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

Should you visit Chattanooga or Milwaukee?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Milwaukee? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a thriving, bustling, and outdoorsy city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a undiscovered, friendly, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Chattanooga and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Chattanooga or Milwaukee?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chattanooga than Milwaukee. While Milwaukee is larger than Chattanooga, Chattanooga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chattanooga is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas. It is also home to Rock City. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Chattanooga different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chattanooga
Milwaukee

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Chattanooga or Milwaukee.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Chattanooga. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

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 Chattanooga or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chattanooga
Milwaukee

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

Chattanooga has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

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 Chattanooga or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Chattanooga
Milwaukee

It's hard to distinguish whether Chattanooga or Milwaukee has a better nightlife scene.

Chattanooga has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

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.

Is Chattanooga or Milwaukee Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga
Milwaukee

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Chattanooga or Milwaukee?

Chattanooga
Milwaukee

Shopping is a popular activity in both Milwaukee and Chattanooga.

Many visitors go to Chattanooga to go shopping. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Is Chattanooga or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Chattanooga
Milwaukee

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Chattanooga or Milwaukee.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Chattanooga. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Milwaukee offers lots of family activities. 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 Chattanooga or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Chattanooga
Milwaukee

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

Chattanooga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

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 Chattanooga or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Chattanooga
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a popular place for students. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not popular with students.

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

Chattanooga
Milwaukee

Chattanooga is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its public transit.

Chattanooga has some very good public transit options. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

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

Is Chattanooga or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Chattanooga
Milwaukee

Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is a very walkable city. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

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 Chattanooga Worth Visiting? and Is Milwaukee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Chattanooga?

How long in Chattanooga or Milwaukee?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Chattanooga or Milwaukee?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Chattanooga. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the welcoming city of Milwaukee. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Chattanooga or Milwaukee?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Chattanooga. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Milwaukee. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Chattanooga or Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling city of Chattanooga. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The undiscovered city of Milwaukee offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Chattanooga or Milwaukee?

Chattanooga is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 nightlife and shopping when visiting Milwaukee. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Chattanooga?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Chattanooga is $182, 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 Chattanooga and Milwaukee in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga


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: Chattanooga Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

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

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chattanooga:


  • Chattanooga Zoo (for 2)
    $16

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 Chattanooga or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Chattanooga 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
    Chattanooga $59
    Milwaukee $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chattanooga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chattanooga.

  • MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour: $65
  • Historic Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga: $99
  • ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $99
  • Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour: $119

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: $98
  • 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.
    Chattanooga $52
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Chattanooga

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

  • 2 Virtual Reality Simulator Bundle for Outdoor Experiences: $27
  • 2-Hour Paddleboard Adventure to Nickajack Bat Cave: $75
  • ChattaBOOga Ghost Walk Tour in Chattanooga: $23
  • Chattanooga "C-Block Prison Break" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Locker Room Lockdown: Mascot Rescue" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
  • Chattanooga "Secret Agent" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
  • Chattanooga "The Inheritance Mystery Room" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Vaccine: Search For The Zombie Cure" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga Guided Walking Tour: $23
  • A Spooky and Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $25
  • Adults-Only Haunted City Walking Tour: $35
  • City Trolley Tour with Coker Automotive Museum visit: $44

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
  • Skip the Line: North Point Lighthouse Admission Ticket: $8.21
  • 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: $11
  • Shakers Original Historical Ghost Tour: $20
  • Skip The Line: Harley-Davidson Museum Admission Ticket with Audio Guided Option: $22
  • Macabre Milwaukee Walking Tour: $26
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Milwaukee Bucks Basketball Game Ticket at Fiserv Forum: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chattanooga $24
    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 Chattanooga and Milwaukee, we can see that Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chattanooga or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Chattanooga. When comparing the sizes of Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga or Milwaukee?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Milwaukee. Many visitors come to Chattanooga in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Chattanooga is generally a little warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 81°F (27°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milwaukee. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In the summer, Chattanooga often gets less sunshine than Milwaukee. Chattanooga gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in July than Milwaukee. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

Both Milwaukee and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Chattanooga for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the shopping scene.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during autumn. Chattanooga gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Chattanooga during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Chattanooga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

It's quite cold in Milwaukee in the winter. The weather in Chattanooga can be very cold. In the winter, Chattanooga is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chattanooga in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Chattanooga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee. Chattanooga gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in January than Milwaukee. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Milwaukee in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Milwaukee.

In April, Chattanooga is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 62°F (17°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chattanooga usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during spring. Chattanooga gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Chattanooga

Chattanooga Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)