Make it a trip · Chicago, United States
What Chicago costs
once you land
Real prices, from the airport ride to a room for the night, each with where we found it. Checked October 2026, around The Loop and River North.
Prices as the source quoted them.
Half a villa or 4-star room, two meals out, a coffee, two beers and the signature experience.
Arriving
-
ESTA travel authorisation Fixed
For AU, NZ, GB, IE, NL, DE, FR, SG passports.
Rose to $40.62 on 16 October 2026. Valid two years. Apply only on the official CBP site or app.
Sources: VisasNews, ESTA fee rise (2026-10), Buch dein Visum, ESTA fee (2026-10)
US$41 -
CTA Blue Line from O'Hare to the Loop Fixed
About 45 minutes to downtown. Rides that start at O'Hare cost more than the usual train fare.
Source: CTA, fares (2026)
-
No visa or ESTA needed Fixed
For CA passports.
Canadian citizens visit visa free with a passport.
Source: Layla, US ESTA guide (2026)
Free -
Free
Getting around
-
CTA L train ride Fixed
Buses cost $2.50. The Blue Line runs from O’Hare to the Loop.
Sources: CBS Chicago, CTA fares for 2026 (2025-10), Cities Insider, Chicago entertainment 2026 (2026)
US$2.80 -
CTA 1-day pass Fixed
Unlimited trains and buses. A 7-day pass costs $25.
Sources: CBS Chicago, CTA fares for 2026 (2025-10), Cities Insider, Chicago entertainment 2026 (2026)
US$6
Eating and drinking
-
Lunch menu at a cheap restaurant Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Chicago (2026-06)
US$19.60 -
US$12.70
-
Dinner for two at a restaurant Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Chicago (2026-06)
US$84 -
Cappuccino Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Chicago (2026-06)
US$6.10 -
Beer at a pub, half a litre Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Chicago (2026-06)
US$7.40
At the supermarket
-
Water, 1 litre Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Chicago (2026-06)
US$1.80 -
Coca-Cola at a restaurant, half a litre Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Chicago (2026-06)
US$2.90 -
Beer from a shop, half a litre Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Chicago (2026-06)
US$3 -
Deep-dish pizza meal, from Range
Usually 15 to 25 USD.
Source: Radical Storage, is Chicago expensive (2026-09)
US$15
Doing
-
Skydeck at Willis Tower, from Range
The Art Institute costs $32 for non-resident adults.
Source: Cities Insider, Chicago entertainment 2026 (2026)
US$32 Get tickets -
Architecture river cruise, from Range
Usually 28 to 45 USD. Wendella, 45 or 90 minutes. Chicago’s First Lady tours start at $57.
Source: Cities Insider, Chicago entertainment 2026 (2026)
US$28 Get tickets
Sleeping, per night
-
Mid-range hotel, from Range
Usually 150 to 250 USD.
Source: Radical Storage, is Chicago expensive (2026-09)
US$150 Find a hotel
Prices change. Fixed fees come from official or widely reported figures; ranges are what travellers and operators report for 2026. Some links are affiliate links: they never change what you pay. How we make money.
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