How Much Does Chicago Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Chicago offers a compelling mid-range price point for a major American metropolis, positioned between the high costs of coastal cities and the more affordable hubs of the Midwest. Daily budgets typically span from $95 for budget-conscious visitors to over $1,246 for those seeking a luxury experience in the city's premier suites. While the city's layout is dense and walkable, visitors must navigate unique financial hurdles, including a cumulative hotel tax of 17.4% and the highest restaurant sales tax in the country. This makes planning essential, especially when balancing iconic skyscraper views with the city's world-class culinary scene. The range of neighborhood styles, from the high-rise Loop to the artistic pockets of Wicker Park, allows for significant flexibility in daily spending.
Is Chicago expensive to visit?
Chicago is moderately expensive, with typical daily costs ranging from $95 to $1,246 depending on your preference for hostel stays or luxury boutique hotels.
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Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Chicago
$95
per person /day
$409
per person /day
$1,246
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $284 | $1,225 | $3,737 |
| 5-Day Trip | $473 | $2,043 | $6,229 |
| 7-Day Trip | $663 | $2,860 | $8,720 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is essential to include a 15–20% budget buffer to account for the 17.4% hotel tax and the standard 18–20% tipping expectation at restaurants. Additional hidden costs like the $25 daily 'urban fees' at many downtown hotels and the 10.25% sales tax on all purchases should also be factored into daily spending plans.
How Does It Compare?
See how Chicago stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Chicago
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Portillo's Chicago-Style Hot Dog A local staple. Costs approx ~$4.58. Never ask for ketchup! | $4.58 |
| Lou Malnati's Small Deep Dish Serves 1–2 people. Expect to pay ~$19 for the classic experience. | $19 |
| Draft Beer (Loop Neighborhood) Draft craft beers often cost ~$8.97–$12. Happy hours can save you ~$2.94. | $8.97 |
Transport (5)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| CTA 'L' Train Single Fare Single rides on the 'L' elevated train. Bus fares are slightly cheaper at ~$2.25. | $2.5 |
| CTA Blue Line O'Hare to City Standard fare for leaving O'Hare airport. Normal return trip to the airport is only ~$2.5. | $4.98 |
| Taxi/Uber O'Hare to Downtown Expect to pay ~$54–$65 depending on traffic and tips. Ride-share rates fluctuate wildly. | $55 |
| Ventra 1-Day Pass Unlimited rides on all CTA buses and trains for 24 hours. Costs ~$4.98. | $4.98 |
| Divvy Bike Day Pass Includes unlimited 30-minute rides on classic bikes for 24 hours. E-bikes cost extra. | $18 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| HI Chicago Hostel Dorm Bed Prices can rise to ~$71 during summer weekends. Includes bed linen and Wi-Fi. | $52 |
| Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop A typical mid-range boutique choice. Expect to pay ~$224–$294 depending on the season. | $223 |
| The Peninsula Chicago Luxury Suite One of the city's premier luxury options. Prices often exceed ~$883 during peak months. | $723 |
Activities (5)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Architecture River Cruise (Shoreline) The most popular tour in the city. Daytime cruises cost ~$54. | $54 |
| Skydeck Chicago Expedited Entry Includes priority access to elevators and The Ledge. Standard entry is ~$32. | $55 |
| Art Institute Fast Pass Admission Highest standard non-resident adult tier. General admission is ~$32. | $40 |
| Field Museum All-Access Pass Covers all ticketed exhibitions. Basic admission for non-residents is ~$29. | $43 |
| Chicago CityPASS (Adult) Includes entry to 5 top attractions. Saves ~$129 compared to buying separate tickets. | $142 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Airalo USA eSIM 50GB Plan Verified highest 30-day data-only tier for the USA. Works on AT&T/Verizon networks. | $43 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is defined by high-low extremes, where a classic Portillo's hot dog costs just $4.58, while a small deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's averages $19. Travelers should account for the mandatory 10.25% sales tax and the expected 18–20% service tip, which can add nearly a third to the base price of any sit-down meal.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Portillo's Hot Dogs
$7.97–$15River North / Loop · Local chain
Get the Italian Beef 'dipped' for the most authentic (and messy) experience for ~$8.96.
Al's Italian Beef
$8.97–$16Little Italy / Loop · Local chain
Ask for 'Giardiniera' (hot peppers) to make it a true Chicago beef for ~$1.49 extra.
Jim's Original
$6.47–$12Maxwell Street · Street food area
Includes a free bag of fries with every sandwich! Open 24/7.
Revival Food Hall
$14–$22The Loop · Food court
The best way to try famous local vendors like Smoque BBQ in one spot for under ~$20.
Art of Pizza
$5.98–$12Lakeview · Local chain
One of the few places you can buy deep-dish by the slice for ~$5.93.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the city is efficient via the CTA 'L' train system, where a single fare is $2.5 and a 24-hour Ventra Pass costs a budget-friendly $4.98. The 28km journey from O'Hare International Airport to downtown is most affordable via the Blue Line at $4.98, as a taxi for the same route typically costs around $55.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging prices fluctuate based on proximity to the Magnificent Mile, with hostel beds starting at $52 and mid-range boutique stays like Staypineapple in the Loop costing roughly $223. For high-end luxury, the Peninsula Chicago offers suites starting at $723, though seasonal demand can push these prices significantly higher.
Accommodation Budget in Chicago
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Purchase a Ventra 1-Day Pass for $4.98 to enjoy unlimited rides on all CTA buses and trains, making it the most cost-effective way to explore multiple neighborhoods.
- 2 Save over $129 on entry fees by using the Chicago CityPASS for $142, which covers five major attractions including the Skydeck and the Field Museum.
- 3 Avoid the $4.98 airport station surcharge by taking a short taxi or shuttle to the Rosemont station and boarding the Blue Line there for the standard $2.5 fare.
- 4 Visit the Garfield Park Conservatory, a world-class botanical facility that offers free admission, though reservations are often required.
- 5 Utilize 'BYOB' (Bring Your Own Bottle) restaurants in neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Park to avoid the $8.97–$12 markup on draft beers.
- 6 Explore the 2km Chicago Riverwalk on foot to enjoy the city’s famous architecture for $0, avoiding the $54 cost of a guided river cruise.
- 7 Look for 'Happy Hour' specials in the Loop between 16:00–18:00, where draft beers and appetizers can often be found for roughly $2.94 less than standard prices.
- 8 Check the 'Hot Tix' website or kiosks for half-price theater tickets to Broadway-style shows in the downtown Theater District.
- 9 Visit the Chicago Cultural Center to see the world's largest Tiffany stained-glass dome for free rather than paying for multiple observation decks.
- 10 Use a Divvy Bike Day Pass for $18 for short 30-minute trips along the 29km Lakefront Trail, a cheaper alternative to private bike rentals.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec
+30-50%
Jan, Feb, Mar
-40-60%
May, Sep, Oct
Winter (Jan–Feb) is brutally cold but hotels can drop below ~$100. Late spring and early fall offer the best weather for walking tours without the extreme humidity of July.
Events to Watch
- ● Lollapalooza (August): +100% hotels
- ● DNC or major conventions: +50% hotels
- ● St. Patrick's Day (March): Heavy crowds
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Millennium Park: Visit 'The Bean' (Cloud Gate) and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion for world-renowned public art and architecture.
- 2 Lincoln Park Zoo: One of the few major zoos in the United States that remains free to the public year-round.
- 3 Chicago Cultural Center: Admire the stunning interiors and the massive Tiffany dome at no cost.
- 4 The National Museum of Mexican Art: Located in the Pilsen neighborhood, this museum offers free admission to its extensive permanent collection.
- 5 Smart Museum of Art: A free museum on the University of Chicago campus featuring everything from European masterpieces to contemporary works.
- 6 Buckingham Fountain: Watch the massive water and light display which runs every hour on the hour (seasonal).
- 7 The Lakefront Trail: Walk or run along the 29km paved path with stunning views of Lake Michigan and the skyline.
- 8 Harold Washington Library Center: Head to the 9th floor to see the beautiful, glass-roofed Winter Garden.
- 9 Stony Island Arts Bank: A restored historic bank that now serves as a free gallery and cultural center on the South Side.
- 10 Maggie Daley Park: Explore the whimsical Garden and extensive play areas, though the skating ribbon requires a fee.
- 11 The 606 (Bloomingdale Trail): A 4.3km elevated park and trail built on a former rail line, perfect for a free neighborhood walk.
- 12 Smart Museum of Art: Explore this fine arts museum located at the University of Chicago, which is free for all visitors.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Alinea Tasting Menu
Consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world. It is a theatrical 3-hour culinary performance.
Chicago Helicopter Tour
Unbeatable views of the skyscraper grid and Lake Michigan at sunset for ~$188.
Private Architecture River Cruise
Avoid the crowds of 200 people on Shoreline and get a personalized history of the skyline for ~$348.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Chicago
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Chicago and what they cost
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
$50 by train
$22
$110
Indiana Dunes National Park
$18 by train
$15
$55
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
US Dollar (USD)
No
Everywhere including street vendors and buses (via Ventra/Contactless).
Heavily socially enforced. 20% is the modern standard for good service. For quick-service coffee, ~$1 is appreciated but not required.
Avoid 'generic' ATMs in convenience stores which charge ~$4.98 fees; use bank-branded ATMs (Chase, BMO) for better security and ~$2.94 fees.
Connectivity
eSIM: $4.12–$43 (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $29–$47 for 15GB at T-Mobile stores.
WiFi: Excellent in libraries, coffee shops, and downtown Millennium Park.
Use Airalo or Holafly eSIM for hassle-free data. Public Wi-Fi is common but often requires a marketing sign-up.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Chicago.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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