Why they call Chicago The Windy City when there is so much more worth talking about here is beyond us. Chicago is a world class city offering everything you would expect from a cosmopolitan capital, from museums to dining to architecture. Even after you've dug into a delicious deep dish pizza, attended a Cubs game, seen the amazing Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, and swam in Lake Michigan, you'll still have an endless list of things to do.

Sounds enticing? It is! If you're looking for a short term rental in Chicago for an extended visit, you've come to the right place. HomeExchange is an amazing alternative for anyone coming to enjoy the city, be it for fun, a summer job, an internship, or otherwise. It's a free alternative to short terms furnished rentals in Chicago that also offers tons of other perks we're pleased to share with you. Read on to find out about how and why to use HomeExchange instead of short term apartment rentals in Chicago.

Discover How HomeExchange Works

The Difference Between Short Term Rentals in Chicago & HomeExchange

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Different from traditional short or mid term rentals, with home swapping you exchange homes with like-minded travelers for a mutually beneficial travel arrangement instead of paying money. It's incredibly affordable because just $220 unlocks unlimited exchanges for a year. It can also mean the possibility to bring along a pet, exchange for extended periods of time, land an abode in the best neighborhood, get the comforts of home while away. It opens the door to living like a local and even making friends with your hosts in Chicago!

HomeExchange also has a flexible system called GuestPoints for when a reciprocal exchange isn't possible. GuestPoints are points accumulated for hosting that can be saved to spend towards future stays. This adds an extra layer of convenience and flexibility to the exchange process. To start exploring our alternatives to short term rentals in Chicago, simply create a free listing, showcase your home with pictures, introduce yourself, and fill out your calendar. With the HomeExchange messaging system, propose an exchange and organise the details.

Learn How GuestPoints Work

More Than 500 Alternatives to Short Term Furnished Rentals in Chicago

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Whether you are looking for short terms apartments rentals in Chicago, just a room, or a whole house, HomeExchange has over 500 registered hosts already in this amazing city. West Loop, Wicker Park, Logan Square, you name it...we've got hosts there. As midwesterners are known for the incredible hospitality, we think you'll find our hosts in the Chicago area to be some of the most welcoming of all!

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They Used HomeExchange Instead of Short Term Rentals in Chicago

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Want to know a bit more about what's it's like to use HomeExchange? We love hearing from our members about their experiences. We also have a 4.6 star rating on TrustPilot from over 8000 reviews! Here's what some recent community members had to say about their HomeExchange experience in Chicago and beyond...

"We started with four nights in Chicago at the amazing home of Bill and Marcy which was on the 18th floor of an apartment block beside Lake Michigan. We were attracted to Bill and Marcy’s place because of the convenient location which meant we could walk to all the main attractions of the city. Our hosts communicated very well with us. Each one gave us plenty of information about their homes; good directions and really useful local information. Everyone was available by email if we needed help. Bill and Marcy left a lovely note for us detailing the best things to see and do in their neighbourhood and telling us to ‘use anything we needed’ in their well-stocked larder! Chicago’s riverside architecture was stunning and the massive Lake Michigan [too]." - Jane & John, Scotland

"We have done 15 Exchanges in a variety of countries: Spain, Italy, Switzerland, USA *(NYC, Chicago, Napa, Lake Tahoe, Vermont, Colorado, among others). A variety of seasons: summer, spring, winter.
All exchanges have been perfect, all homes beautiful and in perfect order and never a problem with our exchange partners.
[I] have no doubts about exchanging as the best way to travel and enjoy your stays!" - Hector, USA

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Now that you've caught wind of all the amazing things awaiting you in The Windy City, it's time to consider HomeExchange as a great way to stay here in Chicago. Sign up for free today to start exploring all the possibilities for your stay in this world class city whatever brings you here! We look forward to hosting you there.

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