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

Should you visit Baltimore or Milwaukee?

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 Baltimore and Milwaukee can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a welcoming, undiscovered, and friendly city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
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 Baltimore or Milwaukee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Milwaukee are roughly the same size, Baltimore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Baltimore is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Also, Baltimore is famous for the National Aquarium. Milwaukee is well known for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Baltimore different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Baltimore
Milwaukee

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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 Baltimore or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore
Milwaukee

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

Baltimore has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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 Baltimore or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore
Milwaukee

Baltimore 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.

Baltimore has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 Baltimore or Milwaukee?

Baltimore
Milwaukee

Baltimore is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Baltimore is well-known for its shopping. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Many visitors go to Milwaukee to go 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 Baltimore or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Baltimore
Milwaukee

Baltimore is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Baltimore is very family-friendly. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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 Baltimore or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Baltimore
Milwaukee

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

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

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 Baltimore or Milwaukee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore
Milwaukee

Baltimore is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.

Baltimore is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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 Baltimore or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Baltimore
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is very good for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

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.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Baltimore
Milwaukee

Baltimore is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its public transit.

Baltimore has some very good public transit options. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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

Is Baltimore or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Baltimore
Milwaukee

Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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 Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Milwaukee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Baltimore or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Baltimore 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 Baltimore, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Baltimore or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Baltimore 2-3 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Baltimore or Milwaukee?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Baltimore. 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 Baltimore or Milwaukee?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Baltimore. 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 Baltimore or Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Baltimore. 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 welcoming 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 Baltimore or Milwaukee?

Baltimore 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 The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Baltimore?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $184, 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 Baltimore and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baltimore $93
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baltimore $186
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Baltimore 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 Baltimore


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: Baltimore Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baltimore $21
    Milwaukee $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • San Francisco Airport to Oakland: Round Trip Private Transfer: $89
  • Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Ronald Reagan Airport: $174
  • Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Dulles International Airport: $209
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI - Business Vehicle: $111
  • Private Transfer to BWI or Washington DC/Airports: $160
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $74
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $64
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $150
  • Arrival Private Transfer Baltimore Airport BWI to Baltimore by Business Vehicle: $111
  • Airport transfer to or from Silver Spring, MD & Reagan Airport(DCA): $200
  • Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only: $160

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milwaukee

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

  • Departure Transfer from Milwaukee to Milwaukee Airport MKE by SUV: $81

Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Baltimore 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
    Baltimore $46
    Milwaukee $52
Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

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

  • Private Hands-On Vegan Cooking Experience in Baltimore: $45
  • Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $59
  • Federal Hill Food Tour: $71
  • Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
  • Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise: $88
  • Cooking or Baking Lesson with a Maryland Local Karen in her Home: $106
  • Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $112
  • Baltimore New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $251

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
  • Milwaukee Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Local Food Tour: $101
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Milwaukee: $103
  • Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baltimore $18
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Assateague Island Cruise Departs from Ocean Pines: $45
  • Baltimore Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Baltimore Historic Speakeasy Tour: $120
  • Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $92
  • Baltimore Orioles Baseball Game Ticket at Oriole Park: $23
  • Baltimore Ravens Football Game Ticket at M&T Bank Stadium: $29
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Baltimore Signature Lunch Cruise: $59
  • Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point: $104
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
  • Baltimore's Historical Sightseeing Tour: $41

Tours and Activities in Milwaukee

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

  • Skip the Line: Museum Admission Ticket - Grohmann Museum: $5.00
  • The Grand Milwaukee Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • The Grand Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour through Milwaukee: $6.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Milwaukee by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Geneva Lake Shore Path: Uncover 21 miles of stories on a self-guided audio tour: $10
  • Uncover Opulence: Milwaukee's Grand Walk Audio Tour: $11
  • Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Game Ticket at American Family Field: $16
  • Skip The Line: Harley-Davidson Museum Admission Ticket with Audio Guided Option: $22
  • Shakers Original Historical Ghost Tour: $27
  • Milwaukee Downtown Ghost Tour - The Shadow of City Hall: $29
  • Downtown Kenosha Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $30

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

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

  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $24
  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • From Patapsco Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175

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 comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Milwaukee, we can see that Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Milwaukee?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Milwaukee. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Milwaukee. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Milwaukee in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Baltimore is around the same temperature as Milwaukee in the summer. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 78°F (25°C) in July, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 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 Baltimore this time of the year. In the summer, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Milwaukee. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun.

Baltimore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Baltimore usually gets more rain in July than Milwaukee. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

Both Milwaukee and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Baltimore is a little warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Baltimore in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Baltimore usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Baltimore during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Milwaukee can be very cold. Baltimore can be very cold during winter. In January, Baltimore is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 32°F (0°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Baltimore often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets more rain in January than Milwaukee. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Milwaukee in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Milwaukee. The spring months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the activities around the city.

Baltimore is a little warmer than Milwaukee in the spring. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Baltimore

Baltimore Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)