Which place is cheaper, Chicago or Veracruz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Veracruz or Chicago?
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 Veracruz and Chicago can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Veracruz or Chicago?
Veracruz
Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
-
Veracruz Prices
Mexico PricesChicago Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVeracruz $143Chicago $323
The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $143, 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 Veracruz and Chicago in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVeracruz $49Chicago $198
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVeracruz $98Chicago $396
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Chicago
Looking for a hotel in Veracruz 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.
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: Veracruz Hotel Prices and Chicago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Veracruz $26Chicago $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz
Also for Veracruz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
- Private Transfer to Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $37
- Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
- Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $42
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:
- Group Van Transfers from Chicago O'Hare and Midway Airports: $300
- 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: $257
- Arrival Private Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Luxury Car: $255
- Private SUV Transfer from Chicago Downtown to O'Hare airport: $240
- Meet and Greet Private Sedan Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $240
- Curbside SUV Transfer from O'Hare/Midway to Downtown Chicago: $240
- Curbside SUV Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $240
- SUV transfer from downtown Chicago to O'hare Midway Airport: $240
- Meet and Greet Private Sedan Transfer from MDW to Downtown Chicago: $240
- Private SUV Transfer from Chicago Downtown to Midway airport: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Chicago?
Prices for flights to both Chicago and Veracruz 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 dayVeracruz $78Chicago $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.
- 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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Veracruz $13Chicago $47
Tours and Activities in Veracruz
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.
- Panoramic Sightseeing Bus City Tour of Veracruz: $8.00
- 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $23
- Mandinga And Boat Trip Tour: $24
- Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $25
- San Juan De Ulua Tour: $26
- Veracruz City Tour with San Juan de Ulúa and Mandinga Boat: $46
- Live a Kayak Experience: $85
- Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán: $87
- Full Day Tour to Alvarado and Tlacotalpan from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $92
- Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation: $92
- Tour with Certified Guide to Xalapa, Xico and Coatepec: $95
- Full Day Coffee Guided Tour in Coatepec: $98
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
- 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
- African American Heritage Tour of Chicago : $125
- Amazing Lakefront Segway Tour of Chicago: $52
- American Writers Museum Admission Ticket: $16
- Architectural and Historical Private Tour in Downtown Chicago: $199
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 dayVeracruz $16Chicago $25
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Veracruz and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Veracruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Veracruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Veracruz 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 Veracruz.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Veracruz Expensive? and Is Chicago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Chicago?
Chicago has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Veracruz. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz 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 Veracruz or Chicago?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Veracruz or Chicago in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Chicago. Additionally, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.
In the summer, Veracruz is around the same temperature as Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Veracruz 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 Veracruz this time of the year. In the summer, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Veracruz gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Chicago. Veracruz receives a lot of rain in the summer. Veracruz usually gets more rain in July than Chicago. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVeracruz 27°C (81°F)Chicago 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Veracruz or Chicago in the Autumn?
Both Chicago and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Chicago for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Veracruz is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 26°C (79°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
Veracruz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago during autumn. Veracruz gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Veracruz. In October, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Chicago. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVeracruz 26°C (79°F)Chicago 56°F (14°C)
Should I visit Veracruz or Chicago in the Winter?
Both Chicago and Veracruz during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Chicago in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Chicago can get quite cold in the winter. Veracruz is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 21°C (71°F) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).
In the winter, Veracruz often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Veracruz gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.
Veracruz usually gets less rain in January than Chicago. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVeracruz 21°C (71°F)Chicago 25°F (-4°C)
Should I visit Veracruz or Chicago in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Chicago. Also, most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Veracruz is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Veracruz in April average around 26°C (78°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 Veracruz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Veracruz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago during spring. Veracruz gets 203 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, Veracruz usually receives less rain than Chicago. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVeracruz 26°C (78°F)Chicago 52°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Chicago and Veracruz
| Veracruz | Chicago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (71°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
| Feb | 22°C (71°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
| Mar | 24°C (74°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 410 mm (16.1 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 346 mm (13.6 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (76°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 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.