A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Arlington vs. Milwaukee for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Arlington or Milwaukee?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Milwaukee, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Arlington

Arlington is a historical, educational, and international city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a undiscovered, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Arlington and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Home to Arlington National Cemetery
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Arlington or Milwaukee?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Arlington than Milwaukee. While Milwaukee is larger than Arlington, Arlington has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Arlington is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. It is also home to Arlington National Cemetery. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Arlington different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arlington or Milwaukee?

Arlington
Milwaukee

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Arlington. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Milwaukee. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.


Is the Food Better in Arlington or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arlington
Milwaukee

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Arlington has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

Milwaukee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.

Is Arlington or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Arlington
Milwaukee

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Arlington has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

Milwaukee has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Milwaukee?

Arlington
Milwaukee

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Arlington and Milwaukee.

Arlington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Milwaukee is a great destination for shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.


Is Arlington or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Arlington
Milwaukee

Arlington and Milwaukee are both good destinations for the whole family.

Arlington is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Milwaukee. Kids will enjoy a visit to Discovery World, which is a science center with hands-on exhibits. There's also the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Younger kids will also enjoy a stop at Betty Brinn Children's Museum.

Is Arlington or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Arlington
Milwaukee

Arlington is a city with good options for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Arlington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Milwaukee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.

Is Arlington or Milwaukee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington
Milwaukee

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Milwaukee is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a lot to attract backpackers to the area.


Is Arlington or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Arlington
Milwaukee

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Arlington. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Milwaukee is popular with students. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

Is Arlington or Milwaukee Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arlington
Milwaukee

Arlington is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Arlington can take you anywhere. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Public transit is generally limited in Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.

Is Arlington or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Arlington
Milwaukee

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Arlington is a very walkable city. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.


For even more information, also check out Is Arlington Worth Visiting? and Is Milwaukee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Arlington or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Arlington than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Arlington, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington than Milwaukee 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 Arlington.


  • How many days in Arlington or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Arlington 2-4 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Arlington or Milwaukee?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Arlington. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Milwaukee. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milwaukee has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arlington or Milwaukee?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the educational destination of Arlington. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Milwaukee. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the international city of Arlington. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the undiscovered city of Milwaukee. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Arlington or Milwaukee?

Arlington is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Milwaukee is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Arlington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Arlington is $264, while the average daily cost in Milwaukee is $176. 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 Arlington and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arlington $131
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arlington $262
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Arlington and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Arlington or Milwaukee? 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 Arlington


Hotels in Milwaukee


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Arlington Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arlington $49
    Milwaukee $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arlington

Also for Arlington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ronald Reagan DCA Airport Transfers: $160

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milwaukee

Also for Milwaukee, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Milwaukee - General Mitchell Airport One Way Transfer : $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Arlington or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Arlington change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Arlington $81
    Milwaukee $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milwaukee

For Milwaukee, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Family Fun Food Tour: $80
  • Local Food Tour: $96
  • Milwaukee Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arlington $11
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Milwaukee

For Milwaukee, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Sailing Adventure in Lake Michigan (up to 6 people): $128
  • 2 Hours Private Tour of Milwaukee Marvels: $245
  • 2-Hour Bus Tour in Milwaukee City: $40
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Cream City Cannibal: Jeffery Dahmer Walking Tour: $53
  • Discover Iconic Milwaukee Tour : $67
  • Downtown Kenosha Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Geneva Lake Shore Path: Uncover 21 miles of stories on a self-guided audio tour: $10
  • Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Game Ticket at American Family Field: $10
  • Milwaukee Bucks Basketball Game Ticket at Fiserv Forum: $69
  • Milwaukee Magic: A Private Christmas Lights Tour: $648
  • Milwaukee Marvels: A 2-Hour Private Tour: $482

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arlington $17
    Milwaukee $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Milwaukee

Also in Milwaukee, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack: $99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arlington and Milwaukee, we can see that Arlington is more expensive. And not only is Milwaukee much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Milwaukee would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milwaukee and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Arlington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arlington than you might in Milwaukee.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Arlington Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Arlington or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Arlington. When comparing the sizes of Arlington and Milwaukee, 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 Arlington or Milwaukee?

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 Arlington or Milwaukee in the Summer?

Both Milwaukee and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arlington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Arlington is generally a little warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 79°F (26°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Milwaukee. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arlington. Arlington usually receives less sunshine than Milwaukee during summer. Arlington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arlington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milwaukee. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arlington 79°F (26°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

Both Milwaukee and Arlington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Arlington for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Milwaukee in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Arlington is a little warmer than Milwaukee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Arlington often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Arlington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arlington 60°F (15°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Milwaukee in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Milwaukee. Many visitors come to Arlington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Milwaukee can be very cold during winter. Arlington can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Arlington is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Arlington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

Arlington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee during winter. Arlington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Arlington usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arlington 35°F (1°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Milwaukee in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Milwaukee.

In April, Arlington is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 56°F (14°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milwaukee. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arlington this time of the year. In the spring, Arlington often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Arlington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Milwaukee. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arlington 56°F (14°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Arlington

Arlington Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)