Comparison · Chicago vs New York City · United States
Chicago vs New York City
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 and lower day-to-day costs; choose New York City for Statue of Liberty and Central Park. Chicago is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,144 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,144 km
- Less expensive
- Chicago
- Best time for Chicago
- May–June and September–October
- Best time for New York City
- April–June and September–October
Side by side
| Chicago | New York City | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Known for | Skyscraper architecture, Deep-dish pizza and The Bean (Cloud Gate) | Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Broadway |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September–October | April–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $250–$400 | $300–$500 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 29°C (84°F) | July, 29°C (84°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 0°C (32°F) | January, 4°C (39°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | North Avenue Beach | Coney Island and Brighton Beach |
| Airports | ORD, MDW | JFK, EWR, LGA |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Chicago for…
Skyscraper architecture, Deep-dish pizza and lower day-to-day costs. 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…
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Choose New York City for…
Statue of Liberty and Central Park. New York's five boroughs hold more than eight million people, but most visitors focus on Manhattan, a long island of skyscrapers with Central Park in the middle, and the parts of Brooklyn just across the East River. The grid of avenues and numbered streets…
Top sights compared
| # | Chicago | New York City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Millennium Park and Cloud Gate | Central Park |
| 2 | Art Institute of Chicago | Metropolitan Museum of Art |
| 3 | Chicago Architecture Center river cruise | Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island |
| 4 | Willis Tower Skydeck | Empire State Building |
| 5 | 360 Chicago observation deck | Top of the Rock |
Food compared
| Chicago | New York City |
|---|---|
| Deep-dish pizza | New York pizza slice |
| Tavern-style thin-crust pizza | Bagel with lox |
| Chicago-style hot dog | Pastrami on rye |
| Italian beef | Hot dog |
Which is cheaper?
Chicago is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $250–$400 per person there, against $300–$500 in New York City (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Chicago on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,144 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 10 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Chicago or New York City cheaper?
Chicago is usually less expensive: about $250–$400 a day mid-range against $300–$500 (estimates).
+Is Chicago or New York City better for a first trip?
Pick Chicago for Skyscraper architecture, Deep-dish pizza and lower day-to-day costs, or New York City for Statue of Liberty and Central Park.
+How far is Chicago from New York City?
About 1,144 km in a straight line.