A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cabo San Lucas vs. Milwaukee for Nightlife, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cabo San Lucas and Milwaukee can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a adventurous, scenic, and idyllic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Milwaukee

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

Cabo San Lucas and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas. Although Cabo San Lucas and Milwaukee are popular destinations, Cabo San Lucas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for Land's End. Milwaukee is famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee?

Cabo San Lucas
Milwaukee

Both Cabo San Lucas and Milwaukee have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cabo San Lucas is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

Milwaukee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cabo San Lucas
Milwaukee

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

Cabo San Lucas has a huge number of terrific restaurants. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas
Milwaukee

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

Cabo San Lucas is a must-see party destination. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas
Milwaukee

Cabo San Lucas is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas
Milwaukee

Cabo San Lucas is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Milwaukee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cabo San Lucas is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Milwaukee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas
Milwaukee

Cabo San Lucas is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Cabo San Lucas attract visitors from all over. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas
Milwaukee

Cabo San Lucas is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Milwaukee does not have a historic old town.

Cabo San Lucas is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Milwaukee does not have a historic old town.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas
Milwaukee

Cabo San Lucas is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Cabo San Lucas. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee?

Cabo San Lucas
Milwaukee

Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas is well-known for its shopping. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas
Milwaukee

Cabo San Lucas 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, Cabo San Lucas is very family-friendly. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas
Milwaukee

Cabo San Lucas is terrific for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cabo San Lucas
Milwaukee

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

Many backpackers visit Cabo San Lucas. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Cabo San Lucas
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a city with good options for students. However, Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas is not popular with students.


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

Cabo San Lucas
Milwaukee

Cabo San Lucas is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its public transit.

Cabo San Lucas has some public transit options. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

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

Is Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas
Milwaukee

Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas is a very walkable city. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

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 Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting? and Is Milwaukee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cabo San Lucas than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas.


  • How many days in Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cabo San Lucas 3-7 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Cabo San Lucas. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

In Milwaukee, you'll find nightlife and shopping. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the wild destination of Cabo San Lucas. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. 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. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the scenic city of Cabo San Lucas. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milwaukee. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cabo San Lucas, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Milwaukee. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Cabo San Lucas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cabo San Lucas is $139, 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 Cabo San Lucas and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cabo San Lucas $63
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cabo San Lucas $126
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Cabo San Lucas and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas


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: Cabo San Lucas Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $28
    Milwaukee $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Transfer in private minivan from San Jose del Cabo - Los Cabos Airport (SJD): $65
  • Transfer in private minivan from Los Cabos Airport (SJD) - Cabo San Lucas: $65
  • Transfer in private minivan from Cabo San Lucas - San Jose del Cabo(SJD): $54
  • Transfer in Private SUV from Los Cabos Airport (SJD) - San Jose del Cabo: $62
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Los Cabos Airport (SJD) - Touristic Corridor: $60
  • Transfer from Cabo San Lucas Airport CSL to Cabo San Lucas : $33
  • Transfer from Airport to Cabo San Lucas: $300
  • Transfer From Airport to Cabo San Lucas: $200
  • San Jose del Cabo to Los Cabos Airport (SJD) Departure Transfer: $31
  • San José del Cabo: Half-Day Guided ATV Ride with Transfers: $129
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private SUV Los Cabos Airport (SJD)-San Jose del Cabo: $124
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Los Cabos Airport (SJD) - San Jose del Cabo: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Cabo San Lucas 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
    Cabo San Lucas $51
    Milwaukee $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cabo San Lucas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cabo San Lucas.

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Domestic Open Bar: $64
  • Tasting Cabo San Lucas Like a Local Food Tour: $70
  • Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Open Bar: $75
  • Seafood Galore, Los Cabos Food Tour: $80
  • Sea to Table Fisherman's Seafood Tour in Cabo San Lucas: $80
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Tequila & tacos: $85
  • San Jose del Cabo Morning Food Tour: $86
  • Parrillada dinner with a Private Chef in your villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose: $86
  • San José del Cabo for Meat Lovers Food Tour: $90
  • Catch of the day dinner in your private villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose del Cabo: $90
  • Private Mexican Cooking Class in Your Cabo San Lucas Villa or Condo: $90
  • Cabo Sunset Dinner Cruise: Fajitas, Lands End and Party: $94

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: $97
  • 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.
    Cabo San Lucas $43
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Cabo San Lucas

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

  • Glass Bottom Boat Sightseeing Tour in Cabo San Lucas: $23
  • Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $20
  • Magical Todos Santos Tour, Camel ranch, Lunch & Tequila: $119
  • OffRoad 4X4 UTV Adventure with Lunch & Tequila : $199
  • Romantic tour in Cabo San Lucas: $186
  • Round Trip to Touristic Corridor : $180
  • Traditional Tequila Tasting Experience with Jorge Cuervo: $55
  • Your Own Private Luxury Yacht Experience in Cabo, Lunch included: $1.20
  • #1 Snorkeling Tour in Catamaran. Open bar & Snacks included: $80
  • "Exclusive Cabo San Lucas Trimaran Experience with Snorkeling": $180
  • 2-Hour ATV Riding Experience in San Jose del Cabo: $110
  • 2-Hour Camel Ride Beach and Desert Adventure Experience: $100

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
  • Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Game Ticket at American Family Field: $12
  • Skip The Line: Harley-Davidson Museum Admission Ticket with Audio Guided Option: $22
  • Macabre Milwaukee Walking Tour: $26
  • Shakers Original Historical Ghost Tour: $27
  • Downtown Kenosha Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Milwaukee Private or Public Pedal Tavern Tour : $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cabo San Lucas $28
    Milwaukee $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Cabo Bar Crawl - The BEST Bar and Clubs in Cabo : $55
  • Wine Tasting Sunset Cruise Tour in San Jose del Cabo: $190

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 Cabo San Lucas and Milwaukee, we can see that Milwaukee is more expensive. And not only is Cabo San Lucas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cabo San Lucas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas.

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


Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas 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.