A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Fernando vs. Chicago for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Fernando or Chicago?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Fernando or Chicago, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: San Fernando or Chicago?

San Fernando

As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Chicago or San Fernando?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in San Fernando is $188, while the average daily cost in Chicago is $323. 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 San Fernando and Chicago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Fernando $74
    Chicago $198
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Fernando $148
    Chicago $396
Compare Hotels in San Fernando and Chicago

Looking for a hotel in San Fernando or Chicago? 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.

Hotels in San Fernando


Hotels in Chicago


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Fernando $50
    Chicago $37

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chicago

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chicago:


  • Parking
    $19
  • Taxi Ride
    $10
  • Taxi from Airport
    $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chicago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chicago:

  • Meet and Greet Private SUV Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $300
  • Meet and Greet Private SUV Transfer from MDW to Downtown Chicago: $300
  • Departure Private Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Luxury Car: $256
  • Private SUV Transfer from Chicago Downtown to Midway airport: $240
  • Curbside SUV Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $240
  • Private SUV Transfer from Chicago Downtown to O'Hare airport: $240
  • Private Chicagoland One-Way Transfer by Mercedes Sprinter : $229
  • Chicago Airport Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Luxury SUV: $221
  • Airport Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago by Luxury SUV: $221
  • Private Sedan Transfer from Chicago Downtown to O'Hare airport: $220
  • Private Sedan Transfer from Chicago Downtown to Midway airport: $220
  • Private Luxury 6-Pax SUV Limo Transfer from or to Chicagoland Airport and Suburb: $210

Is it cheaper to fly into San Fernando or Chicago?

Prices for flights to both Chicago and San Fernando 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    San Fernando $83
    Chicago $85

Typical Food Prices in Chicago

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Chicago:


  • Dinner for 1
    $24
  • 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.

  • Tamales and Tacos with Margarita Cooking Class at Su Casa: $59
  • Downtown Pizza Guided Walking Tour with Tastings: $73
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $75
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $75
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Chicago: $75
  • Downtown Family Food Tour by Bike with Sightseeing: $80
  • Vito's Vault Chicago finest dinner theatre speakeasy: $85
  • Chicago Loop District Food Tour with Deep Dish & Beef Sandwich: $89
  • City Cruises Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $93
  • Secret Food Tour: $93
  • City Cruises Premier Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $94
  • River North Walking Food Tour: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Fernando $28
    Chicago $47

Typical Entertainment Prices in Chicago

Here are a few typical costs in Chicago for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Sears Tower (family of 4)
    $102
  • Aquarium for 4
    $118
  • Water Taxi (family of 4)
    $22
  • IMAX Movie for Two
    $35
  • Shakespeare Play (2)
    $116
  • Art Institute (2)
    $36
  • 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:

  • Field Museum of Natural History Early Access Ticket : $73
  • 2 Hour Chicago Landmarks & Lakefront E-Bike Tour: $69
  • 2 Hour Chicago Pier Fireworks & Evening Segway Tour: $78
  • 2 Hour Private Chicago Soul House Tour: $65
  • 2-Hour Chicago Lakefront & Museum Campus Segway Tour: $67
  • 2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Chicago: $65
  • 3 Hours Chicago Architecture Tour - Skyscrapers and Photo Ops: $135
  • 360 Chicago Observation Deck Sip and View Ticket: $44
  • 90 minute Chicago's Chinatown History and Culture Tour: $30
  • A Storied Neighborhood: A Self-Guided Audio Tour with Bill Ayers: $5.40
  • African American Heritage Tour of Chicago : $125
  • Amazing Lakefront Segway Tour of Chicago: $52

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Fernando $22
    Chicago $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Chicago

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chicago:

  • 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Fernando and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is San Fernando much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Fernando is in Caribbean Islands and Chicago is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to San Fernando would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Fernando and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago than you might in San Fernando.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Fernando Expensive? and Is Chicago Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, San Fernando or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of San Fernando. When comparing the sizes of San Fernando and Chicago, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit San Fernando or Chicago?

Chicago has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Fernando experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit San Fernando or Chicago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to San Fernando as well as Chicago. San Fernando attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, San Fernando is around the same temperature as Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Fernando in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Fernando this time of the year. In the summer, San Fernando often gets less sunshine than Chicago. San Fernando gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chicago. San Fernando receives a lot of rain in the summer. San Fernando usually gets more rain in July than Chicago. San Fernando gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Chicago 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit San Fernando or Chicago in the Autumn?

Both Chicago and San Fernando are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Fernando throughout the year. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

In October, San Fernando is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in San Fernando average around 27°C (81°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. San Fernando usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago during autumn. San Fernando gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in San Fernando. In October, San Fernando usually receives more rain than Chicago. San Fernando gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Chicago 56°F (14°C)

Should I visit San Fernando or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and San Fernando during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Fernando because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chicago. San Fernando is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in San Fernando averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

It's quite sunny in San Fernando. In the winter, San Fernando often gets more sunshine than Chicago. San Fernando gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

San Fernando usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. San Fernando gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Fernando 26°C (78°F) 
    Chicago 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit San Fernando or Chicago in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Fernando and Chicago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Fernando year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chicago in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, San Fernando is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Fernando in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In San Fernando, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Fernando usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during spring. San Fernando gets 238 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, San Fernando usually receives less rain than Chicago. San Fernando gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Chicago 52°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Chicago and San Fernando

San Fernando Chicago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 25°F (-4°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 29°F (-2°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 41°F (5°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in) 52°F (11°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in) 76°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 56°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 44°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)