Chicago vs Ottawa
Which city is right for your trip in 2026?
Updated March 2026
Quick Comparison
💰
Daily Budget
Chicago: USD 150/day
Ottawa: CAD 120/day
🛡️
Safety
Chicago: Safe
Ottawa: safe
Chicago
United States
Ottawa
Canada
Country
United States
Canada
Population
2.7M
1.0M
Timezone
America/Chicago
America/Toronto
Avg Temperature
15°C
12°C
Best Months
May, Aug, Sep
May, Aug, Sep
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Ottawa cheaper?
Budget travellers spend around USD 150/day in Chicago compared to CAD 120/day in Ottawa.
Is Chicago or Ottawa safer?
Chicago is rated "Safe" while Ottawa is rated "safe" for tourists. Both are popular destinations with millions of visitors each year.
Should I visit Chicago or Ottawa?
It depends on your priorities. Ottawa is cheaper for budget travellers. Check the full comparison above for weather, ratings, and more details.
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