Can You Visit Chicago On A Budget?

Visit Chicago The Cheaper And More Affordable Way

Chicago is a city of life, culture, and history, but how affordable is the city? Whether you've planned your trip to the Windy City and wondered if your wallet will survive, you came to the right place! Let us speak about all these things and show that Chicago can be an adventure for those with tight budgets, too.

Accommodations That Don't Break The Bank 

Depending on the time of year and the location of the stay, lodging in Chicago can range from extremely cheap to quite expensive. The hotels would be more expensive, but it would be handy to stay downtown, maybe in a neighborhood like River North or The Loop.

If your budget is more constrained, look into areas a little outside of downtown, such as Logan Square or Pilsen. Older, more charming areas are available, and they're far less expensive and accessible via public transit. You also get to experience the local way of life away from the visitors. 

Pro tip: Take into account hostels, and low-cost hotels, or search further for a discount on some of the top applications for vacation rentals.

Delicious Eats On A Dime

Chicago is known for its food—from deep-dish pizza to Chicago-style hot dogs. It can be really easy to let eating out add up quickly when living in a big city. The good news? There are many dining options that are sufficiently affordable to fit your cravings on a tight budget.

For a true taste of Chicago, have a slice of deep dish at Lou Malnati's or Giordano's. Pequod's Pizza is somewhat cheaper, as is a quick stop for a Chicago-style hot dog at Portillo's.

Then there is the amazing food truck scene and the endless neighborhood eateries where you can get great food for less than $15. City farmers' markets—particularly in summer—will keep you supplied with fresh, healthy snacking at reasonable prices.

Is Chicago An Affordable Family City?

Those coming with their kids will feel happy to note that in Chicago, the family-friendly activity options are there aplenty to curb all your budgetary concerns. In fact, in Chicago, all parks and playgrounds come free of cost, and entry tickets for main attractions such as the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum are considerably cheap.

According to the time of the year you arrive, by month, you might be able to catch seasonal festivals, parades, and outdoor movie nights that are so much fun for all ages.

Is Chicago Really Affordable To Visit?

So, is Chicago a cheap place to visit? It depends on your trip planning. While Chicago isn't the cheapest city in the U.S., it is decidedly far from the most expensive. With many free attractions, a good range of affordable dining options, and some super-budget-friendly accommodations, you can certainly enjoy a visit without overspending. The trick is to do your research, plan ahead, and take advantage of the cost-saving opportunities the city affords. Whether you are shooting pictures in front of The Bean, devouring a slice of deep-dish pizza, or checking out the lakefront, Chicago doesn't have to break the bank.