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How Much Does Chicago Cost?
A complete daily budget breakdown for Chicago — from backpacker to luxury traveler.
Quick Budget Summary
Budget
$75
/day
$525 for 7 days
Mid-Range
$175
/day
$1,225 for 7 days
Luxury
$450
/day
$3,150 for 7 days
Current Hotel Prices
Daily Cost Breakdown
Category
Budget
Mid-Range
Luxury
Accommodation
$26
Hostels, guesthouses
$70
3-star hotels, Airbnb
$203
5-star hotels, boutiques
Food
$23
Street food, diners
$44
Casual restaurants
$90
Fine dining
Transport
$11
Public transit, walking
$26
Metro + occasional rideshare
$68
Private car, Uber Black
Activities
$15
Free museums, parks
$35
Paid attractions, tours
$90
VIP experiences, private guides
Total / Day
$75
$175
$450
Money-Saving Tips for Chicago
- Get a Chicago Card or use Ventra — CTA trains and buses cover nearly everything including O'Hare
- Deep-dish is a tourist ritual but locals eat thin-crust tavern-style: try Vito & Nick's or Pat's
- The Chicago Riverwalk is free and stunning — join an architecture boat tour departing from it
- Museum Campus groups the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium — buy a CityPASS to save 40%
- Visit during shoulder season (May to June, September to October) for the best balance of weather and prices
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