Which place is cheaper, Berkshires or Chicago?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Chicago or Berkshires?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Chicago and Berkshires can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Chicago or Berkshires?
Chicago
Located in the Midwest, Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. It has a population of almost 3 million and a metropolitan area that covers more than 10,000 square kilometers. It is also a hub for music, comedy and theater. It's skyline is beautiful with modern skyscrapers and Lake Michigan as a backdrop. It is easy to stay entertained in Chicago for weeks. There are world class museums, upscale or eclectic shopping opportunities, and impressive architecture.
Berkshires
The Berkshires are a popular highland destination in the western part of Massachusetts and northwest Connecticut. The region has scenic landscape, hiking, lakes, recreational opportunities and other outdoor experiences. The Berkshires also has an impressive cultural scene with music, arts, museums, and live theaters.
The Berkshires can be a bit expensive to visit if you stay at a luxury resort and take advantage of the award winning restaurants in the area. Alternatively, the experience can be equally rewarding by camping, picnicking, and spending your time hiking and enjoying the beautiful natural setting.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.
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Chicago Prices
USA PricesBerkshires Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChicago $323Berkshires $297
The average daily cost (per person) in Chicago is $323, while the average daily cost in Berkshires is $297. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chicago and Berkshires in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChicago $198Berkshires $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChicago $396Berkshires $282
Compare Hotels in Chicago and Berkshires
Looking for a hotel in Chicago or Berkshires? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Chicago Hotel Prices and Berkshires Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chicago $37Berkshires $47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chicago
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chicago:
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Parking$19
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Taxi Ride$10
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Taxi from Airport$45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chicago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chicago:
- Chicago Private Airport Transfer (ORD) to City: $99
- Chicago to Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD): Departure Transfer: $103
- Airport Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago by Luxury SUV: $222
- Airport transfer between Chicago O'Hare and Milwaukee: $38
- Arrival Private Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Business Car: $165
- Arrival Private Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Luxury Car: $255
- Arrival Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago by Luxury SUV: $177
- Chicago ↔ Midway Airport, Top Rated Private Sedan Transfer: $133
- Chicago Airport (MDW) to Chicago - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $150
- Chicago Airport Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Business Car: $167
- Chicago Airport Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Luxury SUV: $222
- Chicago Airport Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport in Luxury SUV: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Chicago or Berkshires?
Prices for flights to both Berkshires and Chicago change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayChicago $85Berkshires $126
Typical Food Prices in Chicago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Chicago:
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Dinner for 1$24
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Dinner for 3$118
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chicago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chicago.
- Traveling Spoon Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Private Online Cooking Class : $59
- Downtown Pizza Guided Walking Tour with Tastings: $73
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Chicago: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Chicago: $75
- Downtown Family Food Tour by Bike with Sightseeing: $80
- Chicago Food Tour & Solve a Murder: Interactive True Crime Tour: $82
- Taste of Chicago's Chinatown Food Tours: $85
- Vito's Vault Chicago finest dinner theatre speakeasy: $85
- Downtown Classics Food Tour: Deep Dish, Beef Sandwich & More: $89
- City Cruises Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $93
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chicago $47Berkshires $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chicago
Here are a few typical costs in Chicago for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Sears Tower (family of 4)$102
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Aquarium for 4$118
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Water Taxi (family of 4)$22
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IMAX Movie for Two$35
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Shakespeare Play (2)$116
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Art Institute (2)$36
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U-Boat Tour (2)$8.00
Tours and Activities in Chicago
Here are a few actual costs in Chicago for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Eastside Chicago The Heist Exploration Game and Tour: $7.13
- Dragon Kings Quest Experience in Chinatown Chicago: $7.13
- Haunted Chicago Exploration Game and Tour: $7.13
- Chicago Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $7.82
- Chicago Chocolate Tour: $8.00
- Lincoln Park Zoo Adventure: $8.00
- Chicago Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Chicago’s Millennium Park Self Guided Audio GPS Walking Tour: $9.75
- Chicago Haunted Ghost Tour GPS Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
- Chicago’s Ragtime & Jazz Eras: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Illinois Holocaust Museum presents Experience360 Ticket: $12
- Chicago Millennium Park Self-Guided Walking Tour: $13
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Free Things to Do in Chicago, Chicago Bucket List: The Best Places to See, and The Best Museums in Chicago.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChicago $25Berkshires $31
Sample the Local Flavors in Chicago
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chicago:
- Chicago Bar Crawl: Chi-Town Showdown: $15
- Chicago Local Brewery Expedition with Homemade Guacamole: $63
- Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour: $100
- Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus: $100
- Chicago:Milwaukee City Highlights Day Trip with Brewery Tour: $106
When comparing the travel costs between Chicago and Berkshires, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chicago Expensive? and Is Berkshires Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Chicago or Berkshires?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Chicago or Berkshires in the Summer?
Both Berkshires and Chicago are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Chicago is generally a little warmer than Berkshires. Daily temperatures in Chicago average around 77°F (25°C), and Berkshires fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
It's quite sunny in Berkshires. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. Chicago usually receives more sunshine than Berkshires during summer. Chicago gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Berkshires receives 289 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Chicago. In July, Chicago usually receives more rain than Berkshires. Chicago gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Berkshires receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChicago 77°F (25°C)Berkshires 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Chicago or Berkshires in the Autumn?
Both Berkshires and Chicago during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Chicago in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Chicago is a little warmer than Berkshires in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chicago averages around 56°F (14°C) in October, and Berkshires fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
In the autumn, Chicago often gets more sunshine than Berkshires. Chicago gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berkshires receives 162 hours of full sun.
Chicago usually gets less rain in October than Berkshires. Chicago gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Berkshires receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChicago 56°F (14°C)Berkshires 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Chicago or Berkshires in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chicago and Berkshires. Most visitors come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Berkshires can be very cold. Chicago can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Chicago is a little warmer than Berkshires. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chicago in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and Berkshires averages at about 22°F (-6°C).
Chicago usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Berkshires during winter. Chicago gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Berkshires receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Chicago usually receives around the same amount of rain as Berkshires. Chicago gets 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain, while Berkshires receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChicago 25°F (-4°C)Berkshires 22°F (-6°C)
Should I visit Chicago or Berkshires in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Chicago as well as Berkshires. The spring months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Chicago is generally a little warmer than Berkshires. Daily temperatures in Chicago average around 52°F (11°C), and Berkshires fluctuates around 47°F (9°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Berkshires. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In the spring, Chicago often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Berkshires. Chicago gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berkshires receives 223 hours of full sun.
Chicago receives a lot of rain in the spring. Chicago usually gets more rain in April than Berkshires. Chicago gets 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain, while Berkshires receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChicago 52°F (11°C)Berkshires 47°F (9°C)
Typical Weather for Berkshires and Chicago
| Chicago | Berkshires | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Feb | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 24°F (-4°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
| Mar | 41°F (5°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.5 inches (63 mm) |
| Apr | 52°F (11°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) | 47°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Jun | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 67°F (20°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| Sep | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Oct | 56°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Nov | 44°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 41°F (5°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Dec | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 28°F (-2°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.