United States · tool
How much does Chicago cost?
Daily budget breakdown across three tiers — so you can realistically plan your Chicago trip before you book anything.
Photo by Max Bender on Unsplash
Chicago, United States travel budget
Realistic daily cost per person across three spending tiers. All figures in USD.
Budget
$100–$175
per day
Hostels, street food, public transit
Accommodation
$30–$60
Hostel dorm bed or a budget-friendly Airbnb outside the immediate downtown core.
Food
$30–$50
Street food, casual diners, food trucks, and groceries from a local supermarket.
Transport
$10–$20
Chicago L train and bus passes for extensive travel around the city.
Activities
$20–$30
Free museum days, Millennium Park, walking tours, and exploring neighborhoods.
Misc
$10–$15
Small souvenirs, occasional coffee, or incidentals.
Mid-range
$290–$480
per day
3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis
Accommodation
$120–$200
Comfortable 3-star hotel or a well-located Airbnb/VRBO apartment.
Food
$70–$120
Mix of casual sit-down restaurants, popular mid-range eateries, and maybe one nicer dinner.
Transport
$30–$60
Occasional ride-shares (Uber/Lyft) or taxis, supplemented by public transit.
Activities
$50–$70
Entry to major museums (Art Institute, Field Museum), architectural boat tours, or observatory visits.
Misc
$20–$30
Shopping for moderate items, drinks at a casual bar, or tips for services.
Luxury
$650–$1300
per day
4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers
Accommodation
$300–$600
Luxury 4-5 star hotel in a prime downtown location or a high-end suite.
Food
$150–$300
Fine dining experiences, tasting menus, and premium cocktails at upscale bars.
Transport
$70–$150
Private car services, airport transfers, and frequent use of taxis/ride-shares.
Activities
$80–$150
Private tours, premium seats at shows (theater, sports), exclusive experiences, or high-end shopping.
Misc
$50–$100
Spa treatments, designer souvenirs, or generous tipping for all services.
Destination-specific money tips
- •Chicago is a major US city; credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are accepted almost everywhere. Inform your bank before traveling.
- •ATMs are plentiful, but using one outside your bank's network will likely incur fees from both the ATM owner and your bank.
- •Tipping is expected: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, $1-2 per bag for hotel bellhops, and 10-15% for taxi/rideshare drivers.
- •Deep-dish pizza is a Chicago staple, but be aware that prices can vary significantly between tourist traps and local favorites.
- •While many attractions have hefty entrance fees, Chicago offers many free activities like Millennium Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, and exploring diverse neighborhoods.
Plan the rest of your Chicago trip
Trip budgets elsewhere