boston vs chicago visit

Chicago vs Boston: An Honest Comparison To Help You Choose

Boston and Chicago are two of the top cities to visit in the U.S. today, with Chicago being the crown jewel of the Midwest region and Boston famed as the hub of New England history and culture. Both are fun to explore at any time of year. However, since they’re hundreds of miles apart, you can’t exactly hop from one to the other with ease.

So, which should you pick? Well, fortunately, Boston and Chicago are quite different places, which should help to make it easier to choose the right one for you. For starters, they’re completely different sizes, with Chicago ranking as one of the largest cities in the U.S. and Boston not even breaking the top 20, being a notably smaller and quieter place.

But size isn’t everything. Boston and Chicago also differ in many other key areas, and each city has its own list of advantages and reasons to visit. Boston, for example, is famous for its rich history, having been founded back in 1630 as one of the original colonies. Chicago, meanwhile, is beloved for its bars, breweries, and entertainment, with awesome theater and comedy shows.

In this guide, we’ll dig into all the big differences that separate Boston and Chicago. We’ll look at their main attractions and activities, their nightlife and food scenes, what kind of entertainment you can enjoy in each city, and even how much it costs to visit them. By the end, you should have a much clearer picture of which city is best for you. So, let’s get started!

A Quick Overview Of Chicago vs Boston

Which has the best weather, which is best for activities, which is best for nightlife, which is best for live entertainment, which is best for shopping, which is best for food, which is best for families, which is best for couples, which is best for backpackers, which is cheapest, where to stay according to your budget, chicago vs boston: which is better, wandering our world’s ten-second comparison:.

Chicago: A Quick Overview

Chicago is the biggest city in the state of Illinois, as well as being the third-largest city in the U.S. today, ranking only behind New York and Los Angeles. It’s by far the biggest city in the Midwest region, with a population of around 2.7 million people and over 9.6 million in the surrounding Chicago metropolitan area.

The first settlement in the area was established in 1780, though Chicago wasn’t officially incorporated as a town until 1833. Thanks to its handy location on the shores of Lake Michigan, it experienced rapid growth, becoming a city in 1837. Even the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which left 100,000 people homeless, barely slowed the city’s rapid expansion.

The city was the site of the world’s first steel-frame skyscraper, and has developed into a leading hub for finance, industry, technology, and culture, as well as boasting one of the busiest airports worldwide – Chicago O’Hare. Along with its thriving economy, the city is renowned for its exciting arts scene, contributing much to the world’s of music and comedy, in particular.

From a touristic standpoint, Chicago is a thrilling city to visit. Bustling, buzzing, and dynamic, it’s a sprawling, cinematic metropolis, filled with impressive architecture and a dizzying array of museums. Chicago is also known as a food and drink capital, attracting some of the country’s leading chefs, while also boasting more breweries than any other city in the U.S.

Boston: A Quick Overview

Boston is the state capital and the most populous city in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It’s also the largest city in the whole of New England, as well as the main cultural and financial center for the region. The total population here is around 650,000, with over 4.9 million in the full metropolitan area.

As one of the oldest cities in the U.S., Boston’s history goes back much further than Chicago’s. It was founded in 1630 by English settlers, and it notably played a key role in many major historical events, especially during the American Revolution, like the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party.

Even after the Revolution was over and the Declaration of Independence had been signed, Boston continued to be a significant and influential city, leading the way in fields like education, research, law, medicine, and business. Today, it’s home to thousands of startups, making it one of the most forward-thinking and innovative cities in the U.S.

Naturally, as the site of so much history, Boston is also a major touristic destination, drawing in tens of millions of visitors each year. Many people are eager to visit iconic local landmarks like Faneuil Hall or explore world-famous college campuses. The city is also known for its delicious food, like Boston Cream Pie and lobster rolls, along with its quirky neighborhoods.

Let’s start off with a look at the weather in both cities. This is one of the areas in which the two are really similar. In fact, conditions in Chicago and Boston are almost identical for large parts of the year, with warm summers, cold winters, and similar levels of rainfall. The only big differences are that Boston gets more snow and Chicago has stronger wind.

Despite being quite different locations in a lot of ways, Chicago and Boston both offer long lists of interesting landmarks to see and fun activities to enjoy. You can easily spend several days in each city, experiencing something new and different each day . Let’s take a look at the best things to do in both locations to see how they compare.

Chicago: The Activities

Chicago is famed for its many landmarks and impressive architecture. Therefore, most visitors will want to start off by seeing the big sights, like Cloud Gate – affectionately known as “The Bean,” this stunning public structure is made up of 168 stainless steel plates, with a polished, reflective surface, making it look like something that landed from an alien planet.

Cloud Gate sits in Millennium Park, a 25-acre space featuring art installations and sculptures, along with impressive views of the surrounding cityscape. The city also has other excellent parks and green spaces, like Grant Park, where you’ll also find attractions like Shedd Aquarium and the Art Institute of Chicago – home of one of the most impressive art collections in America.

Other great places to walk and soak up the city’s vibes include the Magnificent Mile – Chicago’s leading shopping district with major department stores like Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s – and Navy Pier, where you can enjoy family attractions, like rides and a Ferris wheel, or gaze out across the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan.

Adventurous visitors might even like to take to the water on a speedboat or kayak, or check out the hiking trails dotted across the city, like the 18.5-mile Lakefront Trail. Other things to do include visiting The Field Museum, one of the world’s best natural history museums; Wrigley Field, home of the legendary Chicago Cubs; and the iconic Second City comedy theater.

Boston: The Activities

Arguably the biggest draw of Boston is its rich history, and visitors to this city will surely want to check out its oldest and most significant landmarks. Fortunately, the Freedom Trail makes it easy to see all the big sights with ease. This 2.5-mile trail passes by 16 colonial and revolutionary locations, like Boston Common and the Paul Revere House.

Other must-see Boston landmarks include Faneuil Hall, where iconic historic figures like Samuel Adams once gave rousing speeches in the push for independence, and the USS Constitution , the oldest naval warship to still be afloat today, having first launched in 1797. You can also take tours of famous college campuses in Boston, like Harvard and MIT.

For a deeper dive into history and culture, visitors might want to visit some of Boston’s many museums, which offer diverse exhibits and displays. The MFA, for example, has a colossal collection of more than 450,000 artworks, while the Museum of Science explores the wonders of our world and the Boston Children’s Museum is a great place to spend some time as a family.

Boston also has nice walking paths, just like Chicago, such as the Esplanade, as well as opportunities to visit local beaches or get out on the water. There’s an iconic sports stadium here, too – Fenway Park – along with cool neighborhoods beyond the historic center, like trendy South Boston, Italian-themed North End, and colorful Chinatown.

Overall, both cities are filled with interesting attractions and activities, but the differences are clear to see. There’s a bit more going on in Chicago, with a wider range of museums, galleries, and theaters. Boston, meanwhile, is the premier destination for history buffs, while also offering fun coastal activities, like boat trips to nearby harbor islands or even whale-watching tours.

Both Boston and Chicago have more than enough activities to keep you busy during the daytime. But how about the evenings? Well, fortunately for nightlife lovers, these cities are also very active and energetic in the evenings, with plenty of thumping clubs and fun bars just waiting to welcome you in.

Chicago’s nightlife scene is one of the best in the U.S. right now. It has world-famous clubs where you can dance the night away, as well as lots of super live music spots to listen to jazz, blues, and more. Plus, with Chicago boasting more breweries than any other major city, it’s a haven for beer drinkers.

Boston also feels lively and exciting after dark, with some great craft breweries, bars, and seafront pubs of its own. The nightlife scene here is also quite diverse, with some areas offering student-friendly dance clubs and other places being filled up with laid-back sports bars or fancy rooftop restaurants.

Overall, when it comes to nightlife, Boston’s not bad, but Chicago wins this battle hands down. It’s simply one of the best cities in the country to spend an evening.

Live entertainment is a massive part of Chicago culture. This city was the birthplace of many musical movements in genres like blues and gospel, and it’s also home to the best-known improv theater troupe of all: Second City. And if that’s not enough, it also has a fantastic theater scene, second only to Broadway in terms of number and variety of shows on offer.

Whether you want to laugh, cry, or marvel at musical talent, you can do it all here. T here are amazing venues scattered across the city’s downtown districts, like jazz clubs, cultural centers, rock ‘n’ roll clubs, wineries, theaters, and even opera halls. The city also has several professional sports teams, most notably the Cubs, White Sox, and Bulls.

Boston is also a big sporting city. Visitors might like to catch a ball game at Fenway Park and see the famous Red Sox play, or check out one of the city’s other top teams, like the Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots. There are also some pleasant theaters and live music spots across Boston, but it’s not got the same level of live entertainment as Chicago.

Overall, for most kinds of live entertainment, the Windy City is the clear winner. For sport, it’s a slightly different story. Both of these cities are sporting havens in their own right, and the best one for you will really depend on which team (or stadium) you want to see the most.

Shopping is always a fun activity in any big city, and it’s particularly enjoyable in Chicago. There, shopaholics can enjoy the amazing “Magnificent Mile,” filled to bursting point with upscale boutiques and high-end fashion brands, as well as lots of major department stores that can keep you busy for hours on end as you search for the perfect souvenir to take back home.

For something more affordable, Chicago’s Woodfield Mall offers close to 300 stores, and Andersonville is a quirky neighborhood with a range of Scandi furniture stores and independent antique shops. You’ll also find great specialty shops along State Street, along with discounted attire at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago complex.

Boston is a terrific shopping destination, too. For posh stores and deluxe brands, head to Newbury Street. For everything else, try City Centre Crossing. North End is also a top spot to explore specialty stores and indie boutiques with bargain prices, while Quincy Market offers over 100 stores in a beautiful historic building.

Overall, Chicago stands out as the better shopping destination , with a much wider range of stores and things to buy.

One of the very best things about visiting either Chicago or Boston is sampling the local food. Both cities have their specialties, and it’s almost impossible to decide which one is better than the other, as it’s all, quite literally, a matter of taste!

With its prime coastal location, Boston has some of the finest seafood in America. The lobster rolls here are out-of-this-world, and other popular dishes include clam chowder and oysters. Of course, if you don’t like seafood, you’ll still find plenty to eat, with some super sandwich shops, ramen bars, burger joints, and pizzerias. Got a sweet tooth? Try some Boston cream pie.

Chicago, meanwhile, is one of the pizza capitals of the world. Famed for its deep dish delights, it’s a comfort food paradise. You’ll also find world-beating hot dogs here, covered in mustard, relish, and more, as well as Italian beef and sweet treats, like the Rainbow Cone. Plus, as mentioned earlier on, Chicago has an amazing bar and brewery scene.

Overall, the best city for you will depend on what kind of food you love most. Naturally, seafood addicts will adore Boston, but there are few foods quite as indulgent as Chicago’s hot dogs and pizzas. Chicago’s scene is also a little more diverse, with everything from casual street foods to gourmet Michelin star meals.

If you’re planning a family vacation, it can be tricky to choose between Chicago and Boston. Both cities are appealing and welcoming to families with kids of various ages. So, which one should you pick?

Well, if you’re looking for the biggest and best range of family activities, head to Chicago. T here, you’ll find a long list of attractions, ranging from zoos like Lincoln Park and Brookfield to the Navy Pier fairground rides and Shedd Aquarium. There are also multiple museums catering to younger visitors, like the sensory Sloomoo Institute and fun-filled Chicago Children’s Museum.

Over in Boston, meanwhile, the main attractions tend to be oriented around history. So, if your kids are eager to learn about America’s past, this is a great place to go. You can walk along the Freedom Trail, roam around Boston Common, or head to Boston Children’s Museum. Boston also has a Legoland, as well as pleasant parks and green spaces for picnics and play.

Overall, both cities are equally impressive for families, with plenty of ways to fill your days. Boston is naturally more appealing for history-loving families, but Chicago has the wider range of traditional attractions.

You might also consider a couple’s getaway to either Chicago or Boston. But which of the cities is the most romantic and best-suited for lovebirds?

Well, Chicago can be a thrilling city to see with someone special. There’s lots of live entertainment here, like theater shows, comedy, and music, perfect for couples who plan on staying out late and making the most of every moment. The food is also fantastic, and couples can also shop till they drop in places like the Magnificent Mile.

Boston is quieter and arguably a little more romantic, with its European-style vibes and decorative, historic architecture. It’s great for couples who share a passion for history, with lots of nice parks and gardens you can roam around with your partner. On the downside, there’s not quite as much to do here as in Chicago.

Overall, Chicago is slightly better for most couples, thanks to its more dynamic vibes and exciting entertainment. However, older couples or those looking for a more relaxing break may prefer Boston.

Backpackers might also like to stop off at Chicago or Boston to take in the sights and soak up some of the local culture. Both cities have cheap hostels where you can stay and mingle with other travelers , but which is best?

Well, you’ll definitely find a wider range and greater number of hostels in Chicago . In spite of its size, the city is also quite easy to get around, with public transport services operating round-the-clock to take you almost anywhere you want. There are lots of museums and other places to visit, as well as surrounding state parks for outdoor recreation.

Boston isn’t quite as backpacker-friendly, with slightly higher prices and fewer places to stay. With that said, it’s still a fantastic city to explore, especially if you’re interested in history and want to see famous locations like Faneuil Hall in person. Plus, there’s a big student population here, so it’s a top spot for young travelers to mix and mingle.

Overall, backpackers will probably find a little more to fill up their itineraries in Chicago, especially at night, with all the shows, bars, and clubs. But you can still have a fun backpacking expedition in Boston.

When it comes to cost, there’s not a massive difference between Chicago and Boston. Both cities have similar rates when it comes to things like accommodation and food, and the total cost of your trip will ultimately depend on what kinds of activities you want to enjoy and what sort of hotel you decide to stay at.

With that said, there are a couple of additional factors to take into consideration. Due to its larger size, you may spend a little more getting around in Chicago. However, the vastness of this city also gives you more options in terms of food, drinks, and accommodation, so you might find it slightly easier to stretch your budget, if you plan ahead.

Both cities also have free activities, like music festivals during the summer. Almost all of Chicago’s museums have free visit days each week, and there are even free family attractions in the Windy City, too, like Lincoln Park Zoo. In comparison, Boston also has free museum days and fee-less parks, but not quite as many freebies as Chicago.

Budget: Perched in the heart of Chicago, citizenM Downtown captivates with its sleek, modern design and panoramic city views. The lobby’s vibrant ambiance welcomes guests to an oasis of contemporary elegance. Luxurious furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and thoughtfully curated artwork create a captivating urban retreat, inviting guests to indulge in refined comfort.

Luxury: Elevating Chicago’s skyline, The St. Regis Chicago exudes timeless elegance and sophistication. Towering above the city, its sleek architecture commands attention, while luxurious interiors offer unrivaled opulence. From the grand lobby adorned with exquisite art to the breathtaking views from lavish suites, every detail exudes unparalleled beauty.

Budget: Radiating historic charm and modern luxury, Hilton Boston Park Plaza enchants with its timeless elegance. From the grandeur of its restored lobby to the chic sophistication of its guest rooms, every corner exudes beauty. With its central location and impeccable amenities, it’s a haven of refined comfort and exquisite style.

Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Boston , epitomizes luxury and refinement with its exquisite architecture and opulent interiors. Majestically blending classic elegance with modern sophistication, every detail exudes beauty. From the grand lobby adorned with crystal chandeliers to the plush accommodations offering sweeping city views, it’s a haven of unparalleled splendor and charm.

Overall, while they may be different, Boston and Chicago are both beautiful, brilliant cities. They’ve got fabulous food, super sports teams, and lots of interesting things to do, whether it’s the museums and theaters of Chicago or the historical landmarks and centuries-old buildings of Boston. But which one comes out on top?

Well, as this guide has shown, Chicago just about edges past Boston in a lot of key areas. It’s got the better live entertainment scene, a wider range of attractions, unbeatable nightlife, and the kind of food that keeps you coming back for more. So, if you’re hesitating between these two cities, Chicago is probably the one to see first.

But still try to make time for Boston, if you can. As one of the oldest cities in America, it’s a veritable must-see for history buffs, and there’s something truly special about walking around the country’s first ever public park (Boston Common) or visiting age-old structures that played such big roles in the development of America as we know it today.

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Chicago vs Boston: picking the perfect city for your fall break

Sep 13, 2023 • 6 min read

Boston or Chicago © © iStock

The prize of the Midwest, or the jewel of New England?

We don’t envy anyone who can only visit one of two of the most dynamic cities in the US: Chicago and Boston. Nonetheless, we’re here to help, turning to a pair of local correspondents to explain why you should never consider visiting anywhere other than their hometown.

Chicago: one toddlin’ town

Karla Zimmerman lives in Chicago, where she has been testing bar stools and yelling at the Cubs for the last three decades.

You’re looking for a city , right? A big, teeming, tall-skyscraper buzz of energy? That’s Chicago  – no contest. It’s five times the size of Boston with four times the population. Which means that much more awesomeness to soak up. 

Think about it: when Hollywood needs an authentic, moody metropolis to set the scene for, say, The Batman or The Bear , does it go to Boston? Nope. It spotlights Chicago, where the hulking skyline juts into the clouds, the L train rumbles by and 2.7 million people work, play and eat great food.

Chicago is a star.

And that’s no surprise. Consider the architecture. Chicago invented the skyscraper – and then went right on pushing the boundaries of modern design. You’ll have a neck-ache from looking up at all the beaux-arts beauties, art deco landmarks and International Style edifices: a  Chicago Architecture Center boat tour tells their stories as you glide by. Head (way) up to check out the stomach-lurching views atop the Willis Tower , one of the world’s tallest buildings. Can you get this high in Boston? Not even close.

Chicago’s museums also rock. The most Impressionist paintings outside of France hang at the Art Institute . The western hemisphere’s biggest science trove fills the Museum of Science & Industry . And the planet’s largest dinosaurs menace the Field Museum .

The brewery capital of US

OK, we now concede a point to Boston for its history sites. But Chicago has beer – as in more breweries than anywhere else in the country. (We have our priorities straight.) Revolution Brewing and Lagunitas Brewing Co host good-time taprooms, while Malt Row unfurls a walkable corridor of old factories-turned-breweries to stroll between pilsners, lambics and chocolate stouts.

Stellar beer calls for stellar food, and Chicago chefs have earned a heap of Michelin stars and James Beard Awards to prove they out-cook Boston. Despite the accolades, diners find an affordable, come-as-you-are scene with a neighborhood bent. Areas like Pilsen, Logan Square and Wicker Park show how it’s done, where inventive storefront restaurants are backed by magic-making in the kitchen.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: sports. Boston and Chicago are both top-notch sports towns, probably America’s best. Each city has pro football, basketball, baseball, soccer and hockey teams, along with plenty of hard-core fans. We won’t wade into the Wrigley Field versus Fenway Park debate, because they’re both phenomenal. But we will give the edge to Chicago when it comes to wandering into a corner tavern, ordering a beer and watching a game. No doubt your barstool neighbor will start filling you in – who’s a hero, who should be traded, some random gripes about the mayor – and you’ll be high-fiving pals by night’s end. Such is the Chicago way.

There’s so much more to get to: Chicago’s unbeatable theater scene, led by dramatics at Steppenwolf and goofy improv at Second City ; 20-plus beaches for wave splashing and sandcastle building along sea-sized Lake Michigan; and a public transport system that runs 24/7, unlike Boston’s.

But maybe it really comes down to this when making the case for one city over the other: which place celebrates big enough to dye its river green each year on St Patrick’s Day? You know the answer.

Chicago is the town that won’t let you down.

Boston: head to the Hub

Bostonian Mara Vorhees has been writing about her hometown (and the rest of New England ) for more than two decades. Her favorite way to spend a morning is riding her bike along the Charles River. 

I am a Midwesterner by birth and a New Englander by choice, so I feel well qualified to weigh in here. And considering that I have lived in Boston for the past 25 years, you can guess which side of the debate I’m going to take. For its long and influential history, for its lively contemporary culture and college-town atmosphere, and – oh yes – for its incomparable regional cuisine, Boston is the hands-down winner in this contest.

For starters, consider the nearly 200-year age difference between the two cities. Founded in 1630, Boston claims a long, proud and world-changing history. This is where the Puritans established their City on a Hill and where the American Revolution began: vestiges of this storied past are all around town. You can reenact the Boston Tea Party , or follow the route of Paul Revere’s ride out to Lexington and Concord , or visit the site of the turning-point Battle of Bunker Hill , or pay respects at the gravesites of the patriots who made it happen. You can even get a beer at the Warren Tavern , a Charlestown bar where George Washington was known to drink.

With all its rich history, you might think that Boston is a city that’s living in the past – but you’d be wrong. Athens of America no more, Boston is at the forefront of contemporary culture. This is in part due to the dozens of institutions of higher education, which are an ever-renewable source of creative energy. Boston’s schools train their students to break down established boundaries: in arts and culture, in science and technology, and at the intersection of all of the above. 

What does this mean for you? It means exploring new eye-catching and eco-friendly buildings at Boston University and Massachusetts Institute for Technology (MIT). It means catching a groundbreaking performance at the  American Repertory Theater . It means hearing mind-bending music at local clubs and seeing perplexing art installations at local museums.

The truth is that Boston is a small city. It’s less than half the size of Chicago in terms of land area, and has a mere quarter of its population. Yet it churns out art and innovation to rival any of the USA ’s cultural capitals.

Don’t get me wrong: there’s plenty to love about the City by the Lake. But when it comes to a waterfront setting, the only thing better than a Great Lake is…an ocean! Boston’s revamped waterfront offers whale-watching tours, harbor islands to explore and swimming that’s every bit as cold as Lake Michigan. Best of all, the North Atlantic keeps Bostonians well fed.

Lobster pizza or lobster roll

There is no Midwestern match for the fresh, succulent seafood that will tantalize your taste buds in Boston. All the walleye in Lake Michigan cannot compete with the simple perfection of a lobster roll. The seafood options are many, ranging from classic clam chowder to internationally inspired innovations. And it turns out that lobster is a delicious addition to almost anything. Lobster pizza? Lobster ravioli? Lobster Benedict? Yes, please.

One last point, as it’s impossible to write about Boston and Chicago without mentioning the weather (highly variable, in both cases). Yet surprisingly, the Windy City comes in behind Boston for average annual wind speeds.

So hold on to your hat – and start planning your trip to the Hub of the Universe.

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• Travel Planning Guide

A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chicago vs. Boston for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

• Pros & Cons
• Attractions
• Christmas Markets
• Backpackers
• Public Transit
• Walkability
• More time in Chicago or Boston?
• Which is Cheaper, Chicago or Boston? (Travel Cost Comparison)

Which is Bigger, Chicago or Boston?

• When to Visit Chicago or Boston?

Should you visit Chicago or Boston?

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 Boston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Chicago is a edgey, cosmopolitan, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Boston is a proud, loyal, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Chicago and Boston: Pros and Cons

• Popular museums and historical sights
• Numerous theater shows
• Active nightlife
• Good music scene
• Popular beach
• Fun shopping
• Family-friendly
• Good for couples and romance
• Good for backpackers and budget travelers
• Big city activities
• Home to the Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower)
• Scenic old town
• Home to the Freedom Trail
• Less active music scene
• Less attractive beach
• Less popular for shopping

Is there more to do in Chicago or Boston?

You'll generally find more things to do in Chicago than Boston. Chicago is bigger than Boston, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Chicago is better known for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Boston is more popular for its historical sights, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Chicago is well known for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. Also, Chicago is famous for The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). Boston is well known for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities.

How is Chicago different from Boston?

Which is better for a holiday.

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Boston and Chicago. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chicago or Boston?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Chicago or Boston.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Chicago on the map. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

Travelers visit Boston from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

Is Chicago or Boston Better for Theater?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for theatre. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its theatre productions.

Chicago is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Is the Food Better in Chicago or Boston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Chicago , as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

Boston has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

Is Chicago or Boston Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Chicago is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

Boston has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Chicago or Boston Better for Music?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for live music. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its live music scene.

Chicago is a world class music destination. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Is Chicago or Boston Better for Beaches?

Chicago is a good destination for its beaches. However, Boston is a mediocre city for the beache.

Chicago offers a nice beach destination. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

You can check out the beach in Boston. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Is Chicago or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Chicago does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Boston is one of the most recognized in the world. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Chicago does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Chicago or Boston?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Chicago is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Chicago or Boston Better for Christmas?

The Christmas season is a nice time to visit both Chicago and Boston.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Chicago. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Boston is a very popular destination during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Is Chicago or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is a great destination for its Christmas markets. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for visiting Christmas markets.

Boston has a lively atmosphere around its Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Chicago has Christmas markets worth visiting. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Is Chicago or Boston Better for Families?

You'll find first-rate kid-friendly activities in either Chicago or Boston.

Chicago is one of the most popular family destinations. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

Boston is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

Is Chicago or Boston Better for Couples?

Both Chicago and Boston are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Chicago is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

Boston is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Chicago or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chicago and Boston are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chicago is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

It's common for backpackers to visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Chicago or Boston Better for Students?

Chicago and Boston are first-rate places to visit for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Chicago. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

Boston is a great destination for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Is Chicago or Boston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Chicago and Boston.

Chicago has a great public transit system. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

Public transit in Boston is top-notch. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Is Chicago or Boston a more walkable city?

Boston is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Boston on foot is easy. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

Chicago is very walkable. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Chicago Worth Visiting? and Is Boston Worth Visiting? .

Should I spend more time in Boston or Chicago?

How long in chicago or boston.

In either Chicago or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Chicago has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Chicago than Boston . However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Boston than Chicago. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Boston, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Chicago than Boston. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chicago that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chicago than Boston if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Chicago.

• How many days in Chicago or Boston? Ideal Length of Stay Chicago 3-5   Boston   3-5

One day in Chicago or Boston?

Chicago is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Boston, you'll find food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Chicago or Boston?

Chicago is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Boston, you'll find shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Chicago or Boston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chicago. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Boston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Boston has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Chicago or Boston?

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the diverse big city of Chicago. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boston. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Boston. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles , The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America , The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America , and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America .

Which place is cheaper, Boston or Chicago?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

• Chicago Prices USA Prices Boston Prices USA Prices
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day Chicago $ 288 Boston $ 255

The average daily cost (per person) in Chicago is $288, while the average daily cost in Boston is $255. 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 Boston in more detail.

Accommodation

• Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person Chicago $ 198 Boston $ 166
• Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room Chicago $ 396 Boston $ 332

Compare Hotels in Chicago and Boston

Looking for a hotel in Chicago or Boston? 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 Chicago

Hotels in Boston

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.

Local Transportation

• Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. Chicago $ 37 Boston $ 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:

• Chicago O´Hare International Airport Private Transfer One-Way: $27
• Private Arrival Transfer from Chicago Airports ORD Or MDW: $50
• Chicago City to Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) - Departure Private Transfer: $52
• Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Chicago hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
• Chicago to Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD): Departure Transfer: $57
• Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Chicago -Arrival Private Transfer: $58
• Chicago to Chicago Airport (MDW) - Departure Private Transfer: $58
• Private Transfer from Chicago Airport (ORD) - Chicago City: $58
• Private Transfer from Chicago City to Chicago Airport (ORD): $58
• Chicago to Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) - Departure Private Car Transfer: $63
• Private Departure Transfer to Chicago Airports (ORD)(MDW): $90
• Private Arrival Transfer from Chicago Airports (ORD) (MDW): $90

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Boston

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:

• Subway Daily Pass $ 9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:

• Boston hotels to Flynn Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $117
• Arrival Private Transfer: Boston Airport BOS to Boston City in Luxury SUV: $131
• Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Arrival Private Transfer: $79
• Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Flynn Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
• Boston Logan Airport to Killington/Okemo Private Transfer: $286
• Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS) to Flynn Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
• Boston to Boston Logan Airport (BOS) - Departure Private Transfer: $79
• Boston’s Logan International Airport to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $172
• Cruiseport Boston to Boston Airport (BOS) - Departure Transfer: $38
• Flynn Cruise Port Boston to Boston hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $116
• Flynn Cruise Port to Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS)- Departure Private Transfer: $38
• Flynn Cruiseport Boston to Boston city Arrival Private Transfer: $116

Is it cheaper to fly into Chicago or Boston?

Prices for flights to both Boston 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 Meals for one day Chicago $ 49 Boston $ 49

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 : $40
• Fulton Market Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour: $63
• Chicago West Loop Pizza Crawl: $79
• Friday Pizza Walk of Downtown Chicago: $79
• Chicago Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89
• Chicago Buffet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan: $96
• Saturday Chicago Pizza History and Tastings Bus Tour: $99
• Chicago Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Free Bike or Kayak Rental: $99
• Chicago Food Tour in Devon Ave: $125
• Chicago Fireworks Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $129
• Mother's Day Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan: $130
• Chicago Gourmet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan: $132

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boston.

• Self Guided "The North End Pizza, Cannoli and Picnic" Solo Walking Tour : $5.50
• Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour: $49
• Pizza Beer and Paul Revere Tour: $60
• Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $81
• Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90
• Ultimate Boston Food Tour: North End & Boston Public Market: $99
• Chinatown’s Culture and Cuisine Neighborhood Food Tour: $115
• Boston Small-Group Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $115
• Boston Signature Dinner Cruise: $117
• Boston Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey: $138
• Italian Dinner with Tiramisu Finale in Boston: $154
• Boston 4th of July Plated Dinner Cruise: $166

Entertainment

• Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. Chicago $ 47 Boston $ 33

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:

• A Storied Neighborhood: A Self-Guided Audio Tour with Bill Ayers: $5.40
• Gangster Story Quest Experience in Chicago: $5.66
• Chicago Lincoln Square Quest Experience: $5.72
• Chicago’s Ragtime & Jazz Eras: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
• Vice, Crime and Gangsters in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
• Chicago Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
• Chicago White Sox Baseball Game Ticket at Guaranteed Rate Field: $9.43
• The Loop, River North and Chicago’s Theater District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
• Chicago Millennium Park Self-Guided Walking Tour: $15
• Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Chicago with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
• Chicago's Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket: $21
• The Chicago Theatre Tour Experience: $24

Typical Entertainment Prices in Boston

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:

• Two Tickets to Celtics Game $ 101
• Duck Tour $ 32

Tours and Activities in Boston

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:

• Self Guided "Historic Boston Downtown Freedom Trail" Audio/GPS Walking Tour: $5.00
• Self-Guided Boston Christmas Tour: $5.00
• The Mysterious Porcelain Club Quest Experience in Harvard Yard: $5.71
• Self-Guided Audio Tour of Boston North End: $5.75
• Mafia Quest Experience in Boston North End: $6.54
• Self Guided Classic Freedom Trail Location Aware (GPS) Walking Audio Tour: $7.75
• Audio Guided Tour of Old North Church : $8.00
• Highlights and History of GPS Guided Audio Tour : $8.99
• Boston Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
• Boston Harborwalk and Tea Party Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
• Boston Freedom Trail Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $9.99
• Boston’s Freedom Trail: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99

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 , The Best Museums in Chicago , Free Things to Do in Boston , Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston , and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids .

• Alcohol Drinks for one day Chicago $ 25 Boston $ 27

Sample the Local Flavors in Chicago

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

• Chicago Walking Brewery Tour in Malt Row: $30
• Walking tour to Chicago dive bars: $41
• Milwaukee,Miller Brewery Tour&Tasting 1-Day Tour from Chicago: $93
• Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour: $100

Sample the Local Flavors in Boston

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:

• Salem Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
• Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $28
• Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
• Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl: $60
• Boston Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105

When comparing the travel costs between Chicago and Boston, 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 Boston Expensive? .

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Boston. When comparing the sizes of Chicago and Boston, 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 Chicago or Boston?

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 Boston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chicago and Boston. Many visitors come to Chicago in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Chicago is around the same temperature as Boston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chicago in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Boston averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chicago usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Boston during summer. Chicago gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chicago usually receives more rain than Boston. Chicago gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

• Summer Average Temperatures July Chicago 77°F (25°C)   Boston   73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Chicago or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chicago as well as Boston. Most visitors come to Chicago for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Boston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Chicago is generally around the same temperature as Boston. Daily temperatures in Chicago average around 56°F (14°C), and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Chicago often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. Chicago gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun.

Chicago usually gets less rain in October than Boston. Chicago gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

• Autumn Average Temperatures October Chicago 56°F (14°C)   Boston   54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Chicago or Boston in the Winter?

Both Boston and Chicago are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Chicago because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

It's quite cold in Boston in the winter. The weather in Chicago can be very cold. Chicago is much colder than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in Chicago averages around 25°F (-4°C) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

Chicago usually receives less sunshine than Boston during winter. Chicago gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chicago usually receives less rain than Boston. Chicago gets 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

• Winter Average Temperatures January Chicago 25°F (-4°C)   Boston   29°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Chicago or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Chicago during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Chicago this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Chicago is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chicago in April average around 52°F (11°C), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chicago. In the spring, Chicago often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. Chicago gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. Chicago usually gets more rain in April than Boston. Chicago gets 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

• Spring Average Temperatures April Chicago 52°F (11°C)   Boston   48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Boston and Chicago

Related articles for chicago, related articles for boston.

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• Boston , Chicago

Chicago vs. Boston

Table of Contents

If you prefer a fun-filled vacation with each day brimming with a different vibe and energy, Chicago is made for you. The Windy City is a melting pot of adventure, from its heartwarming theater scenes to the most wonderful musical escapades.

Boston, on the other hand, can offer you entirely different experiences. The capital of Massachusetts is for tourists who want to enjoy a quieter pace of life, perhaps a peaceful escape. Here, you can walk through many historical sites and enjoy rows of seafood and chowder with gusto!

So, who wins in the great debate between Chicago vs. Boston? It’s impossible to say for sure – both cities exude undeniable charisma. Whichever one you choose, you’re sure to cross many firsts on your bucket list. And if you have the means, why not visit both to get the best of both worlds?

If you’re looking for a getaway spot that has everything, Chicago should be at the top of your list. It will show you how worthy it is to be called the ‘Best Big City to Visit in the US’, a title bestowed by Condé Nast Traveler. The most surprising thing? This spot in Illinois has been the titleholder for this particular achievement for six consecutive years!

This means that the Windy City being dubbed the greatest metropolis to drop by in the whole United States of America is no coincidence. It’s a worthy vacation spot that has achieved a wonderful feat: perfecting the art of becoming a world-class destination.

Want to enjoy the most beautiful cityscapes and then go on an intimate trip in nature the next day? How about enjoying most of your vacation lounging in the sand and listening to the tranquil waves? Maybe you’re more into the clubbing scene, with more than a dash of alcohol and some of the greatest music to ever exist. Truly, you’ll find no matter what it is you’re craving in Chicago!

What Makes Chicago Unique?

The most cerulean waters outside the caribbean.

There’s only one thing to do once you get off your vehicle and witness Chicago in all its glory: marvel and sigh in wonder at the view. Yes, there’s the beautiful skyline and the city’s breathtaking nature spots. However, it’s the Windy City’s phenomenal beaches that will make you fall in love over and over again. The best way to describe them, you ask? Like a picturesque scene straight out of a postcard!

In fact, you may consider Chicago the possessor of the most cerulean waters outside of the Caribbean. There’s no color more fitting than blue for this city; it’s as if the place is tailor-made for it. Not only is it because it’s the holder of the shiny title ‘The Third Blues Capital of the Planet’. This spot can also boast tranquil beaches that sparkle whenever the waves kiss the shore.

These shiny, soothing waters serve as an oasis for tourists and locals alike, and nothing beats experiencing them in the flesh! Pair these works of nature with the Windy City’s stunning sunsets and laid-back locals, and you’re in for a seaside trip that’s truly out of this world.

You can explore to your heart’s content, discover the unique ecosystem, and take a boat tour to get up close and personal with the loveliest scenery.

To give you a clue on where to start your fun under Chicago’s sun, why not drop by North Avenue Beach? It has no shortage of wonderful entertainment, whether you’re looking for an exciting night out or a relaxing day lounging in the sand. There’s also the Windy City’s Loyola Beach, a wonderful waterfront that can make your family’s bond tighter than ever! Here, you can enjoy Lake Michigan’s cerulean views and feast on many breathtaking cityscapes.

And if you’re eager to spend quality beach time with your furry companion, Montrose Beach will welcome you. It’s one of the official dog beaches in Chicago, which means your canine can freely frolic on the beach and chase the waves for countless hours. Know that it’s also the largest beach in the Windy City, so you won’t get bored anytime soon!

For Those With a Heart for Thespian Pursuits

Do you find joy in watching people wear flashy clothes and colorful costumes? Maybe you’re fascinated by the actors and their fluid skills in changing faces and demeanors. Or do you dream of going center stage one day, with the spotlight following your every move as you act your heart out in front of hundreds? No matter which it is, you will definitely enjoy Chicago!

It’s a haven for people who enjoy thespian pursuits; for those with a taste for the finer things in life. In fact, no visit to the Windy City is complete without dropping by the theaters! There are about 200 companies, both small and big-time, that offer shows of varying specialties. These vary from award-winning ones like The Sound of Music to innovative works made by local playwrights.

Craving for a fun night without spending a dime on booze? Then Chicago’s many sketch comedy theaters got your back. And if you want to bask in the classics, such as the Devil Wears Prada and To Kill a Mockingbird, then you’re more than welcome! In this city, you can unleash your inner drama royalty by going to intimate black box spaces or Broadway-style venues.

Truly, the Windy City is home to many unique theater experiences and troupes that can show you everything you’ve ever imagined. You can check out some of them below, but remember, nothing beats watching them perform live:

• Lookingglass Theater Company. If you’re a fan of the classics, then you’d enjoy this troupe’s performances down to your very bones. Here, get ready to go down the rabbit hole into the wonderland of drama and watch Lookingglass Alice, Arabian Nights, and many more!
• The Black Ensemble Theater. Craving for theater plays that provide you with more than just laughs and entertainment? Then you’d enjoy visiting this troupe known for being the African American and mainstream arts community leader! Not only do they perform well, but they also act out every scene with a burning drive to destroy racism once and for all.

Gotham City in Real Life

If you’re a huge fan of superheroes, particularly one that fights crime and villains in a bat-themed suit, you’d go loco over Chicago. It’s the inspiration for Batman’s main place of operations, the wonderful Gotham City! Few can boast of dropping by a model for a science-fiction world seen in movies and comic books, so you’d hit the jackpot if you visit this spot in Illinois.

Of course, you may think they look different on the surface. After all, one’s a genuine bustling US City, while the other is a fictional metropolis with villains running rampant 24/7. However, this will change once you get to know Chicago in all its splendor. In this real-life Batman setting, you’ll fuel your imagination to the utmost limit!

Like Gotham, the Windy City is home to some of the most phenomenal structures in the world. The former has towering skyscrapers and monuments, including the Arkham Asylum and Wayne Manor. Meanwhile, Chicago can boast of the Willis Tower, John Hancock Building, and the Aqua Tower (to mention a few!). You may find yourself replaying scenes while on the streets, maybe even start reminiscing about the Joker and Batman’s moments.

Want some bits on which Chicago buildings specifically made it into the Batman series? Check out the list below to satiate your curiosity and give you an idea of which places in the Windy City will catch your eye.

• Chicago Board of Trade Building. If you’re a die-hard Batman fan, you’ll know which Gotham structure was influenced by this structure. It served as a model for the Gotham City Police Department; in fact, it was featured in The Batman movie. A quick glimpse will have you jumping in excitement, especially since it’s also considered the pinnacle of Art Deco designs.
• The Jewelers Building. Familiar with the classic grandfather time clock scenes in many superhero series? The Jewelers Building is right up your alley, especially once you witness the 5 ft. (1.52 m) Father Time statue at the top. To elaborate, this structure has been featured in the 2005 Batman Begins, so bring your camera and take plenty of shots!

If you ever find yourself wishing that Gotham City was real, take heart. Chicago is just as cool – and you don’t even have to worry about a supervillain showing up to wreak havoc. All you need to do is put on your cape and experience the Windy City’s comic-like grandeur!

The Third Blues Capital of the World

Where should humans who feel blue and people who love the blues go to? Chicago, no doubt! It’s known for being the third blues capital of the globe, and you know what they say about music – it’s the best remedy for the soul! That’s why choosing the Windy City for your vacation is like hitting two birds with one stone. You get to boost your mood while listening to some of the greatest performances ever.

It’s the best pick-me-up activity for those feeling under the weather and for tourists who identify as melomaniacs. Of course, even if you don’t fall into either category, you’ll still enjoy this mecca for blues music! Who wouldn’t, when every beat of this sound tells a story that tickles your heart?

If you’re wondering how a series of beats and lyrics can stir up the hidden depths of your being, the answer is simple. Chicago has long perfected the art of the blues, which came around in the city around the 1920s. In fact, the Windy City and its talented artists became so enamored with blues music that they developed their version of it in the 1950s.

Originally, the music was made using lead acoustic guitars, but Chicago bands created their own version. Electric guitars became their go-to instrument, with the support of harmonica, piano, drums, and bass. The result? The Windy City gave birth to a new sound known all over the planet as Chicago Blues!

You’d enjoy this fluid, jazz-like blues music with its own identity, especially if you pay attention to the lyrics. It’s like listening to a story in song form – with varying plots depicting different life sceneries. One moment, you’ll hear the singer describe their electrifying city life. The next, they’ll serenade you with some of their most passionate adventures.

If there’s something you should learn about Boston, it’s this: it will satiate any hunger you’re feeling! It’s a tourist’s perfect paradise, armed to the core with every kind of entertainment you could think of. Craving for an adventure of a lifetime or a simple weekend getaway filled with culture and history? Then no doubt, “Beantown” is made for you.

Here, you can take a literal trip down memory lane without needing a time-turner. Boston has so much to offer, especially when you want to know more about the days of old. It provides so much history that its streets even bleed memories of times long gone.

If this is not your cup of tea, fret not. Beantown is more than just the Freedom Trail and its incredible landmarks. In this city, you can drown in the tastiest seafood dishes and get lost in the many museums made for different interests.

What Makes Boston Unique?

Shrimply the best oysters, lobsters, and clams.

Some people are addicted to desserts, enamored by the sweet, creamy goodness these treats provide. Others can’t get enough of the meat’s juiciness, with each bite being more tantalizing than the last. In Boston, though? Well, locals are obsessed with whipping out one of the greatest gifts the sea has to offer – seafood.

That’s right, if you’re looking for seafood that’s as fresh, salty, and delicious as the waters of the Atlantic, then Beantown is the place to be! The main city of Massachusetts ain’t playing when it comes to the fruits of the sea; it’s known as America’s seafood capital. With its rich maritime history and proximity to the sea, it’s no surprise that it’s home to a wide variety of fresh and delicious catches.

From local favorites like clam chowder and lobster rolls to oysters and scallops, the city has something for every seafood lover. Maybe you prefer to keep the cooking simple, like having boiled clams for dinner? Or, you’re leaning towards having a waterfront feast of fried fish sandwiches and crab cakes. Whatever it is you’re hungry for, Beantown and its reputation as a seafood wonderland will never fail you!

Of course, there’s no better way to experience Boston seafood than by visiting the city’s many reputable restaurants. You can never go wrong with the Neptune Oyster, famed for its freshly shucked oysters and scallops ceviche. There’s also Holly Crab, an Allston spot that serves seafood in Cajun style.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try Yakitori Zai and get a sample of their lobster spaghetti? It’s the perfect combination of seafood and Italian cuisine, with flavors enough to make your mouth water. Don’t forget to drop by Quincy Market, a historical spot that offers a one-of-a-kind seafood experience in Boston! As a bonus, this spot has the perfect backdrop while you enjoy your gastronomic fantasies!

Where the Past and Present Meet

If there’s a city that can best be described as the crossroads of the past and present, it’s Boston. It’s the perfect example of a paradox, merging old-world roads with contemporary architecture. Traveling down its streets is like walking down decades-old avenues, all while living your life out in the present!

Not many metropolises can boast about this feat, which means a trip to Beantown is in itself an experience on a whole other level. After all, hardly any city can build towering skyscrapers around some of the oldest relics from a distant past. An obvious example of this achievement, you ask?

Well, check out Boston’s eclectic combination of classic gothic churches and glass buildings that touch the sky! There are also plenty of decades-old statues around the city, so well-preserved that you’d think they’d been made yesterday. Don’t forget the many buildings of ages long passed, like the Old State House that date way back to 1713. It’s surrounded by modern structures, making lovely scenery that can be considered starkly different.

That’s not all, though. Perhaps the most evident proof of this city being a wonderful paradox is the Freedom Trail. It’s a walking path that takes you to the metropolis’ most important landmarks, maybe even transport you to Boston’s rich past. The cherry on top? The trail doesn’t go off the urban road; instead, it passes all over the city!

The Freedom Trail is a painted yellow line leading to 16 historical sites. These spots are where the most significant events occurred, which led to Boston being dubbed the ‘Cradle of Modern America’. This means that following this road is a lot like retracing the footsteps that made USA’s independence possible.

Some landmarks you shouldn’t miss when following this 4 km (2.5 mi) path include the Boston Common, Paul Revere House, and the Boston Massacre Site. There’s plenty more to look forward to, so remember to take the time to follow the trail of revolutionary heroes!

It’s Always the Right Time for Festivals

Boston is truly a city to be reckoned with – after all, it’s America’s City of Firsts! It’s the birthplace of the USA’s independence and a major powerhouse in the launch of higher education. On top of that, the city is known for its well-preserved heritage, which makes a wonderful contrast to its constant innovation. However, they are just appetizers to the exciting things Beantown can offer.

What most people don’t know is that it also hosts the most phenomenal festivals in Massachusetts, maybe in all of New England! In fact, you may even think that the city celebrates every kind of occasion, be it an event with traditional music or one filled with loud fireworks. From food to film festivals, music concerts to movie screenings – it’s all here in Boston.

These celebrations are a great change of pace and scenery, especially if your main aim for vacation is to unwind. You shouldn’t miss it if you’re eager to explore more of the globe and have genuine human encounters. Imagine attending some of the greatest events in the world with some of the best people; it’s an experience worth noting in your life book!

Keen on attending the most electrifying events in Beantown? You may want to start with the classic, the famous Harborfest Festival! It’s a five-day celebration during the first week of July, considered the biggest 4th of July event in America. Look forward to the Pops Fireworks Spectacular and the illuminations sure to light up the sky.

Boston also has something up its sleeves for the artists and aesthetes, so rejoice if you’re one. One great example would be the Mystic River Celebration which lasts a whopping thirty days! You can also whip up a fun costume during the Frog Pond Pumpkin Float, an event exclusive during Halloween. Or, why not attend the Boston Book Festival, which, you guessed it, is made for bookworms?

Plenty more of these thrilling events can be experienced in Boston, making it one awesome getaway destination.

A Place to Get Lost and Be Found

What’s a place you can get lost in and find yourself at the same time? There’s no doubt about it; it’s the museums! These magical hubs of culture will take you back in time and have you experiencing ages long passed. It’s also where you can get to know yourself better and find out about interests you’ve never considered before.

And, of course, expect Boston, one of the oldest cities in America, to have only the best and the most interesting museums around! This city is the perfect destination if you feel like you don’t have a place in the world or are looking to get to know yourself better. It has many fascinating exhibits and artifacts spread throughout the vicinity, and viewing them can help you in your journey.

Whether it’s through history or culture, its galleries feature something that speaks directly to your soul. The city can boast of its science museums, filled with interactive exhibits and IMAX productions. There are also art exhibits everywhere, perfect if you’re an aesthete or an artist looking for your next inspiration!

Interested in uncovering the many wonders Boston’s museums hide? Well, here’s a look at some of the best ones that will blow your mind:

• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. If you’re looking for a museum with the perfect mix of culture and grandeur, then this spot won’t disappoint you. It has a Venetian-inspired palazzo, with plenty of luxurious architectural pieces. It’s also filled with the works of Botticelli and Titian, as well as thousands of relics from around the globe.
• Museum of Science. Going to this museum during vacation is more than for the aesthetics – you’ll surely emerge a smarter human afterward! There are plenty of interactive experiences that will shower you with knowledge, as well as modern displays and IMAX movies. Tip: the museum is also home to a big gift shop that may contain the souvenirs and snacks you’re looking for.

Which Is a Better City – Boston or Chicago?

Boston vs. Chicago – choosing between these US cities is like deciding between two of the brightest stars in the sky. Both are armed with charisma that makes tourists want to drop by over and over again. They’re brimming with many magnificent sights, attractions, and unique experiences for travelers. However, if you have to pick which one to visit, there’s no other way than to consider your preferences.

Boston is made for those who want to get lost in a city of culture and history. Here, you can walk the red brick road of times long past and witness the ways of revolutionary heroes. On top of this, get your tastebuds ready for a vacation that’ll give you the best and freshest seafood ever!

Meanwhile, Chicago can offer you a night out that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. The city only has the best alcohol in stock, on top of providing top-tier entertainment. If you’re a huge fan of theater and music performances, this spot in Illinois is made for you.

Is Boston Safer Than Chicago?

Based on Numbeo’s analysis, Boston is safer than Chicago. It’s a more secure destination with a safety scale rating of 60.74, compared to the Windy City’s 34.02 mark. It doesn’t matter if you’re walking around Boston at night or during broad daylight; you’ll still be safe and sound.

You can’t say the same with Chicago, though, especially when it’s dark. In fact, ratings show that the crime level in this city reaches a whopping 65.98. Chances of theft and assault are high, so it’s best to be vigilant when dropping by this area in Illinois. Meanwhile, the crime index in Boston shows a surprisingly low grade of 39.26.

Is Chicago Cheaper or More Expensive Than Boston?

If you’re on a budget and torn between Chicago and Boston, choose the former. This is because, according to Living Cost, the Windy City is 22% less expensive than Beantown. It occupies the 156th spot in the rankings of the most costly in the USA, while Boston got the 27th place.

This means you enjoy your vacation in Chicago more without worrying about spending outside your price range. To give you a brief breakdown of expenses, a simple fast-food meal in the Windy City costs only $8.75. In Beantown, you get the same, but you have to pay a whopping $10. Similarly, a beer in a downtown pub in Chicago is worth $5.37, while in Boston, it’s going to be $7.02.

Boston vs. Chicago Weather

When it comes to weather, Beantown has a much better situation than Chicago. True, both cities belong on the roster of the USA’s wintry towns, which means they’re not unfamiliar with freezing temperatures and snow. However, Boston still has many warm days compared to the Windy City.

To elaborate better, there are about 200 sunny days in Boston every year, with the summer season reaching 82.4°F (28°C) at its peak. Meanwhile, Chicago only has 189 sunny days per year, with the hot season only reaching up to 83.9°F (28.8°C).

Boston gets the stick with having much heavier snowfall, though. Beantown has an average of 48.1 inches (1221 mm) of snow yearly, while the Windy City only has 35.1 inches (891.5 mm).

Is Chicago Colder Than Boston?

Generally, Chicago is a much colder city than Boston. In fact, the average temperature in the Windy City ranges from 22°F (-5.56°C) to 83°F (28.33°C). During the peak of the winter season, the average daily temperature gets below 43°F ( 6.11°C).

Meanwhile, Boston can also get pretty chilly, but not as much as Chicago. The average yearly temperature can vary from 23°F (-5°C) to 82°F (27.78°C). During the winter, the daily temperature can reach 45°F (7.22°C).

Both cities have January as their coldest winter month. However, Chicago still takes the cake for having a chillier temperature during this time, ranging from 22°F (-5.56°C) to 33°F (0.56°C). Meanwhile, Boston gets about 24°F ( -4.44°C)to 37°F ( 2.778°C).

Boston vs. Chicago in Winter

Boston and Chicago are equally great winter destinations, making it hard to choose between them. However, if you’re eager to decide which city will host your getaway, check your trip expectations.

Boston has less extreme winter, but expect the snow to last for longer than in the Windy City. Here, you can enjoy plenty of seasonal activities, from skiing and sledding to ice skating with your loved ones. However, you can also walk the Freedom Trail during this season and see sceneries you’ve never witnessed. Plus, Beantown’s hot chocolate is to die for, particularly the one at L.A. Burdick Chocolates.

Meanwhile, the Windy City has an extremely cold season, but the streets are alive and never empty. You’re free to roam the avenues and attend the many operas and concerts in a pub or on the road. There are also Christmas markets to look forward to, like the one at Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville. Don’t forget the many skyscrapers you can use at a vantage point to admire the Windy City as a whole – it’s a genuine winter wonderland full of activities.

Chicago vs. Boston Accent

Boston and Chicago may have plenty of similarities, but their respective accents are not one of them. They’re in entirely different leagues, with the Windy City having the least distinct accent in the USA. On the other hand, Beantown is the thickest accent of all, as stated by CBS Chicago.

To further elaborate, Chicago’s accent is known for using “th” over “d” sounds. Locals also tend to pronounce their vowels longer, sometimes even voicing out “o” sounds into “a” instead. They also use “r” harder, even more so than the General American accent. In addition, Chicagoans are fond of nasalization throughout their speech, mainly in words with “n” and “m”.

On the other hand, Boston’s accent has different ways of pronouncing “r” sounds. Sometimes, it becomes “ah” and “aw”; it can even turn into “ah”, replacing the “r” in particular words. For instance, “daughter” becomes “daughtah”. Locals in Beantown also tend to drop consonants and combine words, which occurs when they speak too fast.

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Chicago vs Boston: Explore Their Differences

When deciding what American city to visit, it can be difficult to decide between Chicago vs Boston. In this blog post I will compare and contrast both of these metropolis cities.

My family and I currently live in New England , an hour north of Boston , and it is quickly becoming my favorite city in America. I grew up in Illinois and in my college days I took many trips to Chicago, which had been a favorite city of mine for all of my adult life. 

From their iconic landmarks that define their skylines to the unique culinary experience that they each offer, we will uncover what sets these cities apart.

Chicago, known as the Windy City, and Boston , the Cradle of Liberty, each boast a rich history, culture, and architectural marvels. From the towering heights of Chicago’s Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, to the grandeur of Boston’s historic Fenway Park, these cities’ landmarks encapsulate their unique culture. 

This post will dive into the contrasting flavors of these cities. Chicago’s deep-dish pizzas and Boston’s seafood dishes, to name a few. The culinary diversity in both cities reflects their distinct cultural identities, inviting you to savor their authentic flavors.

From the towering skyscrapers to the savory bites, let’s talk about Chicago vs Boston.

Famous Landmarks

Weather similarities/differences, food delights, sports culture, downtown street layout, which is better.

Boston : Colonial History Markers

Chicago : Willis Tower

Both Chicago and Boston boast iconic landmarks that attract tourists from all over the world. In Chicago, you’ll find the towering Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), offering breathtaking views from its observation deck. 

On the other hand, Boston presents historical treasures like the Freedom Trail , a path that takes you through 16 significant sites of the American Revolution. You can also explore the remarkable Fenway Park, home to the beloved Boston Red Sox. 

Whether you prefer towering skyscrapers or historical landmarks, both cities have their own unique charm when it comes to famous sites.

Boston : Milder summers and cold winters

Chicago : Windy and cold winters.

When it comes to weather, Chicago and Boston experience similar climates. Chicago, known as the “Windy City,” has hot summers and bitterly cold winters. 

Boston has milder summers and winters, with beautiful foliage in the fall . Both cities offer splash pads to cool off in and ice rinks for winter fun.

Boston : Clam Chowder and Lobster

Chicago : Deep Dish Pizza

Food enthusiasts will find plenty to savor in both Chicago and Boston. Chicago is renowned for its deep-dish pizza, a thick and cheesy delight that will leave you craving more. Don’t forget to try the iconic Chicago-style hot dog, topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, and more! 

Meanwhile, in Boston, you’ll discover a passion for seafood. From clam chowder to lobster rolls, the city’s fresh seafood offerings are a treat for your taste buds. 

So, whether you’re a fan of hearty pizzas or delectable seafood dishes, both cities have their own unique culinary adventures waiting to be explored.

Sports play a significant role in the hearts of Chicagoans and Bostonians. Chicago boasts a rich sports culture, with die-hard fans supporting teams like the Chicago Bulls (basketball) and the Chicago Bears (football). 

Meanwhile, in Boston , the beloved Boston Celtics (basketball) and the New England Patriots (football) have captured the city’s spirit. Boston is also known for its passionate love for the Boston Red Sox (baseball) and the Boston Bruins (hockey). 

Whether you’re cheering on your favorite basketball team or embracing the thrill of baseball, both cities offer a vibrant sports culture that brings communities together.

Chicago : Downtown Streets are in a Grid System

Boston : Downtown Streets are Not in a Grid System

One of my favorite things about Chicago is that their streets are all in a grid system. It is almost impossible to get lost. You can ask for directions from anyone on the street and when they tell you how many streets to go up and over, it is easy to find.

Boston on the other hand is not like that at all. Boston’s roads were created when there weren’t cars around. These streets were dirt roads that horses and carts would trot along. The streets can be difficult to navigate and it can be very easy to get turned around in downtown Boston.

In taking a deeper look into Chicago vs Boston, you will discover similarities and differences.

From their iconic landmarks that grace their skylines to their different culinary specialities these cities have a unique charm and distinct character traits. 

Whether your heart is captivated by the Windy City, with its architectural wonders and vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere, or you find yourself drawn to the historical vibe and intellectual legacy of Boston, one thing is certain – both cities have a lot to offer.

Ultimately, the choice between Chicago vs Boston is a matter of personal choice, but I can definitely go both ways. Whichever city you choose, rest assured that your trip will be full of unforgettable memories. 

More Resources:

Indoor Things to do in Boston

5 Days in New England

Boston to Maine Road Trip

Boston vs Atlanta

Boston vs DC

Amanda is a photographer and homeschooling mom who loves all things travel, hiking, camping, and all around adventuring. She adores taking her camper Callie on trips all over the USA. She is based out of New Hampshire but she travels south for the winter months. She created this blog to give you valuable insight into traveling, camping, hiking, and so much more.

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Boston vs Chicago 🆚 | Is Living in Chicago or Boston Right for You? [Pros + Cons]

Last Updated on: 26th October 2023, 06:12 pm

Boston and Chicago are two of the most culturally significant cities in the US and have a lot in common in terms of lifestyle and atmosphere. However, they are both different in many ways and offer unique advantages and disadvantages.

Chicago is a much larger city and a bustling metropolis with a diverse economy and a wider range of world-class attractions. However, Boston also has much to offer with its many universities and historic attractions. To help you decide which city is for you, here is a complete breakdown of the pros and cons of living in Chicago vs. Boston.

Table of Contents

Living in Boston Pros

Living in Boston offers countless positives and negatives, from its great public transportation to its traffic jams. Here are the top living in Boston pros and cons.

• Great location : One of Boston’s biggest strengths is its central location. It’s situated right on the Atlantic Ocean, making beaches easily accessible, as well as quaint New England towns. It’s also just a train ride away from other East Coast cities like New York and Philadelphia , offering everything you need close by.
• Extensive public transportation system: Another highlight of living in Boston is the public transportation known as the T (or MBTA). All of Boston’s many neighborhoods and downtown areas are easily accessible by train, bus, trolly, or water transportation , which makes exploring the city easy and efficient.
• Cultural/educational opportunities: One of Boston’s major strengths is its many educational and cultural institutions. Boston is home to some of the top universities in the country, including Harvard, MIT, Boston College, and Boston Universit y. These prestigious schools not only offer opportunities for lifelong learning but also feature museums, libraries, and public events as well.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by City of Boston (@cityofboston)

Living in Boston Cons

• Traffic and parking: The intense traffic is a major drawback of living in Boston. INRIX, a transportation data company, ranks Boston second worst in the country and fourth worst in the world in terms of traffic . Parking can also be tough to find unless you’re prepared to pay.
• High cost of living: Living in Boston is also expensive compared to the rest of the United States. The cost of living in Boston is 53% higher than the rest of the US , and the average home price is about 65% higher than the national average.

Living in Chicago Pros

So, now that you understand the Boston pros and cons, let’s look at what it’s like living in Chicago. Chicago also has its own unique positives and negatives. Here is a look at the Chicago pros and cons.

• Amazing food: Chicago is well known for its amazing food, and its diverse culinary scene is one of the city’s major strengths. From deep-dish pizza and Italian food to soul food and Asian cuisine , Chicago offers some of the best eating you’ll find anywhere in the US.
• Culture and diversity: Chicago is a very diverse city that offers a unique identity you won’t find anywhere else. Chicago is known for its fantastic architecture, amazing music, world-class museums , and many distinct neighborhoods.
• Job opportunities: Chicago also has a robust economy supported by industries like financial services, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and construction. There are close to 100,000 businesses based in Chicago , offering plenty of job opportunities across a wide variety of industries and sectors.

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Living in Chicago Cons

• Taxes: Although the cost of living in Chicago is reasonable for a large metropolis, its high taxes are one of its drawbacks. Chicago ranks number two in the country for highest combined sales tax , and Cook County property taxes are also among the highest in the nation.
• High crime rate: Crime can also be a major liability of living in Chicago. The crime rate in Chicago is 67% higher than the national average, and the violent crime rate is 143% higher than in the rest of the US. While there are plenty of safe areas of Chicago , it’s notorious for high-crime areas like the Southside.

Boston vs. Chicago Comparisons

Now that you know the pros and cons of each city, here is a look at how to compare Chicago vs. Boston on a few key issues that will impact your experience.

Chicago vs. Boston Population

Chicago is a much larger city with a population of 2.6 million, making it about 4x the size of Boston , which has a population of 650,706.

Chicago vs. Boston Cost of Living

The cost of living in Chicago vs. Boston is much lower. The cost of living index for Chicago is 123, indicating it is 23% more expensive than the US, whereas the COLI for Boston is 153 or 53% more expensive than the rest of the United States. That indicates the cost of living in Chicago vs. Boston is 30% less expensive. 

The median home price in Boston is $830,000, while in Chicago, it’s $350,000 or 81% lower. The average family of four with two adults and two kids would need to earn $92,894 per year to afford to live in the Chicago metro area, whereas in the Boston area, the same family would need to earn $131,028.

Boston vs. Chicago Crime Rate

Boston has a higher crime rate overall, although Chicago experiences more violent crime . The total crime rate in Chicago is 1,705 incidents per 100,000 residents, which means it’s actually 14% safer than the rest of Illinois and 27% safer than the rest of the US. However, the violent crime rate is 987 crimes per 100,000 residents, making it 131.7% more dangerous than the rest of Illinois and 154% more violent than the rest of the US.

The total crime rate in Boston is 2591 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 6% more dangerous than the rest of the country and 40% higher than Chicago. But the violent crime rate is 624 per 100,000 residents, which is 61% higher than the rest of the US, yet 45% lower than Chicago. But Boston also has a higher property crime rate at 1,866 compared to 718 in Chicago (crimes per 100,000 residents).

Things to Do in Chicago vs. Boston

Both cities offer unique attractions and fun things to do, but as a larger city, Chicago offers more diversity and culture. Chicago is famous for its architecture, cuisine, theater, and theater scene, beaches, and shopping . Boston is better known for its history and academic institutions, not as much for its rich and diverse culture. So both offer unique activities and big city amenities; Chicago offers a wider variety of options when it comes to food and nightlife, whereas Boston is more laidback with a peaceful New England ambiance.

Boston vs. Chicago Weather

The Boston vs. Chicago weather debate is very common as both offer a fairly similar climate with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperatures are very close, with summers getting up to the low 80s and winters getting down to just below 20°F. Boston gets more sunshine with 200 sunny days vs. 189 in Chicago. But it averages nine more inches of rain and 13 more inches of snow per year. So, Chicago vs. Boston weather is very similar and offers unique opportunities and obstacles.

Traffic in Boston vs. Chicago

Both cities top the list in terms of the worst traffic in the country, although Chicago is slightly worse. According to a report by INRIX , Chicago, and Boston are the number one and two worst cities in the US for traffic congestion , and reported that Chicago residents lost 155 hours to traffic in 2022, compared to 134 hours for Bostonians. That makes Chicago the second worst city for traffic in the world after London, followed by Paris and then Boston at number 4.

Jobs in Chicago vs. Boston

As the larger city, Chicago offers more diversity of opportunity, although they both have robust economies. Chicago is home to a well-diversified service economy and a major powerhouse in finance, manufacturing, and tech. However, Boston also has a strong job market supported by industries like finance, healthcare, and education.

Chicago has a higher GDP at around $630 million compared to $444 million in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area. However, Boston also has a stronger future job growth rate at 42% versus 25% in Chicago. Plus, the unemployment rate in Chicago is higher at 9%, compared to 6.2% in Boston.

Chicago vs. Boston Sports Teams

Many fans love to debate the Chicago vs. Boston sports teams, as they both have notable franchises in several popular leagues. In the MLB, you have the Boston Red Sox vs. the Chicago Cubs, which is one of the most intriguing rivalries in professional baseball . Then, in the NBA, you have the Boston Celtics vs. the Chicago Bulls, who have had a long history of intense showdowns.

Other major sports teams based in Chicago include the White Sox (MLB), Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago FC (MLS) and the Chicago Black Hawks (NHL). Boston is also home to the Bruins (NHL), plus the Patriots (NFL), who represent all of New England. So, while Chicago has more professional sports teams, it’s up for debate which has the superior franchises.

Chicago vs. Boston Distance

You may be wondering how far is Boston from Chicago. Boston is about 1,000 miles away from Chicago. You can get from Boston to Chicago by car, which would take about 15 hours. You can also travel by plane from the Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport (ORD), which is about 3 hours. Or you can take Amtrak, which takes about 22 hours.

Boston vs. Chicago: Where Are You Moving?

So now that you’ve gotten the full run-down on Boston vs. Chicago, you can make an educated decision about where you want to move. Chicago offers more big city amenities and excitement, whereas Boston offers more history and a quaint New England charm.

But if you plan on moving to Chicago or Boston, you’ll need a reliable team of experts to help you get there. Federal Companies is a trusted Chicago moving company with a reliable team that can help you start the next chapter of your life the right way. Call 800-747-4100 today for a free, customized moving quote.

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Boston vs. Chicago | (2024) Where Should You Live? [Tips & Data]

Last Updated on: 25th March 2024, 08:24 am

As two of the greatest cities in the United States, many people find themselves deciding between whether they should live in Boston or Chicago . And while both cities have their advantages and disadvantages, a comparison of Boston vs. Chicago will give you an excellent idea of which city is right for you and your lifestyle.

Learn about the ways Boston is superior to Chicago and the ways they are different. This is the leading guide to choosing between Boston and Chicago to help you know what to expect , depending on where you decide to live.

Table of Contents

Pros & Cons of Living in Boston vs. Chicago

Deciding which of these leading cities is the best choice for you greatly depends on your needs, your income, and what is ideal for you and your family. Both Boston and Chicago have their own benefits and disadvantages, making a comparison of the two a great place to start.

Living in Boston Pros

Great Job Opportunities

One of the greatest benefits of moving to Boston is the huge opportunity to work for a top-rated, reliable company . The city is filled with high-level employers such as the Massachusetts General Hospital , Vertex Pharmaceuticals, local universities, as well as Fidelity Investments . Along with these local companies, other big names like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft also provide great Boston jobs for residents.

Boston Has Some of the Top-Rated Schools in the Country

Whether you have kids attending primary school or you’re a college student, Boston is home to some of the nation’s most influential schools . Spread across nearby suburbs like Cambridge and Medford, many of the local universities rank among the top 50 colleges in the United States. This includes the programs at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) , Harvard, Tufts University, Boston College, Boston University, and Northeastern University.

Incredible American History

Among the many fun things to do and highlights of Boston, a look at its local history is enough to keep you engaged for years to come. From the colonization to the American Revolution, the area is home to local landmarks that include:

• Freedom Trail
• Boston Common
• Boston Harbor (site of the Boston Tea Party)
• USS Constitution Museum
• Fenway Park
• Museum of Fine Arts
• Paul Revere House
• Fort Independence
• Bunker Hill Monument
• And many more

Living in Boston Cons

Higher Cost of Living is a Challenge

Boston frequently finds itself among the most expensive cities in the U.S. With the exception of local transportation, the cost of living in Boston is higher than it is in Chicago. This is mainly due to the Boston housing market which currently shows the average price of a home is $633,178, though you can find more affordable homes in nearby suburbs around Boston.

Difficult Public Transportation is a Drawback

While a comparison of the pluses and minuses between Boston and Chicago will show that it is more affordable to travel in Boston, public transportation in the area does have some issues. It can be hard to get the hang of the various subway lines, which are often running behind schedule.

Cold Winters

Unless you’re a big fan of snow, Boston weather could be considered one of its cons for a few months of the year. The area sees an average of 48 inches of annual snowfall and temperatures that can easily linger in the teens with occasional nights where it creeps below 0°F. Though when winter is over, people thoroughly enjoy the cool, breezy summers Boston has to offer .

Living in Chicago Pros

Great Local Food Scene

A walk around downtown Chicago will yield a close look at a few of its many places to eat. Both locals and visitors enjoy everything from Chicago hot dogs to Chicago-style pizza . There is even Chicago-style popcorn, which is a salty and sweet mix of caramel and cheddar cheese popcorn.

Affordable City Living is a Plus

Most people move to a big city expecting to pay a premium for their living expenses. But you may be surprised to know that average Chicago housing costs 1% less than the U.S. average . Residents living there also pay less for groceries, healthcare, and local utilities than national averages.

Gorgeous and Extravagant Architecture

Are you a fan of incredibly tall buildings? Chicago is home to some of the tallest structures in the nation along with other beautiful places all around town. A few of the top buildings to see in Chicago are:

• The Tower at St. Jane Hotel
• Willis Tower (third-tallest building in the United States at 1,451 ft)
• Elks National Memorial Building
• The Rookery – Frank Lloyd Wright
• Trump International Hotel and Tower
• Avalon Regal Theater

Living in Chicago Cons

Expect Heavy Traffic

If you plan to drive yourself around Chicago, you should prepare to sit in standstill traffic on a fairly consistent occasion. Due to minimal highways, city travel can be difficult and time-consuming.

Big City as Far as the Eye Can See

While Chicago is bordered by Lake Michigan, there’s minimal beach access or activities nearby. If you want to see an ocean (or even mountains), you can expect to drive for at least a day or two before reaching one or the other.

Chicago’s High Tax Rates are a Weakness

With the fourth-highest sales and income tax percentages in the United States, people in Chicago pay an average of 11% for their taxes. So while the overall cost of living is fairly good, much of this is balanced in the other direction by high tax rates.

The Cost of Living in Boston vs. Chicago

According to Numbeo , most factors within the Boston vs. Chicago cost of living index show there is a significant difference between the two cities .

• Housing Market in Boston is 162% higher than in Chicago
• Rent Prices in Boston are 27.47% higher than in Chicago
• Restaurant Prices in Boston are 6.38% higher than in Chicago
• Groceries Prices in Boston are 5.26% higher than in Chicago
• A gallon of milk is $0.30 less in Chicago
• A loaf of bread is $0.07 less in Chicago
• A pound of rice is $0.12 less in Boston
• A dozen eggs are $0.29 less in Chicago

To compensate for the higher cost of living, people in Boston do have a higher median household income of $71,834, compared to Chicago which is $57,238.

Additional Things to Consider Between Boston vs. Chicago

You’ll find a major difference between the geographic size as well as the Boston vs. Chicago population. Boston is home to 695,926 people within 90 square miles, adding up to about 7,732 people per square mile. While Chicago houses a massive population of 2.71 million across 234 square miles, meaning there are a staggering 11,581 people per square mile.

As you can see, one of the main benefits of moving to Boston, MA is that it’s far less crowded than Chicago .

A review of the strengths and weaknesses between Boston and Chicago will eventually lead you to their crime statistics. While neither city is ranked among the safest cities in their own states, Boston neighborhoods have a much lower crime rate than Chicago.

Boston has noticeably lower rates in everything from violent crime to property crimes such as burglary and motor vehicle theft.

Climate Comparisons

Wondering about the difference between the Boston vs. Chicago climate? When it comes to average temperatures, the two cities are nearly identical with summer temps between the mid-60s to the low 80s and winters between the low 20s and mid-30s.

And while both cities also see an average of 200-205 sunny days per year, Boston does tend to experience about 12 inches more annual rain and snow.

Boston vs. Chicago: Where Are You Moving?

Now that you know the pros and cons between Boston and Chicago, which one sounds like the right place for you? Even though both of them have their own positives and negatives, one of them is sure to be a good fit.

Are the benefits of relocating to Boston more your style? Let Mass Bay Movers help with your transition! Call us today at (978) 587-3775 to see how our amazing Boston movers can serve you!

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96 facts in comparison

Boston vs Chicago

How does boston compare to chicago.

• 3.2% lower unemployment rate ? 7.1% vs 10.3%
• 15.00$ cheaper monthly public transport ticket ? $90.00 vs $105.00
• 3 more museums ? 58 vs 55
• Has smoking ban in closed public spaces ?
• 0.63% higher population growth rate ? 0.9% vs 0.27%
• 11.05 lower murder rate ? 8.35 vs 19.4
• 0.11$ lower fuel price (1 liter) ? $0.76 vs $0.87
• 5.2minute shorter average commuting time ? 28 minutes vs 33.2 minutes

How does Chicago compare to Boston?

• 9.61% lower population density ? 4447 people/km² vs 4920 people/km²
• 2.28million more inhabitants ? 2.9 million vs 0.62 million
• 802.54$ cheaper rent for a one-bedroom apartment ? $1 842.06 vs $2 644.60
• 11 more universities ? 24 vs 13
• 448.31$ billion higher GDP (PPP) ? $762 billion vs $313.69 billion
• 4 years younger population ? 33.1 years vs 37.1 years
• 2 more big sports facilities (stadiums, arenas, etc.) ? 5 vs 3
• 0.7 °C lower average minimum temperature ? 6.4 °C vs 7.1 °C

Which are the most popular comparisons?

Mexico City

San Francisco

Kansas City

Philadelphia

Washington, D.C.

User reviews

Overall rating.

Walkability

Job opportunities

Public transport

Food and drink

2 years ago

Best city in the world.

Great City!

I come from the suburbs and moved to Boston about 3 years ago. Rent and food are expensive here but I do think it is worth the money. Being a small city it is quite easy to get around either walking or using the public transportation. There is plenty to do in and around the city so I never get bored. There are many universities and young professionals in Boston which does make the job market very competitive but there are a wide variety of industries in the area. All in all a beautiful city perfect for those who don't mind a cold winter. I don't think I will be moving away from here any time soon.

• many food options
• good parks and museums
• many universities
• lots of shops and places for day trips
• bad parking
• snow in the winter (it's not for everyone)
• might not be ideal for families

I lived there for 26 years and won't want to again

pros: food, schools with good reps cons: cost of living isn't worth it, jobs are very hard to get, it's cold, rent sky high, people are rude and snobby

Demographics

0.62 million

2.9 million

4920 people/km²

4447 people/km²

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Boston)

Quality of living

$313.69 billion

$762 billion

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Chicago)

Environment

Transportation.

33.2 minutes

General info

46.3 million

Miscellaneous

Which are the best cities.

Panama City

San Jose, CA, United States

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Shall I visit Chicago or Boston?

• Add to quote

I have a travel agent that offers three days tours to these cities from Toronto. Which one is more tourist friendly and offer more to do????(the tickets are same price, 120$) Please help me.  

Well I live in Boston so, I'm partial. But in all honesty Chicago is a bigger, more impressive city. They're very different. Boston is small and quaint with incredible resaurants and a great music scene, a lot of culture. But Chicago is, in my opinion, the best city for architecture in the states.  

definitely chicago. chicago is awesome!!!  

Honestly you can't go wrong with either one. Both are, in my opinion, in the category of america's finest cities. If it were up to me i would flip a coin, lol.  

do you prefer your sox to be white or red?  

Big Dog Mid West City or Big Dog East Coast City. You could flip a coin and come out Great. IMO, Food Boston, Nightlife Chicago. Depends on what you want for your American Experience.  

It's a toss-up, really. You can't go wrong with either city.  

I do think there's a big difference between the east coast and the midwest. Both Chicago and Boston reflect their Goegrphical areas in a lot of ways. Boston's history and sophistication is hard to beat. But Chicago is an extremely friendly city. They are different. Both great American cities. You can't go wrong visiting either place.  

Living just north of Chicago, I've been there more than a handful of times. There's plenty I have yet to see in that fine city. I took a week of vacation in mid-May to visit Boston, and I must say it was a great time. If you're really up in the air about where to go, you've got a tough decision to make. Would it be possible in your plans to visit both? That would be win-win for sure.  

You should visit both. And by the way, Boston's thin crust pizza is much better than New York's.  

It really is a toss up. You can navigate both cities without much trouble using transit. Both have incredible architecture Both have a lot of history (Boston would obviously win out in this category though.) It really is a toss up.  

svs said: You should visit both. And by the way, Boston's thin crust pizza is much better than New York's. Click to expand...

Ian604 said: It really is a toss up. You can navigate both cities without much trouble using transit. Both have incredible architecture Both have a lot of history (Boston would obviously win out in this category though.) It really is a toss up. Click to expand...

Chi-town, i cant really think of that many things to see in Boston while Chicago is well known even for people who havent been there.  

Were you reading or not. I said you can navigate it easily using transit! Driving in Boston is a nightmare.  

boston is hard to navigate with transit too.  

Chicago. It's more fun. I've only been to Boston once and I didn't get to spend that much time there. Boston's alright but I definitely say Chicago.  

Can't you do both?  

If you're going around the Fourth of July, go to Chicago and enjoy Taste.  

ManhattanBoy said: dude, boston is one of the hardest cities to navigate in. my mom knows people who have lived in boston their whole life and it's still hard for them to get around. the roads there are terrible. not the condition(even though there are a lot of potholes), just the layout. nyc has perfect rectangles and numbers for a street name. boston has dead ends in the city wierd shaped roads. if you get lost on the road's in boston, you're screwed. your whole day is shot. but boston is a great city to visit. the only other thing i don't like about boston is the red sox. damn i hate the red sox!!!! Click to expand...

dude, ny pizza didn't change. come on. it's the same as it's always been. they haven't changed anything.  

ManhattanBoy said: dude, ny pizza didn't change. come on. it's the same as it's always been. they haven't changed anything. Click to expand...

i'm only 15. but you can still find out how pizza's made. ny style pizza just won an award for best thin crust pizza.  

Well good. I'm glad you like the pizza in your home town. In any case, Leaderwolf, if you do end up coming to Boston shoot me a private message and I'll tell you a lot of great places to check out. There's a lot to do here. It just depends on what you feel like doing.  

there's no way you can go wrong. chicago and boston rule. whichever city you end up visiting, have a great time, and make sure you make plans to see the other at some point down the road. boston and chicago are two american cities that should definitely be visited for any city-lover.  

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Boston Vs. Chicago: Which City Is Better to Live In?

When it comes to cities that are famous for gritty accents, one might argue that both Chicago and Boston are pretty high up on that list. The two cities both have heavily Northern-style accents with almost no twang to them. They’re also known for being on the up-and-up as far as cities go. You can bet that they often offer a lot to the right family, but figuring out which one is right for you can be hard.

Both Chicago and Boston are known for having booming entertainment, good food, and bitter winters. However, most people prefer Boston due to the lower crime rate, better education system, as well as a better overall job market. The only issue Boston has is the exceptionally high real estate prices and high taxes.

If you’re wondering why Boston is one of the Northeast’s top cities, or if you might still be better off with Chicago, it’s easy to see why. We’re going to give you a play-by-play of each city to make sure that you get the most accurate understanding of each city.

Which City Is Better: Chicago Or Boston?

Most of the time, people prefer Boston. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s the right city for you. Each option has its own perks that make it worth a look-see.

Not sure if you want to live in Boston or Chicago? Check out our guide comparing Charlotte vs. Raleigh !

Quality Of Life

When you are talking about quality of life, you’re usually talking about the way that people feel while they’re living it up in their cities. Believe it or not, Boston tends to have a higher rate of depression than most other cities in America. The truth is that the Northeast tends to have more people suffering from depression and anxiety overall. So, it’s not just a Boston thing. However, if you are the type of person to suffer based on environmental factors, you might want to move to Chicago.

Winner: Chicago

Cost Of Living

Chi-town has a cost of living index of 107. This means that life in Chicago is only 7 percent more expensive than the national average for day-to-day goods. You cannot say the same for Boston, not by a long shot. Boston has very high tax rates as well as overinflated prices on just about everything from food to utilities.

Due to the high price of everything, Boston has a cost of living index of 162.1. This means that it’s over 1.5 times as expensive as the national average…not to mention worthy of rivaling notoriously high-priced cities like Seattle or even New York.

Housing Costs

Boston is notoriously high priced when it comes to housing, even if you are a student studying it up at a local Ivy League college. The real estate prices here are enough to make almost anyone wince, even if they have a good paycheck. The median home price we found was $602,600. However, some reports have them even higher. Ouch.

Both Chicago and Boston have a problem with poverty. Chicago has around 20 percent of the town’s locals living in poverty, while Boston has 17 percent of people living under poverty lines. However, this doesn’t mean Boston is a poor city, not by any means. Boston has an above-average median personal income and a pretty decent median household income too.

Overall, living in Bostom means you have

Winner: Boston

This is a bit of a hard thing to debate, really. Both Philly and Chicago are known for having friendly locals with just a little bit of a snarky attitude. There’s a lot of camaraderie among the locals in both cities, and for loving similarly delicious food. Both Philly and Chicago are what foodies would call “craft beer cities.”

Philadelphia, in particular, is famous for its craft beer scene. In some circles, they go so far as to try to reverse-engineer some of the brews drank by the Founding Fathers. Chicago, on the other hand, is more about nightlife and house music.

Winner: Tied

Leisure/Entertainment

Leisure and entertainment is pretty fairly split in both. Boston has a sleepy entertainment scene when it comes to nightlife, but the food scene is amazing. Chicago’s sports scene rivals Boston, though the sports might change. Due to the better nightlife, we’re going to give this win to Chicago.

Transportation

Chicago tends to have longer commute times compared to Boston, but how bad it is can be debatable. Some sources say the commute’s around 28 minutes. Others say it’s 37. It’s hard to tell. But most agreed that Boston’s public transit system slashes commuting time and costs significantly. Ergo, the overall verdict seems to be that Boston is the better place for commuters.

Demographics

Chicago and Boston are both liberal-leaning areas that tend to have fairly diverse backgrounds. In Chicago, you’ll see about 30 percent of the population as white people, with another 30 percent being black, and the final third being Latinx. Boston has a population that is majority white, with 44 percent of the population. The rest of Boston’s population is black and Latinx.

Chicago is a very unusual city in the sense that the town is almost entirely evenly split. That alone is a pretty impressive feat.

Chicago has a high school graduation rate of 83.8 and a 4-year college rate of around 37. In most other city comparisons, that wouldn’t be too bad a thing. But, we’re not talking about most cities. We’re talking about Boston. Boston is famous for being one of the most highly educated cities in America. This means that Boston beats Chicago by a long shot.

Boston has Harvard, Boston Latin School, as well as a slew of internationally-famous schools for every walk of life. Boston beats the high school grad rate of Chicago by 3 percent. Around 48 percent of all Bostonites have a 4-year degree.

The weather in both Boston and Chicago tends to be cooler and rainier than the national average. After all, they are both in the northern portion of the United States. Their average temperatures are pretty similar to one another, so you probably won’t really notice that much of a difference in how you will need to dress. However, Boston tends to get 10 inches more snow every year. Unless you like snow, Chi-town wins.

Crime Rates

When it comes to matters of crime, Boston and Chicago tend to be night and day. Part of Chicago’s history involves a heavy focus on crime, including matters like gang violence and mafia endeavors. Boston, though it did have its heyday as a crime hotspot, isn’t really as famous for it as Chicago was.

In terms of hard crime rate data, Boston’s crime rate is far lower than Chicago. According to Niche, Boston has lower-than-average property crime rates, but above-average rates for assault. Everything else is roughly average or slightly below. Unfortunately, in Chicago, all crimes are seen at above-average rates. You have a 1 in 107 chance of being a violent crime victim in Chicago and crime rates are rising.

The Verdict

Overall, Boston has a lot for people who treasure education, good seafood, and great healthcare. While the cost of living is higher in Boston, most of the time, wages match the higher price tags. Kind of. Either way, the high crime rates of Chicago made the area lag behind in terms of economy.

People who want to make sure that they have the best possible careers will want to choose Boston. However, if you love good entertainment and even better food, then you might want to check out Chicago. With a little bit of time, you never know what might happen. Chicago has a pretty promising future if things work out.

Related Questions

Is boston a rich or poor city.

Around 17 percent of Boston’s population lives in a state that would be considered to be impoverished by federal and/or state standards. However, it’s technically not a poor city. The wages that Bostonites get are higher than average, which has contributed to a better overall quality of life.The city also recently passed a mandate to increase the minimum wage to $13.50. With that said, it still takes a lot of money in order to live a decent lifestyle. It’s up to you to decide how you want to define wealth in cities, but there’s an argument to be made either way.

What foods should you try in Chicago?

Chicago is a city that knows how to make some seriously good food, especially when you’re talking about deep dish pizza or meaty dishes. Pizza pockets, Chicago-style hot dogs, and deep dish pizzas are the most commonly cited fare. However, it’s also important to remember that Chicago has a  lot  of steakhouses too.Most people are pretty shocked to find out that the steak industry is alive and well here. In terms of drinks, Chicago tends to have a pretty lively mixed drink scene too. Hitting up almost any club in the area is a good way to sample it.

What foods should you try in Boston?

Let’s see, there are a bunch of foods. Boston clam chowder (or really any seafood!), Boston cream pies, Boston cream doughnuts….Usually, anything Boston-labeled is a good start to your gastronomic journey in this city. Of course, not all famous foods in this city actually start with the city’s name.If you want to give one of the more popular local sodas a shot, pick up some Moxie. This is an incredibly tasty herbal soda that kind of is reminiscent of Dr. Pepper. The author of this article  adores  a tall glass of Moxie!

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Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.

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Boston vs Chicago

I go head-to-head with my Chicago-based colleague, debating which city is best to visit, Boston vs Chicago.

“I am a Midwesterner by birth and a New Englander by choice, so I feel well qualified to weigh in here. And considering that I have lived in Boston for the past 25 years, you can guess which side of the debate I’m going to take. For its long and influential history, for its lively contemporary culture and college-town atmosphere, and – oh yes – for its incomparable regional cuisine, Boston is the hands-down winner in this contest.” Read both sides of the Boston vs Chicago debate at Lonely Planet…

• ← Costa Rica on a Budget
• Big Green Monster Maze →

Florida to Midwest, Northeast: 'Come on down. We're cooler than you are' ... for now

It doesn't happen too often, but when it does, Florida can finally invite our northern neighbors to come down to cool off.

The " first significant heat wave of the season " is forecast affect millions across the Midwest, Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast this week, according to the National Weather Service. " Record high temperatures and rapid onset drought are possible."

➤ Tropics watch, June 17: NHC tracking system east of Florida as Hurricane Hunters head to Gulf of Mexico

The heat wave is expected to move from the central Plains across the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and the Northeast today and remain across the Northeast through midweek, NWS forecasters said.

Some US cities could see century-old temp records fall

"The heat will surge into the Northeast by Tuesday, where high temperatures well up into the 90s are forecast as far north as Vermont and New Hampshire," the National Weather Service said.

"By Wednesday afternoon, some locations in interior New England could see temperatures topping the century mark , which will break daily records at certain locations."

The blistering temperatures are expected to last through next weekend.

“Some of these areas will get temperatures up into the 90s and near 100. You throw in humidity , which makes it feel 9 or 10 degrees higher than that, and for a lot of people it’s not going to be the best of weeks ,” according to AccuWeather meteorologist Tom Kines.

Jacksonville, Florida, vs Chicago, Illinois temperatures this week

According to the National Weather Service, here are the temperatures expected this week in Jacksonville and Chicago:

• Monday : Jacksonville, 89; Chicago, 96
• Tuesday : Jacksonville, 87; Chicago, 92
• Wednesday, Juneteenth : Jacksonville, 87; Chicago, 94
• Thursday : Jacksonville, 87; Chicago, 89
• Friday : Jacksonville, 91; Chicago, 88
• Saturday : Jacksonville, 94; Chicago, 91
• Sunday : Jacksonville, 95; Chicago, 83

West Palm Beach, Florida, vs Canton, Ohio, temperatures this week

According to the National Weather Service, here are the temperatures expected this week in West Palm Beach and Canton, Ohio:

• Monday : West Palm Beach, 85; Canton, 93
• Tuesday : West Palm Beach, 85; Canton, 95
• Juneteenth : West Palm Beach, 84; Canton, 94
• Thursday : West Palm Beach, 84; Canton, 96
• Friday : West Palm Beach, 85; Canton, 96
• Saturday : West Palm Beach, 85; Canton, 93
• Sunday : West Palm Beach, 85; Canton, 89

Orlando vs St. Louis, Missouri, temperatures this week

According to the National Weather Service, here are the temperatures expected this week in Orlando, and St. Louis, Missouri:

• Monday : Orlando, 88; St. Louis, 95
• Tuesday : Orlando, 88; St. Louis, 92
• Juneteenth : Orlando, 88; St. Louis, 93
• Thursday : Orlando, 87; St. Louis, 96
• Friday : Orlando, 92; St. Louis, 98
• Saturday : Orlando, 93; St. Louis, 98
• Sunday : Orlando, 93; St. Louis, 94

Tallahassee, Florida, vs Boston, Massachusetts, temperatures this week

According to the National Weather Service, here are the temperatures expected this week in Tallahassee and Boston:

• Monday : Tallahassee, 94; Boston, 83
• Tuesday : Tallahassee, 93; Boston, 94
• Juneteenth : Tallahassee, 94; Boston, 97
• Thursday : Tallahassee, 93; Boston, 100
• Friday : Tallahassee, 95; Boston, 91
• Saturday : Tallahassee, 97; Boston, 84
• Sunday : Tallahassee, 96; Boston, 85

Naples, Florida, vs Indianapolis, Indiana, temperatures this week

According to the National Weather Service, here are the temperatures expected this week in Naples and Indianapolis, Indiana:

• Monday : Naples, 92; Indianapolis, 94
• Tuesday : Naples, 92; Indianapolis, 91
• Juneteenth : Naples, 92; Indianapolis, 92
• Thursday : Naples, 90; Indianapolis, 97
• Friday : Naples, 91; Indianapolis, 97
• Saturday Naples, 91; Indianapolis, 95
• Sunday : Naples, 89; Indianapolis, 90

Melbourne, Florida vs Detroit, Michigan, temperatures this week

According to the National Weather Service, here are the temperatures expected this week in Melbourne and Detroit:

• Monday : Melbourne, 87; Detroit, 94
• Tuesday : Melbourne, 87; Detroit, 94
• Juneteenth : Melbourne, 86; Detroit, 96
• Thursday : Melbourne, 87; Detroit, 96
• Friday : Melbourne, 89; Detroit, 94
• Saturday : Melbourne, 89; Detroit, 92
• Sunday : Melbourne, 89; Detroit, 88

Sarasota, Florida, vs Concord, New Hampshire, temperatures this week

According to the National Weather Service, here are the temperatures expected this week in Sarasota and Concord, New Hampshire, which could get 10 degrees warmer than Sarasota on Thursday:

• Monday : Sarasota, 90; Concord, 84
• Tuesday : Sarasota, 91; Concord, 96
• Juneteenth : Sarasota, 91; Concord, 99
• Thursday : Sarasota, 90; Concord, 100
• Friday : Sarasota, 91; Concord, 92
• Saturday : Sarasota, 90; Concord, 88
• Sunday : Sarasota, 89; Concord, 83

How dangerous is heat?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 1,220 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year.

"Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself," the CDC said.

Child hot car deaths: It doesn't take record high temps for kids to die in hot cars. Florida No. 2 in US for deaths

"While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person's body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs."

What is the heat index?

The  heat index measures how it really feels outside , according to the  National Weather Service .

Heat index values were devised for shady, light wind conditions. Exposure to full sunshine can  increase heat index values by up to 15 degrees,  according to the National Weather Service. 

The heat index is calculated based on two factors:

• Air temperature
• Relative humidity

Symptoms of heat illnesses: What's the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

When your body can't cool itself, your body temperature rises. If it goes too high, it can be life-threatening.

The  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  provided a list of  warning signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses  and what you should do.

Heat cramps

Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.

• Symptoms:  Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen and Heavy sweating.
• First aid:  Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water. 
• Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than 1 hour.

Heat exhaustion

• Symptoms:  Heavy sweating, Weakness or tiredness, cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache, fainting,
• First aid:  Move person to a cooler environment, preferably a well-air-conditioned room. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths or have person sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water. If person vomits more than once seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.

Heat stroke

• Symptoms:  Throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103°F, hot, red, dry or damp skin, rapid and strong pulse, fainting, loss of consciousness.
• First Aid:  Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Delay can be fatal.
• Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment. Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath. Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures.
• Do not give fluids.

Contributor: Elizabeth Weise , USA Today

Watch Boston Red Sox vs. Chicago White Sox free

• Updated: Jun. 07, 2024, 6:00 p.m. |
• Published: Jun. 07, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
• Khadrice Rollins | [email protected]

The Boston Red Sox are on the road to face the Chicago White Sox in the second game of a four-game series on Friday, June 7.

The Red Sox game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on NESN . Fans looking to watch this MLB game can do so for free by using FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, which both offer a free trial. SlingTV doesn’t offer a free trial but has promotional offers available for streaming the game.

The Red Sox took game one of the series , 14-2, just one day after blowing out the Atlanta Braves, 9-0. This two game stretch has pushed Boston back above .500. The White Sox are a MLB-worst, 15-48 and are in the midst of a 14-game losing streak .

• WATCH THE SOX HERE

Who : Red Sox vs. White Sox

When : Friday, June 7 at 8 p.m. EST

Where : Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago

Stream : FuboTV (free trial) ; Sling ; DirecTV Stream

Tickets : StubHub and * VividSeats

• *New customers who purchase tickets through VividSeats can get $20 off a $200+ ticket order by using the promo code MassLive20 at checkout.*

Gear : Shop around at Fanatics for jerseys, hats, polos, sneakers, shirts and more

Sports Betting Promos: Red Sox fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses.

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The Associated Press broke down the details behind what led to San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano getting banned for life because of gambling.

MLB provided the specifics collected from the legal sportsbook Marcano was gambling with.

Additionally, four other players were given a year-long suspension for gambling on major league games while in the minors. Among that group is Oakland Athletics pitcher Michael Kelly.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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Boston red sox vs. chicago white sox live stream, tv channel, start time, odds | june 6, share this article.

Dominic Smith and the Boston Red Sox hit the field on Thursday at Guaranteed Rate Field against Jake Woodford, who is starting for the Chicago White Sox. First pitch is at 8:10 PM ET.

The Red Sox pitching staff ranks ninth in the majors with a collective 8.7 strikeouts per nine innings. The White Sox have a team batting average of just .217 this season, which ranks last among MLB teams.

Prepare for the Red Sox vs. White Sox with what you need to know about Thursday’s game, including viewing options.

Red Sox vs. White Sox: live stream info, TV channel & game time

• Game Day: Thursday, June 6, 2024
• Game Time: 8:10 PM ET
• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Stadium: Guaranteed Rate Field
• TV Channel: NESN
• Live Stream: Fubo ( Watch Now! )

Red Sox vs. White Sox odds & betting lines

• Favorite: Red Sox (-240, bet $240 to win $100)
• Underdog: White Sox (+195, bet $100 to win $195)
• Over/under: 8.5

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook . Odds updated Thursday at 3:06 PM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub .

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.

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• WEATHER ALERT Heat Advisory Full Story
• WEATHER ALERT Excessive Heat Watch Full Story

Heat dome brings potentially historic temperatures to most of the nation

Up to 265 million people are expected to experience 90-degree weather this week.

The Northeast and Midwest, including New York City and Boston, are bracing for what could be the hottest stretch of weather in 30 years this week as a sweltering heat dome settles over a large part of the nation.

Over the next six days, 265 million people, or about 82% of the U.S. population, are likely to experience temperatures topping 90 degrees as the official first day of summer arrives on Thursday.

Many cities in the Midwest and the Northeast could experience what the National Weather Services calls rare and long-duration heat with up to five straight days of 95-plus-degree weather with high humidity that will make it feel 100 to 105 degrees.

As of Monday morning, 17 states from Iowa to Maine were under a heat alert. An Excessive Heat Watch was already issued Sunday for parts of New England, including Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The temperature in Concord, New Hampshire, is forecast to reach 101 on Wednesday.

SEE ALSO: Extreme heat safety tips as dangerous temperatures head to Midwest, East Coast

The Ohio Valley could experience the most impactful heat wave of the 21st century. Louisville, Kentucky, is forecast to hit 94 degrees on Wednesday, 97 on Thursday and 99 on Friday.

New York City could feel its first heat wave of the year as temperatures are forecast to reach 91 degrees on Wednesday and 94 on Thursday and 96 on Friday.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said at a news conference Monday morning that he expects the National Weather Service to issue a heat advisory for the nation's largest city on Thursday and Friday. He said the city will open cooling centers on Tuesday.

"We expect to hit peak heat on Thursday and Friday with the heat index possibly reaching 99 degrees," Adams said. "We want to be clear, this is extremely hot for June and New Yorkers should not underestimate the heat."

Pittsburgh is also in for a string of hot weather with temperatures expected to soar from 97 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday to 98 degrees on Thursday and Friday.

The heat-wave forecast for Pittsburgh could be the city's hottest all-time for the month of June. The previous five-day June record occurred in 1994 with a temperature average of 96.4 degrees.

The all-time record for a heat wave in Pittsburgh happened in mid-July 1988 when city residents sweltered for five consecutive days with 98.6-degree temperatures.

Washington, D.C., is also expected to be inundated with 90-degree weather and could flirt with the century mark by Friday.

High temperatures are also forecast for Ohio and southeast Michigan, where an excessive heat watch is also in effect from Monday through Friday.

Daily temperature records are expected to fall this week in Chicago, Green Bay, Cleveland and Toledo.

Upstate New York could also see daily heat records fall. In Rochester, temperatures on Monday are forecast to hit 94 degrees, which would tie a daily record. Syracuse is also forecast to reach 94 degrees on Monday, which would break a daily record.

Out west, dangerous heat is expected for Texas, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico.

An excessive heat warning was issued for Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, where temperatures threatened to hit the 110-degree mark on Sunday.

Roswell, New Mexico, is expected to reach 105 degrees on Sunday and El Paso and Fort Stockton, Texas, are expected to get just as warm.

Authorities warn people enduring such high temperatures to stay hydrated and out of the heat, and to check on elderly neighbors and relatives.

In 2023, there were 2,302 heart-related deaths across the country, a 34% increase from 2022.

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Watch CBS News

How to watch the Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics NBA Finals game tonight: Game 5 livestream options

By Meredith Gordon

Edited By Fox Van Allen

Updated on: June 17, 2024 / 1:10 PM EDT / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

The Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics are headed back to Boston for Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals . Down three games, Luka Doncic and an emboldened Mavericks team  dominated the Celtics throughout Game 4 .  The Mavs staved off elimination from the finals by forcing a Game 5.

Keep reading for how and when to watch this exciting Game 5 of the Mavericks vs. Celtics NBA Finals series.

How and when to watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics Game 5

Game 5 of the Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics NBA Finals series will be played on Monday, June 17, 2024 at 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. PT). The game will air on ABC and stream on  Sling TV  and the platforms featured below.

How to watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics Game 5 without cable

If your cable subscription doesn't carry ABC or you've cut the cord with your cable company, you can still watch tonight's game. Below are the platforms on which you can watch today's game live. 

Save $25 on Sling TV: The most cost-effective way to stream the Mavericks vs. Celtics game

One of the most cost-effective ways to stream today's game is through a  subscription to Sling TV .  To watch today's game, you'll need a subscription to the Blue tier, which includes access to your local network affiliate's live feed (excluding CBS). To level up your coverage and get access to sports and content broadcast on ESPN and TNT, subscribe to the Orange + Blue tier plan.

The Blue tier is $45 per month. The Sling Orange + Blue tier costs $60 per month, but the platform currently offers $25 off the first month of any pricing tier, making the Orange + Blue tier $35 for the first month.

Note: Because Sling TV doesn't carry CBS, you won't be able to watch CBS-aired programming like next year's NFL games on CBS. To watch these games, plus PGA golf, UEFA Champions League and more live sports, we recommend you also  subscribe to Paramount+ with Showtime . Paramount+ with Showtime costs $12 per month after a one-week free trial.

Top features of Sling TV Orange + Blue tier:

• Sling TV is also our top choice to stream the  NHL Finals .
• There are 46 channels to watch in total, including ABC, NBC and Fox (where available).
• You get access to NBA games airing on TNT.
• All subscription tiers include 50 hours of cloud-based DVR storage.

Watch the NBA Finals for free with Fubo

You can also catch tonight's game on  Fubo .  Fubo is a sports-centric streaming service that offers access to ABC and ESPN, in addition to almost every NFL game next season.

To watch the NBA Finals without cable, start a seven-day free trial of Fubo. You can begin watching immediately on your TV, phone, tablet or computer. In addition to NBA basketball, you'll have access to NFL football, MLB ,  NBA , NHL , MLS and international soccer games. Fubo's Pro Tier is priced at $80 per month after your free seven-day trial.

Sports fans will want to consider adding on the $7.99 per month Fubo Extra package, which includes MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, Tennis Channel, SEC Network and more channels with live games. Or upgrade to the Fubo Elite tier and get all the Fubo Extra channels, plus the ability to stream in 4K, starting at $90 per month.

Top features of FuboTV Pro Tier:

• There are no contracts with Fubo, you can cancel anytime.
• The Pro tier includes over 180 channels, so there's something for everyone to enjoy. 
• There's a seven-day free trial, so you can watch the NBA Finals for free .
• Fubo includes most channels you'll need to watch live sports, including CBS (not available through Sling TV).
• All tiers come with 1,000 hours of cloud-based DVR recording.
• Stream on your TV, phone, tablet and other devices.

Hulu + Live TV/ESPN+ bundle : Watch the NBA Finals live for free

You can watch today's game with the  Hulu + Live TV/ESPN+ bundle . The bundle features 95 channels, including ABC, TNT, local network affiliates and ESPN. It also includes  the ESPN+ streaming service . Unlimited DVR storage is also included. Watch today's game, the 2024 NBA playoffs, MLB this season and network-aired NFL games next season with Hulu + Live TV/ESPN+ bundle.

Hulu + Live TV comes bundled with ESPN+ and Disney+. It's priced at $77 per month after a three-day free trial.

Watch today's game live with a digital HDTV antenna

You can also watch tonight's game on TV with an affordable indoor antenna, which pulls in local over-the-air HDTV channels such as CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox, PBS, Univision and more. Here's the kicker: There's no monthly charge.

For anyone living in a partially blocked-off area (those near mountains or first-floor apartments), a  digital TV antenna  may not pick up a good signal -- or any signal at all. But for many homes, a digital TV antenna provides a seriously inexpensive way to watch sports without paying a cable company. Indoor TV antennas can also provide some much-needed TV backup if a storm knocks out your cable.

This ultra-thin, multi-directional digital antenna with a 65-mile range can receive hundreds of HD TV channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox and Univision and can filter out cellular and FM signals. It delivers a high-quality picture in 1080p HDTV, top-tier sound and features a 12-foot digital coax cable.

The best place to get NBA Finals fan gear: Fanatics

Rooting from home is more fun while repping your team with the latest NBA fan gear. Fanatics is our first stop for the newest NBA fan gear, our go-to for the latest drop of NBA Finals merch like jerseys, commemorative T-shirts, hats and more. Fanatics also has just-released NFL Draft jerseys, like No. 1 overall draft pick  Caleb Williams ' new Chicago Bears jersey. Fanatics is offering up to 25% sitewide through June 17 at 11:59 p.m. ET when you use code DIVE at checkout. Some exclusions apply.

2024 NBA Playoffs: Full playoff schedule and results

2024 NBA Finals schedule

The 2024 NBA Finals is a best-of-seven series beginning on June 6, 2024 airing on ABC. All times Eastern.

• Game 1:  Celtics 107, Mavericks 89  
• Game 2:  Celtics 105, Mavericks 98
• Game 3:  Celtics 106, Mavericks 99
• Game 4:  Mavericks 122, Celtics 84
• Game 5:  Mavericks vs. Celtics, Monday, June 17 (8:30 p.m.)*
• Game 6:  Celtics vs. Mavericks, Thursday, June 20 (8:30 p.m.)*
• Game 7:  Mavericks vs. Celtics, Sunday, June 23 (8 p.m.)*

* = if necessary

Boston leads the series 3-1.

Conference finals results

Below are the results of the 2024 NBA conference. finals

Eastern Conference

(1) Boston vs. (6) Indiana

• Game 1:  Celtics 133, Pacers 128 (OT) • Game 2:   Celtics 126, Pacers 110 • Game 3:  Celtics 114, Pacers 111 • Game 4:  Celtics 105, Pacers 102

Boston wins series 4-0

Western Conference

3) Minnesota vs. (5) Dallas

• Game 1:   Mavericks 108, Timberwolves 105 • Game 2:  Mavericks 109, Timberwolves 108 • Game 3:  Mavericks 116, Timberwolves 107 • Game 4:  Timberwolves 105, Mavericks 100 • Game 5:   Mavericks 124, Timberwolves 103

Dallas wins series 4-1

Conference semifinals 

The second round of the  2024 NBA Playoffs Presented by Google Pixel  is complete. Here are the results:

All times Eastern

(1) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

• Game 1:   Celtics 120, Cavaliers 95 • Game 2:  Cavaliers 118, Celtics 94 • Game 3:  Celtics 106, Cavaliers 93 • Game 4:  Celtics 109, Cavaliers 102 • Game 5:  Celtics 113, Cavaliers 98 Boston wins series 4-1

(2) New York vs. (6) Indiana

• Game 1:   Knicks 121, Pacers 117 • Game 2:  Knicks 130, Pacers 121 • Game 3:  Pacers 111, Knicks 106 • Game 4:  Pacers 121, Knicks 89 • Game 5:  Knicks 121, Pacers 91 • Game 6:  Pacers 116, Knicks 103 • Game 7:  Pacers 130, Knicks 109 Indiana wins series 4-3

All times Eastern 

(1) Oklahoma City vs. (5) Dallas

• Game 1:   Thunder 117, Mavericks 95 • Game 2:  Mavericks 119, Thunder 110 • Game 3:  Mavericks 105, Thunder 101 • Game 4:  Thunder 100, Mavericks 96 • Game 5:  Mavericks 104, Thunder 92 • Game 6:  Mavericks 117, Thunder 116 Dallas wins series 4-2

(2) Denver vs. (3) Minnesota

• Game 1:   Timberwolves 106, Nuggets 99 • Game 2:  Timberwolves 106, Nuggets 80 • Game 3:  Nuggets 117, Timberwolves 90 • Game 4:  Nuggets 115, Timberwolves 107 • Game 5:  Nuggets 112, Timberwolves 97 • Game 6:  Timberwolves 115, Nuggets 70 • Game 7:  Timberwolves 98, Nuggets 90 Minnesota wins series 4-3

First round

The first round of the  2024 NBA Playoffs Presented by Google Pixel  is complete. Here are the results:

All times Eastern Standard Time

(1) Boston vs. (8) Miami

• Game 1:   Celtics 114, Heat 94 • Game 2:  Heat 111, Celtics 101 • Game 3:  Celtics 104, Heat 84 • Game 4:  Celtics 102, Heat 88 • Game 5:   Celtics 118, Heat 84 Boston wins series 4-1

(2) New York vs. (7) Philadelphia

• Game 1:   Knicks 111, 76ers 104 • Game 2:  Knicks 104, 76ers 101 • Game 3:  76ers 125, Knicks 114 • Game 4:  Knicks 97, 76ers 92 • Game 5:  76ers 112, Knicks 106 (OT) • Game 6 :  Knicks 118, 76ers 115 New York wins series 4-2

(3) Milwaukee vs. (6) Indiana

• Game 1:   Bucks 109, Pacers 94 • Game 2:   Pacers 125, Bucks 108 • Game 3:   Pacers 121, Bucks 118 (OT) • Game 4:   Pacers 126, Bucks 113 • Game 5:   Bucks 115, Pacers 92 • Game 6:  Pacers 120, Bucks 98 Indiana wins series 4-2

(4) Cleveland vs. (5) Orlando

• Game 1:  Cavaliers 97, Magic 83 • Game 2:  Cavaliers 96, Magic 86 • Game 3:  Magic 121, Cavaliers 83 • Game 4:  Magic 112, Cavaliers 89 • Game 5:  Cavaliers 104, Magic 103 • Game 6:  Magic 103, Cavaliers 96 • Game 7:  Cavaliers 106, Magic 94 Cleveland wins series 4-3

(1) Oklahoma City vs. (8) New Orleans

• Game 1:   Thunder 94, Pelicans 92 • Game 2:  Thunder 124, Pelicans 92 • Game 3:  Thunder 106, Pelicans 85 • Game 4:  Thunder 97, Pelicans 89 Oklahoma City wins series 4-0

(2) Denver vs. (7) L.A. Lakers

• Game 1:   Nuggets 114, Lakers 103 • Game 2:  Nuggets 101, Lakers 99 • Game 3:  Nuggets 112, Lakers 105 • Game 4:  Lakers 119, Nuggets 108 • Game 5:  Nuggets 108, Lakers 106 Denver wins series 4-1

(3) Minnesota vs. (6) Phoenix

• Game 1:   Timberwolves 120, Suns 95 • Game 2:   Timberwolves 105, Suns 93 • Game 3:  Timberwolves 126, Suns 109 • Game 4:  Timberwolves 122, Suns 116 Minnesota wins series 4-0

(4) LA Clippers vs. (5) Dallas

• Game 1:   Clippers 109, Mavericks 97 • Game 2:   Mavericks 96, Clippers 93 • Game 3:   Mavericks 101, Clippers 90 • Game 4:   Clippers 116, Mavericks 111 • Game 5:   Mavericks 123, Clippers 93 • Game 6:   Mavericks 114, Clippers 101 Dallas wins series 4-2

Play-In Tournament

The  2024 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament  took place April 16-19. Here are the results:

• 7/8 Game:   Philadelphia 105, Miami 104 (76ers win No. 7 seed)
• 9/10 Game:  Chicago 131, Atlanta 116 (Bulls advance to play Heat; Hawks are eliminated)
• 8th Seed:  Miami 112, Chicago 91 ( Heat win No. 8 seed; Bulls are eliminated)
• 7/8 Game:   L.A. Lakers 110, New Orleans 106 (Lakers win No. 7 seed)
• 9/10 Game:  Sacramento 118, Golden State 94 (Kings advance to play Pelicans; Warriors are eliminated)
• 8th Seed:   New Orleans 105, Sacramento 98 ( Pelicans win No. 8 seed; Kings are eliminated)
• Boston Celtics
• NBA Playoffs
• Kyrie Irving
• Dallas Mavericks
• Luka Doncic

More Essentials

Our readers' favorite books of 2024 so far

Need a juicy new read? Check out what books our readers are absolutely loving this year.

Amazon's bestselling window air conditioner is on sale now

CBS Essentials can't stop buying the Midea window AC, which is $43 off on Amazon now after coupon.

Keep cool this summer with the best neck fans of 2024

Protect your neck from sweat this summer with one of the best neck fans of 2024.

The best smart plugs in 2024

Shop the best smart plugs in 2024, from the best all-purpose plugs to outdoor options.

Why this Beis carry-on is my new favorite luggage: A review

I was a loyal Away customer for years until I met Beis. Here's my review of Beis The Medium Check-In Roller suitcase.

The 6 best 65-inch TVs of 2024

Discover the best 65-inch TVs currently available and choose one that best meets your viewing and gaming needs.

Our favorite tech picks for your summer vacation

From the airplane to the hotel, these gadgets will majorly upgrade your travel experience.

The best video doorbells for 2024

A video doorbell can help you screen visitors, watch for packages and more, all from the comfort of your sofa.

The best smart light bulbs of 2024

"Alexa, turn on my new smart bulb." The best smart light bulbs of 2024 offer automation, voice control and more.

U.S. Secret Service member robbed at gunpoint in California during Biden trip

President Biden was in Los Angeles for a glitzy fundraiser with former President Obama and a host of Hollywood stars.

Nationwide to drop about 100,000 pet insurance policies

The country's biggest provider of pet insurance cites rising cost of veterinary care in pulling product in some states.

Newborn baby found abandoned near Texas walking trail

A baby girl was left on a bridge at the start of a walking path in Texas. The newborn, wrapped in a towel, was quickly found and brought to a hospital.

Russian warships depart Cuba after visit following military exercises

A fleet of Russian warships, including a nuclear-powered submarine, has left Havana's port after a five-day visit to Cuba following planned military drills in the Atlantic Ocean.

Democrats weigh in on GOP claim that Trump could win these 3 blue states

Trump and Republicans think 3 Democratic states could swing his way in the fall election. Here's what Democrats from those states say.

Brewery defends Milwaukee with "(not so) Horrible City IPA"

"You hear something, you believe something," said brewery owner of people's possible misperceptions about Milwaukee.

McDonald's ends AI drive-thru orders — for now

Despite customer flubs, fast-food giant says it still sees "tremendous opportunity" for using voice bots in drive-thru lanes.

Trump proposal to exempt tips from taxes could cost $250 billion

The nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget projects how much the plan would add to the federal deficit.

Adobe traps customers in annual subscription plans, FTC alleges

Adobe pushes customers toward annual subscriptions for products like Photoshop and hides the cancellation fees, federal lawsuit alleges.

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump meet at Mar-a-Lago

The two Republican Party leaders are plotting a path to victory in the November elections.

The IRS is cracking down on a tax loophole for wealthy taxpayers

The Internal Revenue Service plans to end another major tax loophole that could raise more than $50 billion in revenue over the next decade.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore pardons 175,000 marijuana convictions

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore mass pardoned more than 175,000 marijuana convictions Monday.

HealthWatch

Surgeon general wants social media health warning

The surgeon general is calling for a health warning for social media, similar to the ones found on tobacco products. Dr. Vivek Murthy says teens and adolescents should be notified the platforms are associated with possible harm to mental health. Anna Werner reports.

121 people hospitalized in Moscow with rare food poisoning

Russian authorities said the toxic outbreak came from salads distributed by a popular online delivery service.

How hunters are helping researchers track tick-borne diseases

A unique collaboration between hunters and researchers is helping to track ticks and the diseases they spread.

Social media apps need teen health warnings, surgeon general says

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said that teens' mental health is facing an "emergency," and that social media is part of the problem.

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Paris Olympics could break heat records. Will it put athletes at risk?

"It is not in an athlete's DNA to stop and if the conditions are too dangerous I do think there is a risk of fatalities," one rugby player said.

German police seize $2.78 billion in cocaine

German investigators seized 39 tons of cocaine worth more than $2.78 billion hidden among vegetables and fruits in several container ships.

Mayor-elect pulled off bus and shot dead near Acapulco

Salvador Villalba Flores had decided to run for mayor after his friend, a candidate, was murdered in 2023, local media reported.

Entertainment

Ian McKellen hospitalized after falling off stage in London

Ian McKellen, 85, was hospitalized Monday after toppling off a London stage during a fight scene in "Player Kings."

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Armie Hammer breaks silence on cannibalism accusations

"Call Me by Your Name" actor Armie Hammer opened up about cannibalism accusations that led to his "career death" and why he's "grateful for every single bit of it."

Lily Gladstone on connection to "Fancy Pants"

Fresh from her historic Oscar nod, Lily Gladstone stars in the new movie "Fancy Dance," which she calls the "most important" story of her career.

Big winners at 77th annual Tony Awards

Three-time host Ariana DeBose kicked off Broadway's biggest night at the 77th annual Tony Awards in New York City. Some familiar names from favorite movies and TV shows were among the big winners. Alicia Keys' semi-autobiographical "Hell's Kitchen" and "Stereophonic," a play based on a fictional band in the 70s, led the evening with 13 nominations each.

Who won Tony Awards for 2024: full list of winners and nominees

See the full list of winners and nominees from the 2024 Tony Awards.

Vivek Murthy on social media, mental health

In a new op-ed, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is calling on Congress to take action and pass legislation that would put a warning label on social media apps. Murthy sits down to discuss.

Concerns about titanium dioxide in foods

Titanium dioxide, an ingredient usually found in some sunscreens, is turning up in foods consumed by many Americans, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. David Julian McClements, a food science professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, joins CBS News with more details.

How AI powered robots are helping small farms

From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.

Heat wave puts millions at risk in U.S.

A heat wave is forecast to bring dangerously hot temperatures to the Midwest and Northeast this week, with at least 265 million people expected to experience temperatures above 90 degrees across the country. CBS News senior weather producer David Parkinson has more.

Scientists use drones, A.I. to track disease

Climate change means there's a growing risk of spreading tropical diseases like dengue, which has seen a massive rise in cases in recent years. To limit the spread of such illnesses, scientists are using technological advancements like drones and artificial intelligence.

East Coast braces for heat dome

The world recorded its hottest month on record in May, and now, meteorologists say a heat dome currently centered over Mexico and the Southwest will shift this weekend, repositioning over the East by next week. CBS News senior weather producer David Parkinson explains what a heat dome is, and how long this one is expected to last.

How drug pollution is threatening animals

A new study from 17 international scientists found that active pharmaceutical ingredients -- the part of medications that help make them effective -- are having increasingly negative impacts on animals and ecosystems across the world. The authors are calling on drug makers to design more sustainable products with environmental impacts in mind. Karen Kidd, one of the study's authors, joins CBS News to unpack the findings.

What to know as the world deals with extreme heat

"The highway to climate hell": More than 75% of the entire global population experienced at least one month of extreme heat within the last year, scientists found. Here's what to know as temperatures continue to break records around the world.

Child shot at splash pad improving: Sheriff

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard gave an update Monday on the Rochester Hills, Michigan, splash pad shooting investigation. Nine people were wounded Sunday, including two children, when a man opened fire at the Brooklands Plaza splash pad before taking his life. Bouchard said a child shot in the head is improving, and that no clear motive for the shooting has been uncovered.

Violent weekend across the U.S.

Over the weekend, two people were killed at a Juneteenth celebration in Round Rock, Texas. Nine were wounded, including two children, at a Rochester Hills, Michigan, splash pad, and in Methuen, Massachusetts, seven people were shot at a pop-up party. CBS News' Charlie De Mar has more details after a violent weekend across the United States.

NASA rover discovers boulder "never observed before" on Mars

NASA's Perseverance rover discovered a mysterious boulder that stood out in a field of rocks while exploring a crater on Mars.

"Once-in-a-lifetime" cosmic explosion is likely this summer, NASA says

A dramatic cosmic explosion is expected this summer. NASA says the event will be visible to even the naked eye.

Virgin Galactic chalks up 7th commercial sub-orbital space flight

It was the final flight of Virgin's Unity spaceplane while the company transitions to a more capable spacecraft.

From the archives: Bill Anders, Apollo 8 and the "Earthrise" photo

Astronaut Williams Anders died Friday, June 7, 2024, at the age of 90. In this "CBS Sunday Morning" story originally broadcast December 23, 2018, Anders and his fellow crewmates from Apollo 8, James Lovell and Frank Borman, talked with Lee Cowan about becoming the first humans to circle the moon, and of the photograph they brought back: the first image of the Earth above the lunar surface. Dubbed "Earthrise," it showed humanity the beauty and fragility of our home planet, and helped invigorate the environmental movement.

William Anders, former Apollo 8 astronaut, dies in plane crash

William Anders, who snapped one of the most iconic images of the space age, was killed when his small plane went down off the coast of Washington state.

Latest Galleries

Notable Deaths in 2024

A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.

Summer music heats up 2024

Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographer Ed Spinelli.

Becky Bliefnick texted about fear of her estranged husband

The Illinois mom wrote, "If something ever happens to me, please make sure the number one person of interest is Tim." Take a look at the evidence that led to Tim Bliefnick's arrest.

The hunt for Forrest Fenn's treasure

Forrest Fenn hid a treasure somewhere in the Rocky Mountains. Five men died searching for it.

The Circleville letters: You've got hate mail

An anonymous letter writer terrorizes a small town, threatening to expose their rumored dark secrets.

Latest CBS News Videos

The push to make school buses safer

Millions of children ride school buses every school day, but the vast majority of those vehicles lack basic safety features like seatbelts and airbags for drivers. Mark Strassmann takes a look at the people and groups pushing to make school buses safer.

Biden, Trump gear up for first debate of 2024

President Biden and former President Trump are set to face off in their first debate of 2024 next week. The format will be different from debates last time around, as there will be no opening statements and microphones will be muted when it is not a candidate's turn to speak, sources told CBS News. Robert Costa has more on the race.

Netanyahu dissolves Israel's war cabinet

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolved the country's war cabinet after rival Benny Gantz resigned from the body. In Gaza, Israel's military paused its offensive for several hours to allow more aid to enter, and it says it will continue to do so. Chris Livesay has more.