How much does a trip to Chicago cost
A week in Chicago runs roughly $547–$2736 per person, excluding flights.
Accommodation
Hostel / GuesthouseBudget
3-4★ HotelMid
5★ Luxury SuiteComfort
Indicative price — see live rates via the link.
Tours & Activities
Popular tickets, guided tours, and experiences to book online.
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
75-minute cruise with live narration past Chicago's iconic architecture
Skydeck Chicago Observation Deck
Step onto The Ledge glass box on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower
Field Museum of Natural History Entry
Meet SUE the T. rex, ancient Egyptian tombs and natural history treasures
Millennium Park & Cloud Gate Visit
See the famous Bean and Crown Fountain in the heart of downtown
Mobile internet (eSIM)
The easiest way to stay online in Chicago is an eSIM — activated right on your phone, no local SIM needed.
Prices on the ground
Tap a contactless card or phone directly on CTA turnstiles—no tickets needed; a $5 day pass pays off after 3 rides. Use Uber/Lyft/Curb for cabs—no flat airport rate, insist the meter runs. Tip 18–20%, it's expected. Skip deep-dish tourist traps on Michigan Ave; locals eat at Portillo's or neighborhood taquerias.
Total budget range
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food | $218 | $497 | $993 |
| Transit | $53 | $53 | $53 |
| Stay | $266 | $735 | $1680 |
| eSIM | $11 | $11 | $11 |
| Total per person | $547 | $1295 | $2736 |
Drag the days and people — everything recalculates instantly.
What’s next
FAQ
- How much money to bring to Chicago for a week?
- A week in Chicago costs roughly $547–$2736 per person, excluding flights.
- Is food and transit expensive in Chicago?
- Food runs $31–$142 a day and city transit about $8. Tap a contactless card or phone directly on CTA turnstiles—no tickets needed; a $5 day pass pays off after 3 rides. Use Uber/Lyft/Curb for cabs—no flat airport rate, insist the meter runs. Tip 18–20%, it's expected. Skip deep-dish tourist traps on Michigan Ave; locals eat at Portillo's or neighborhood taquerias.