Comparison · Chicago vs Minneapolis · United States
Chicago vs Minneapolis
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: File:Chicago River ferry.jpg : John Picken derivative work: Georgfotoart, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
Choose Chicago for Skyscraper architecture, Deep-dish pizza, beaches and a milder winter; choose Minneapolis for Chain of Lakes, Spoonbridge and Cherry and lower day-to-day costs. Minneapolis is generally less expensive, and the two are about 571 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 571 km
- Less expensive
- Minneapolis
- Best time for Chicago
- May–June and September–October
- Best time for Minneapolis
- June–September
Side by side
| Chicago | Minneapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Known for | Skyscraper architecture, Deep-dish pizza and The Bean (Cloud Gate) | Chain of Lakes, Spoonbridge and Cherry and Mississippi riverfront |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September–October | June–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $250–$400 | $200–$320 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 29°C (84°F) | July, 28°C (82°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 0°C (32°F) | January, -6°C (21°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | North Avenue Beach | — |
| Airports | ORD, MDW | MSP |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Chicago for…
Skyscraper architecture, Deep-dish pizza, beaches and a milder winter. Chicago spreads along the shore of Lake Michigan, with a downtown of landmark skyscrapers framed by the river and the lakefront parks. Most visitors base themselves in the Loop, River North or Streeterville and reach almost everything on foot or by the L…
Choose Minneapolis for…
Chain of Lakes, Spoonbridge and Cherry and lower day-to-day costs. Minneapolis grew up around St. Anthony Falls, the only major waterfall on the Mississippi, where flour mills once made it the milling capital of the world. Today the old mill district holds the Mill City Museum, the Guthrie Theater and the Stone Arch Bridge…
Top sights compared
| # | Chicago | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Millennium Park and Cloud Gate | Minneapolis Sculpture Garden |
| 2 | Art Institute of Chicago | Walker Art Center |
| 3 | Chicago Architecture Center river cruise | Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) |
| 4 | Willis Tower Skydeck | Mill City Museum |
| 5 | 360 Chicago observation deck | Stone Arch Bridge and St. Anthony Falls |
Food compared
| Chicago | Minneapolis |
|---|---|
| Deep-dish pizza | Jucy Lucy |
| Tavern-style thin-crust pizza | Walleye |
| Chicago-style hot dog | Wild rice soup |
| Italian beef | Tater tot hotdish |
Which is cheaper?
Minneapolis is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $200–$320 per person there, against $250–$400 in Chicago (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Minneapolis on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Chicago and Minneapolis are about 571 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Chicago and 3 in Minneapolis.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Chicago or Minneapolis cheaper?
Minneapolis is usually less expensive: about $200–$320 a day mid-range against $250–$400 (estimates).
+Is Chicago or Minneapolis better for a first trip?
Pick Chicago for Skyscraper architecture, Deep-dish pizza, beaches and a milder winter, or Minneapolis for Chain of Lakes, Spoonbridge and Cherry and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Chicago from Minneapolis?
About 571 km in a straight line.