A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boston vs. Milwaukee for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Boston or Milwaukee?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boston and Milwaukee. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Boston or Milwaukee?

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin on Lake Michigan's western shore. It's known for its breweries, many of which offer tours chronicling its role in the beer industry. Overlooking the Menomonee River, the Harley-Davidson Museum displays classic motorcycles, including one of Elvis Presley's. Nearby is the Milwaukee Public Museum, with its large-scale European Village and a recreation of old Milwaukee. In summertime, festivals let loose by the lake almost every weekend. These attractions along with stylish eating and shopping areas have turned Wisconsin's largest city into an interesting and attractive destination.

Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Boston?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Boston is $254, 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 Boston and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boston $166
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boston $332
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Boston and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Boston 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 Boston


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: Boston Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boston $35
    Milwaukee $38
Typical Local Transportation prices in Boston

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


  • Taxi
    $35
  • Subway Daily Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:

  • Private Transfer in Boston (BOS) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $160
  • Private Transfer from Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Newport Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Boston City Hotels to Newport Cruise Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Boston Airport to Providence RI: $254
  • Private Departure Transfer to Boston Airport BOS: $28
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Boston Airport BOS: $28
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Boston Logan Airport (BOS) : $38
  • Limo Private Transfer Logan International Airport to Boston: $160
  • Flynn Cruiseport Private Transfer to Boston: $676
  • Flynn Cruise Port to Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS)- Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS) to Flynn Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS): Private Transfer to Boston city: $240

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milwaukee

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

  • Departure Private Transfer from Milwaukee to Milwaukee Airport MKE by Luxury Van: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Boston or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Boston 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
    Boston $49
    Milwaukee $52

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
  • North End Pizza Tour with 3 Slices and Cannoli: $49
  • Boston's North End Food Tour Small Group Walking Tour: $75
  • North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $75
  • Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $77
  • Boston's North End: Secret Food Tour: $85
  • Ultimate Boston Food Tour: Freedom Trail & North End: $89
  • The Ultimate Boston Food Tour: $89
  • Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90
  • Boston Signature Dinner Cruise: $99
  • Food Tour to Freedom Trail - Small Group Walking Tour: $99

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milwaukee

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

  • Milwaukee Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $98
  • Local Food Tour: $102
  • Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boston $33
    Milwaukee $26
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:

  • "Witch Trials" Walking Tour in Salem: $30
  • 1 or 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with Harbor Cruise Option: $37
  • 1692 Salem Historical Day Tour: $30
  • 1692 Salem Historical Night Walking Tour: $30
  • 2 Hour North End 'Little Italy' Walking Tour : $35
  • 2-Day Niagara Falls USA & Secret Cavern Tour from Boston: $229
  • 2-Hour Beacon Hill True Crime Expert Guided Tour: $35
  • 2.5-Hour Salem History & Sightseeing Guided Walking Tour: $40
  • 3-Hour Private "Cold Weather- Warm Van" Driving Tour of Boston: $495
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: Boston Harbor: $44
  • Audio Guided Tour of Old North Church : $8.00
  • BEST 1-Day Tour to Portland-Maine from Boston: $174

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 Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour through Milwaukee: $6.99
  • Skip the Line: North Point Lighthouse Admission Ticket: $8.21
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Milwaukee by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Shakers Original Historical Ghost Tour: $20
  • Skip The Line: Harley-Davidson Museum Admission Ticket with Audio Guided Option: $22
  • Shakers Ghost Tour 2.0: $30
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $35
  • Milwaukee Tour: $40
  • Cream City Cannibal: Jeffery Dahmer Walking Tour: $40
  • Sightseeing Bus Tour: $40
  • Milwaukee Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44

For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boston $27
    Milwaukee $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Boston

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:

  • Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $30
  • Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $33
  • 2 Hour Historic Pub Crawl in Boston: $35
  • Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
  • Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Haunted Boston Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $36
  • History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $59
  • Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl: $60
  • Freedom Trail Bar Crawl Smartphone Audio Guide: $72
  • Boston Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $105

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

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boston and Milwaukee, we can see that Boston 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston than you might in Milwaukee.

Which is Bigger, Boston or Milwaukee?

Boston is bigger, and its population is about 2% larger than the population of Milwaukee. When comparing the population of Boston vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Boston 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 Boston or Milwaukee in the Summer?

Both Milwaukee and Boston during the summer are popular places to visit. 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, Boston is around the same temperature as Milwaukee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Boston in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 74°F (23°C).

In Milwaukee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boston. In the summer, Boston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee. Boston gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun.

Boston usually gets less rain in July than Milwaukee. Boston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Boston 73°F (23°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Boston or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Boston and Milwaukee. 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, Boston is generally around the same temperature as Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Boston average around 54°F (12°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Boston usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during autumn. Boston gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Boston usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Boston gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Boston 54°F (12°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Boston or Milwaukee in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Boston as well as Milwaukee. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milwaukee. It's quite cold in Boston in the winter. Boston is much warmer than Milwaukee in the winter. The daily temperature in Boston averages around 29°F (-2°C) in January, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

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

Boston usually gets more rain in January than Milwaukee. Boston gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Boston 29°F (-2°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Boston or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Boston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Boston is around the same temperature as Milwaukee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Boston in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 47°F (8°C).

It's quite sunny in Milwaukee. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. Boston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee during spring. Boston gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Boston 48°F (9°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Boston

Boston Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 29°F (-2°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 38°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 45°F (7°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 33°F (1°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Boston vs. Milwaukee Travel Comparison

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