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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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