Cost of Living in Chicago
How much does it cost to visit Chicago? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Pedro Lastra / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
USD 150
per day
Weekly: USD 1050
Monthly: USD 4500
Examples
- 🏨Hostel dorm bed at HI Chicago HostelUSD 45
- 🍽️Deep dish pizza slice from Lou Malnati'sUSD 15
- 🚌Chicago L Train 1-day CTA passUSD 10
- 🎟️Explore Millennium Park and The BeanUSD 0
- 🎟️Walk along the Lakefront TrailUSD 0
- 🍽️Hot dog from Portillo'sUSD 10
- 🎟️Visit the Art Institute of Chicago (free for Illinois residents)USD 25
- 🍽️Sandwich from Al's Italian BeefUSD 15
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
USD 350
per day
Weekly: USD 2450
Monthly: USD 10500
Examples
- 🏨Standard room at The Freehand ChicagoUSD 180
- 🍽️Brunch at Lula CafeUSD 40
- 🚌Day pass on the CTA trains and busesUSD 10
- 🎟️Architecture Boat Tour on the Chicago RiverUSD 50
- 🍽️Dinner at Girl & the GoatUSD 80
- 🎟️Explore Navy PierUSD 20
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
USD 700
per day
Weekly: USD 4900
Monthly: USD 21000
Examples
- 🏨Deluxe King room at The Langham ChicagoUSD 550
- 🍽️Tasting menu at AlineaUSD 350
- 🚌Private car service for the dayUSD 150
- 🎟️Visit the Skydeck Chicago at Willis TowerUSD 35
- 🎟️Private guided tour of the Art Institute of ChicagoUSD 100
- 🍽️Cocktails at The Signature Lounge at the John Hancock CenterUSD 50
Cost by Category
accommodation
$70 - $200
food
$50 - $150
Transport
$10 - $30
activities
$20 - $100
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Loop | Luxury | At center | first-timers, culture |
| River North | Luxury | Slightly higher than center | nightlife, foodies |
| Lincoln Park | Mid-range | Slightly lower than center | families, couples |
| Wicker Park/Bucktown | Mid-range | Lower than center | solo travelers, nightlife |
Money-Saving Tips for Chicago
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
Find the best hotel deals in Chicago
Compare prices from USD 150/night across thousands of hotels.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Found your hotel in Chicago?
We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage Privé. Most people save 14-23%.
FAQ: Chicago Costs
How much does it cost to visit Chicago?
Budget travellers can visit Chicago for around USD 150/day (USD 1050/week). Mid-range travellers should budget USD 350/day, while luxury travel costs around USD 700/day.
Is Chicago expensive?
Chicago is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least USD 150/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Chicago?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Chicago, budget USD 350/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Chicago?
Budget travellers in Chicago can get by on USD 150/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.