A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Cod vs. Milwaukee for Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing beach destination. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Milwaukee

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

Cape Cod and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Cape Cod or Milwaukee?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cape Cod. Although Cape Cod and Milwaukee are both popular with visitors, Cape Cod has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cape Cod is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Milwaukee is known for its museums and nightlife. Cape Cod is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. It is also home to The Cape Cod National Seashore. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Cape Cod different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Cod or Milwaukee?

Cape Cod
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cape Cod
Milwaukee

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

Cape Cod has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Cape Cod or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Cape Cod
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Milwaukee has a few options to choose from. 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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Cape Cod or Milwaukee Better for Resorts?

Cape Cod
Milwaukee

Cape Cod is a beach destination with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Cape Cod makes a nice vacation spot. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.


Is Cape Cod or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Cape Cod
Milwaukee

Cape Cod is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Cape Cod attract visitors from all over. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Cod or Milwaukee Better for Hiking?

Cape Cod
Milwaukee

Cape Cod is a beach destination with good options for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Cape Cod. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Cod or Milwaukee?

Cape Cod
Milwaukee

Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is well-known for its shopping. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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 Cape Cod or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Cape Cod
Milwaukee

Cape Cod 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, Cape Cod is very family-friendly. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

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 Cape Cod or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Cape Cod
Milwaukee

Cape Cod is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Cape Cod makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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 Cape Cod or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Cape Cod
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Cod is not popular with students.

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

Cape Cod is not popular with students.


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

Cape Cod
Milwaukee

Cape Cod and Milwaukee both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

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

Is Cape Cod or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Cape Cod
Milwaukee

Cape Cod and Milwaukee are good when it comes to walkability.

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable beach destination. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Cape Cod?

How long in Cape Cod or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cape Cod or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cape Cod than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Cape Cod, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cape Cod or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Cod 5-7 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Cape Cod or Milwaukee?

Even though Cape Cod is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

The city of Milwaukee offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Cape Cod or Milwaukee?

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Milwaukee is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milwaukee, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cape Cod or Milwaukee?

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach destination makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach destination has to offer.

Milwaukee is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cape Cod or Milwaukee?

Cape Cod is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cape Cod, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Milwaukee is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Cape Cod?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Cod is $183, 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 Cape Cod and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Cod $92
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Cod $184
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Cape Cod and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod


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: Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Cod $50
    Milwaukee $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Cod or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Cape Cod 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
    Cape Cod $60
    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: $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.
    Cape Cod $27
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Cape Cod

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Cod.

  • National Seashore Tour with Guided Hike: $65
  • 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Eastham: $39
  • Cape Cod Explorer Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Cape Cod Sunset Kayak Tour: $80
  • Kayak The Creek Nature Tour: $80
  • Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $36
  • Plymouth Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Private Open-Air Pedicab Tour in Provincetown: $117
  • Private Province Town Pedicab Tour: $149
  • The Anne Hutchinson Tour of Provincetown: $30
  • Truro Cape Cod Lighthouse and Highland House Museum Tour: $65

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: $248
  • 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: $12
  • Milwaukee Magic: A Private Christmas Lights Tour: $650
  • Milwaukee Marvels: A 2-Hour Private Tour: $483
  • Milwaukee Private Ghost Tour: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Cod $19
    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 comparing the travel costs between Cape Cod and Milwaukee, we can see that Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.



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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Cod and Milwaukee. Most visitors come to Cape Cod for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cape Cod is generally cooler than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Cape Cod average around 68°F (20°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In Cape Cod, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Cod usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee during summer. Cape Cod gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Cape Cod gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Cod 68°F (20°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Cape Cod or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cape Cod as well as Milwaukee. The autumn months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

Cape Cod is around the same temperature as Milwaukee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Cape Cod often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Cape Cod gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cape Cod usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Cape Cod gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Cod 53°F (12°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Cape Cod or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Cape Cod are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milwaukee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milwaukee. It's quite cold in Cape Cod in the winter. In the winter, Cape Cod is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Cod in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

Cape Cod usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during winter. Cape Cod gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. In January, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Cape Cod gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Cod 31°F (-0°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Cape Cod or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Cape Cod during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cape Cod for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Cape Cod is generally cooler than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Cape Cod average around 45°F (7°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

In Milwaukee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cape Cod. In the spring, Cape Cod often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee. Cape Cod gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. Cape Cod usually gets more rain in April than Milwaukee. Cape Cod gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Cod 45°F (7°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Cape Cod

Cape Cod Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)