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

Should you visit Austin or Milwaukee?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin 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.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. This is beautiful destination to visit. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a friendly, welcoming, and undiscovered city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Austin and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Milwaukee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Austin. Although Austin and Milwaukee are roughly the same size, Austin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Austin is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also well known for The Texas Capital. Milwaukee is famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Austin different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Austin 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 Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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 Austin or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is terrific for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Austin have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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 Austin or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Austin is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Austin is a must-see party destination. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

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 Austin or Milwaukee Better for Music?

Austin is terrific for its live music scene. However, Milwaukee is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Austin. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Milwaukee is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Milwaukee Better for Hiking?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Milwaukee?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Milwaukee and Austin.

Austin is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Milwaukee. 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 Austin or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Austin and Milwaukee are both nice destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Austin. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Milwaukee offers lots of family activities. 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 Austin or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

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

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

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 Austin or Milwaukee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

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 Austin or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Austin 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 Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Austin and Milwaukee.

Public transit is generally limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

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

Is Austin or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Milwaukee is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Milwaukee is somewhat walkable. 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.

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Austin?

How long in Austin or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Austin or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Austin than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Austin, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin 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 Austin.

One day in Austin or Milwaukee?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Austin. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Milwaukee. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Austin or Milwaukee?

You'll find live music and food around the eccentric destination of Austin. 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.

Milwaukee is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Austin or Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the unconventional city of Austin. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milwaukee. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Austin or Milwaukee?

Austin 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Milwaukee. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Austin and Milwaukee, we can see that Milwaukee is more expensive. And not only is Austin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Austin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Austin 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 Milwaukee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milwaukee than you might in Austin.

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Milwaukee?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Milwaukee. When comparing the sizes of Austin 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 Austin or Milwaukee?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Austin or Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Austin as well as Milwaukee. The hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Austin this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Austin is a little warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Austin in July average around 87°F (30°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milwaukee. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In the summer, Austin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets less rain in July than Milwaukee. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

Both Milwaukee and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Milwaukee in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Austin is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 73°F (23°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. Austin usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during autumn. Austin gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Austin usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Austin or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Austin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Austin 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. Austin is much warmer than Milwaukee in the winter. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Austin often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Austin gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets more rain in January than Milwaukee. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Milwaukee in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Milwaukee. Most visitors come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Austin is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Austin in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 47°F (8°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Austin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee during spring. Austin gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Austin usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Austin