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

Should you visit Charlotte 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 Charlotte and Milwaukee can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a growing, evolving, and up-and-coming 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 undiscovered, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Charlotte and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Charlotte or Milwaukee?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Charlotte. Although Charlotte and Milwaukee are about the same size, Charlotte has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Charlotte is popular for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. It is also home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Charlotte different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Charlotte
Milwaukee

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Milwaukee and Charlotte.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlotte. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Milwaukee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Charlotte or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charlotte
Milwaukee

Charlotte is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Charlotte has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

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 Charlotte or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Charlotte
Milwaukee

The vibe at night is good in both Charlotte and Milwaukee.

If you're looking for night time activities Charlotte has a few options to choose from. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Milwaukee. 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 Charlotte or Milwaukee?

Charlotte
Milwaukee

If you're looking to go shopping, Charlotte and Milwaukee both offer plenty of good spots.

Charlotte has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

Milwaukee is a great destination for 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 Charlotte or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Charlotte
Milwaukee

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Charlotte or Milwaukee.

Charlotte offers lots of family activities. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Milwaukee is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Charlotte or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Charlotte
Milwaukee

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

Charlotte makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

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 Charlotte or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Charlotte
Milwaukee

For students, both Charlotte and Milwaukee are good places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Charlotte. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

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


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

Charlotte
Milwaukee

Charlotte 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.

Charlotte has some public transit options. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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

Is Charlotte or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Charlotte
Milwaukee

Charlotte and Milwaukee are good when it comes to walkability.

Charlotte is a somewhat walkable city. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Charlotte Worth Visiting? and Is Milwaukee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Milwaukee?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Charlotte or Milwaukee?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Charlotte. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Charlotte has to offer. 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 Charlotte or Milwaukee?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the evolving destination of Charlotte. 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 Charlotte or Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the evolving city of Charlotte. 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 Charlotte or Milwaukee?

Charlotte 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Charlotte?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $191, 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 Charlotte and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlotte $118
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlotte $236
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Charlotte 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 Charlotte


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: Charlotte Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlotte $33
    Milwaukee $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54
  • Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $132
  • Charlotte Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Sedan: $150
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Arrival Private Transfer: $67
  • Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $132

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milwaukee

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

  • Milwaukee - General Mitchell Airport One Way Transfer : $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Milwaukee?

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

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

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: $96
  • 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.
    Charlotte $43
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

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

  • 2.5 Hour Black History Van Tour-Perseverance, Power, and Progress: $59
  • 90 Minute Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte: $75
  • Big Bite Brew Tour in Charlotte's LoSo District: $150
  • Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour : $27
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
  • Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $35
  • Charlotte Historic : Queen Bee City Tour: $39
  • Charlotte Historical City Tour: $45
  • Charlotte Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $90
  • Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Charlotte's Only Southern Charm Haunted/True Crime Golf Cart Tour: $48

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: $245
  • 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: $10
  • Milwaukee Bucks Basketball Game Ticket at Fiserv Forum: $69
  • Milwaukee Magic: A Private Christmas Lights Tour: $648
  • Milwaukee Marvels: A 2-Hour Private Tour: $482

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charlotte $20
    Milwaukee $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charlotte:

  • Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
  • 3-Hour Brewery Crawl on 7 passenger Cart: $48
  • Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $125
  • Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte: $240

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 Charlotte and Milwaukee, we can see that Charlotte 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 Charlotte Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Milwaukee?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Milwaukee. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte or Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Milwaukee. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Milwaukee in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Charlotte is generally a little warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 81°F (27°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 Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives less sunshine than Milwaukee during summer. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charlotte gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Milwaukee. Many visitors come to Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is a little warmer than Milwaukee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In the autumn, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. In the winter, Charlotte is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charlotte in January average around 42°F (6°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during winter. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Charlotte during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the activities around the city.

In April, Charlotte is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°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 Charlotte. In the spring, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets more rain in April than Milwaukee. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Charlotte

Charlotte Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)