Comparison · Chicago vs Toronto · United States / Canada
Chicago vs Toronto
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 and Deep-dish pizza; choose Toronto for CN Tower, Multicultural food and lower day-to-day costs. Toronto is generally less expensive, and the two are about 701 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 701 km
- Less expensive
- Toronto
- Best time for Chicago
- May–June and September–October
- Best time for Toronto
- May–October
Side by side
| Chicago | Toronto | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | Canada |
| Known for | Skyscraper architecture, Deep-dish pizza and The Bean (Cloud Gate) | CN Tower, Multicultural food and Toronto Islands |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September–October | May–October |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $250–$400 | $200–$350 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 29°C (84°F) | July, 27°C (81°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 0°C (32°F) | January, -1°C (30°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | North Avenue Beach | Woodbine Beach |
| Airports | ORD, MDW | YYZ, YTZ |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Chicago for…
Skyscraper architecture and Deep-dish pizza. 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 Toronto for…
CN Tower, Multicultural food and lower day-to-day costs. Toronto is Canada's largest city, spread along the north shore of Lake Ontario around a compact downtown of glass towers, Victorian streets and the CN Tower. Visitors come for big museums such as the ROM and the AGO, food from every corner of the world in…
Top sights compared
| # | Chicago | Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Millennium Park and Cloud Gate | CN Tower |
| 2 | Art Institute of Chicago | Ripley's Aquarium of Canada |
| 3 | Chicago Architecture Center river cruise | Royal Ontario Museum |
| 4 | Willis Tower Skydeck | Art Gallery of Ontario |
| 5 | 360 Chicago observation deck | St. Lawrence Market |
Food compared
| Chicago | Toronto |
|---|---|
| Deep-dish pizza | Peameal bacon sandwich |
| Tavern-style thin-crust pizza | Butter tart |
| Chicago-style hot dog | Jamaican beef patty |
| Italian beef | Trinidadian roti |
Which is cheaper?
Toronto is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $200–$350 per person there, against $250–$400 in Chicago (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Toronto on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 701 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 9 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Chicago or Toronto cheaper?
Toronto is usually less expensive: about $200–$350 a day mid-range against $250–$400 (estimates).
+Is Chicago or Toronto better for a first trip?
Pick Chicago for Skyscraper architecture and Deep-dish pizza, or Toronto for CN Tower, Multicultural food and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Chicago from Toronto?
About 701 km in a straight line.