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

Should you visit Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a young, collegiate, and southern university town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a welcoming, undiscovered, and friendly city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Charlottesville and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Charlottesville or Milwaukee?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Charlottesville than Milwaukee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Charlottesville is better known for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Milwaukee is more popular for its shopping. Charlottesville is well known for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park. Also, Charlottesville is famous for The University of Virginia Campus. Milwaukee is well known for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Charlottesville different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Charlottesville
Milwaukee

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Charlottesville and Milwaukee.

Charlottesville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

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 Charlottesville or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charlottesville
Milwaukee

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Charlottesville and Milwaukee.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Charlottesville. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

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 Charlottesville or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Charlottesville
Milwaukee

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Charlottesville and Milwaukee.

If you're looking for night time activities Charlottesville has a few options to choose from. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

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 Charlottesville or Milwaukee Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville
Milwaukee

Charlottesville is a university town with good options for its old town. However, Milwaukee does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Charlottesville. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Milwaukee does not have a historic old town.


Is Charlottesville or Milwaukee Better for Hiking?

Charlottesville
Milwaukee

Charlottesville is a university town with good options for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Charlottesville. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlottesville or Milwaukee?

Charlottesville
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Milwaukee. 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.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Charlottesville or Milwaukee Better for Christmas?

Charlottesville
Milwaukee

Charlottesville is an excellent place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Milwaukee does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Charlottesville is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. From Christmas lights on campus to a festive atmosphere at the Monticello, the town is beautiful for Christmas.

Milwaukee does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Charlottesville or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Charlottesville
Milwaukee

Both Charlottesville and Milwaukee are notable family-friendly destinations.

Charlottesville offers lots of family activities. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

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 Charlottesville or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Charlottesville
Milwaukee

Charlottesville is a university town with good options for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Charlottesville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

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 Charlottesville or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Charlottesville
Milwaukee

Charlottesville is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Charlottesville is a very popular university town for students. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

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.


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

Charlottesville
Milwaukee

Charlottesville and Milwaukee both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

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

Is Charlottesville or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Charlottesville
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Charlottesville is not known for its ease of walking around.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Charlottesville?

How long in Charlottesville or Milwaukee?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Charlottesville or Milwaukee?

Even though Charlottesville is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 friendly destination of Milwaukee offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in Charlottesville or Milwaukee?

Charlottesville is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this university town has to offer. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The city of Milwaukee offers museums and nightlife. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Charlottesville or Milwaukee?

Charlottesville is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

Milwaukee is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Charlottesville or Milwaukee?

Charlottesville 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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Milwaukee. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


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 Charlottesville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Charlottesville is $154, 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 Charlottesville and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlottesville $80
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlottesville $160
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Charlottesville and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville


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: Charlottesville Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlottesville $53
    Milwaukee $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlottesville

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlottesville Airport (CHO): $50
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotteville Airport (CHO): $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Charlottesville or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Charlottesville 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
    Charlottesville $42
    Milwaukee $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charlottesville

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

  • The UVA Corner Food Tour: Private Walking Food Tour in Charlottesville: $139
  • The Downtown Mall Food Tour: $149

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.
    Charlottesville $18
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Charlottesville

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

  • Charlottesville Dark History Ghost Tour : $30
  • Charlottesville Historic Downtown APP/GPS Smartphone Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour: $26
  • Shenandoah National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour: $17

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): $126
  • 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: $24
  • 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
    Charlottesville $53
    Milwaukee $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlottesville

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

  • Private Wine Tours (Minimum 3 & Maximum 6 ) Pickup Maximum 30 Mi : $85

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


Which is Bigger, Charlottesville or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Charlottesville. When comparing the sizes of Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville or Milwaukee in the Summer?

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

Charlottesville is a little warmer than Milwaukee in the summer. The daily temperature in Charlottesville averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In Charlottesville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlottesville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee during summer. Charlottesville gets 305 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charlottesville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Charlottesville gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlottesville 78°F (26°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Charlottesville or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Charlottesville is a little warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charlottesville in October average around 59°F (15°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlottesville this time of the year. In the autumn, Charlottesville often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Charlottesville gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.

Charlottesville usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Charlottesville gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charlottesville 59°F (15°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Charlottesville or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Charlottesville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville in the winter. In January, Charlottesville is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 36°F (2°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Charlottesville usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during winter. Charlottesville gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Charlottesville gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlottesville 36°F (2°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Charlottesville or Milwaukee in the Spring?

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

Charlottesville is much warmer than Milwaukee in the spring. The daily temperature in Charlottesville averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

In Milwaukee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. In the spring, Charlottesville often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Charlottesville gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.

Charlottesville usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Milwaukee. Charlottesville gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charlottesville 58°F (14°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Charlottesville

Charlottesville Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)