Wellington is known for its beaches and hiking. Wellington is popular for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. Chicago is popular for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also home to The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower).

How is Wellington different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chicago is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Chicago are world-renowned. 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).

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

Is Wellington or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Wellington 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.

Wellington is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Wellington is an experience not to be missed. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Is Wellington or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Wellington is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

Is Wellington or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Wellington is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Chicago. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Wellington is not a live music destination.

Is Wellington or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Wellington is a great destination for the beach. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Wellington is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

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 Wellington or Chicago Better for Hiking?

Wellington is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Chicago is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wellington. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Chicago is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wellington or Chicago?

Chicago is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Chicago draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Wellington. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Is Wellington or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Wellington does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Chicago is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Wellington does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Wellington or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

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

Wellington does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Wellington or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Wellington is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

Is Wellington or Chicago Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Wellington and Chicago make for a good place to visit.

Wellington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Chicago is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Wellington or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wellington is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Wellington is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow 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 Wellington or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

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

Chicago is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

The public transit in Wellington can get you to most places easily. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

Is Wellington or Chicago a more walkable city?

Wellington and Chicago are great when it comes to walkability.

Wellington is a very walkable city. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Wellington?

How long in Wellington or Chicago?

In either Wellington or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Wellington because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Wellington, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

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

In Wellington, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

When visiting Chicago, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wellington or Chicago?

In Wellington, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wellington has to offer.

When visiting Chicago, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Wellington or Chicago?

Wellington is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wellington or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wellington. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wellington. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Chicago is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Wellington or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Wellington 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 Wellington or Chicago?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington 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 Wellington or Chicago in the Summer?

Both Chicago and Wellington during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wellington 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 the summer, Wellington is cooler than Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wellington in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C)in July.

In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wellington. In the summer, Wellington often gets less sunshine than Chicagoin July. Wellington gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Wellington usually gets less rain in January than Chicagoin July. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wellington or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Chicago. Many travelers come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, 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 April, Wellington is generally around the same temperature as Chicagoin October. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 15°C (58°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

Wellington usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Wellington gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Wellington usually receives more rain than Chicagoin October. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Wellington or Chicago in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Chicago. Many visitors come to Wellington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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. Wellington is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 10°C (49°F) in July, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C)in January.

In the winter, Wellington often gets less sunshine than Chicagoin January. Wellington gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Wellington receives a lot of rain in the winter. Wellington usually gets more rain in July than Chicagoin January. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wellington or Chicago in the Spring?

Both Chicago and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Wellington for the beaches 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 the spring, Wellington is a little warmer than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wellington in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C)in April.

It's quite sunny in Chicago. Wellington usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during spring. Wellington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. In October, Wellington usually receives less rain than Chicagoin April. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Wellington