Deciding between Chicago and New York is a personal choice. Nearly 65 million people visited NYC in 2024 vs. 55.3 million in Chicago, so they’re pretty well matched from a tourism perspective. One offers a fast-paced city life. The other is more laid-back. One is more expensive; the other is more affordable. Both offer excellent foodie options, so you’re all set there. So, how do you choose? This guide will help you compare both cities in terms of their attractions, food scene, and overall vibe to help you make an informed decision.
Cost Comparison: Budget Breakdown for Your Trip
New York tends to be more expensive than Chicago. For example, the cost of living (including rent) is 48.2% higher in New York than in Chicago. Rental prices alone are 69.6% higher in NYC than in Chicago, Illinois.
This often leaks into the costs for tourists, so you can expect to pay more for accommodation and travel expenses. This means Chicago will likely be slightly cheaper to visit, stay, and eat than New York. But if you’re looking for luxury, you’ll find it in both cities. Chicago has cheaper public transport and free attractions that can reduce your total costs.
| New York | Chicago | Summary | |
| Accommodation | New York City hotels and short-term rentals cost +$250 a night in popular areas like Manhattan. | Chicago offers more affordable hotel options and short-term rentals. Many properties offer up to 65% off along popular spots like Michigan Avenue. | Budget travelers will generally find better value in Chicago for places to stay. |
| Transport | NYC’s extensive subway and bus system offers unlimited 7-day passes for about $34. It’s convenient but can be crowded for tourists. Taxis are expensive. | Chicago’s “L” train system and buses provide a 7-day unlimited pass for around $28. Taxis and ride-shares like Uber are cheaper in Chicago. | Chicago’s public transport is slightly cheaper and easier to use for first-time visitors. |
| Food and Dining | $20-$40 per person at many restaurants, especially in tourist-heavy areas. | $15-$30 per meal for local dishes like deep-dish pizza. | You can find affordable street food and casual dining in both cities. |
| Entertainment | Iconic sights like the Statue of Liberty or Broadway shows in NYC can cost +$50. | Many free or cheap attractions (e.g. Millennium Park and Navy Pier). | You can save with city passes for multiple attractions in both cities but Chicago is often cheaper. |
In short, Chicago offers more affordable travel with plenty of iconic sights and local flavors. New York is more expensive, but offers unbeatable cultural landmarks and entertainment options for those who can afford it.
Top Attractions and Things to Do
Both cities have world-class museums and iconic architecture that make visiting them attractive options, not to mention vibrant cultural scenes that keep many tourists coming back.
Chicago’s Must-See Attractions
Chicago’s highlights include Millennium Park and the Navy Pier, alongside architectural tours featuring the city’s famous skyline. Here are some of the city’s other must-see attractions:
- Millennium Park and Cloud Gate (“The Bean”)
- Willis Tower Skydeck
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Chicago River Architecture Cruise
- Navy Pier attractions and lakefront views
New York’s Top Destinations
New York City offers unique landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and renowned museums such as the Met and MoMA. Others includes:
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- Times Square and Broadway shows
- Central Park and the High Line Metropolitan Museum of Art and Museum of Modern Art
- Empire State Building and One World Observatory
Food Scene Face-Off
Chicago is famous for its Midwestern hospitality. You’ll find no shortage of hearty and iconic comfort foods like deep-dish pizza and craft beer here. New York offers perhaps the most diverse culinary scene in the U.S., offering everything from street food vendors to Michelin-starred restaurants, along with cuisines from almost every country in the world. Both are excellent for foodies, but they are quite different.
Chicago’s Signature Dishes and Food Culture
You’ll need to try:
- Deep-dish pizza
- Chicago-style hot dogs
- Italian beef sandwiches
- Polish sausages and pierogies
New York’s Diverse Culinary Experiences
Make sure you try:
- Bagels with lox and deli sandwiches
- Diverse ethnic foods (e.g., Chinese in Chinatown, Italian in Little Italy)
- Food markets and street vendors
- High-end dining and fusion cuisines
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Chicago and New York have similar climates: cold winters and warm summers. Chicago is often colder and windier, especially in winter and close to Lake Michigan. Summer is warm in both places, often reaching the upper 70s to 80s °F (around 25-30 °C). Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are great times to visit Chicago or New York as they’re often less crowded and have more pleasant temperatures than the height of summer or winter.
Which City Matches Your Travel Style?
When deciding between Chicago vs. New York, think about what you’re looking to get out of your holiday and choose the destination to match. For example:
- Choose Chicago if you prefer a more laid-back vibe with architectural beauty, a manageable size, and slightly lower travel costs.
- Opt for New York if you have the budget and want a fast-paced urban experience with plenty of entertainment and cultural events.
Visit Pequod’s in Chicago
If you’ve decided to visit Chicago, you’ve made a great choice, and you won’t regret it. Don’t forget to taste the city’s most famous food while you’re here. For an authentic Chicago dining experience, Pequod’s Pizza is a must-visit for its acclaimed caramelized crust deep-dish pizza. Contact us to make a reservation today.
@sawyerbengtson by Sawyer Bengtson is licensed with Unsplash License