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

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

Chicago

Chicago is a multicultural, edgey, and cosmopolitan city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and theater.

Milwaukee

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

Is there more to do in Chicago or Milwaukee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chicago than Milwaukee, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chicago is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also home to The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Chicago different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chicago is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Chicago are world-renowned. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

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 Chicago or Milwaukee Better for Theater?

Chicago is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Milwaukee is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Chicago that are not to be missed. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Milwaukee is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is terrific for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Chicago have been singled out for their culinary prowess. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

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 Chicago or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

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

Chicago is a must-see party destination. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

Milwaukee has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Chicago or Milwaukee Better for Music?

Chicago is terrific for its live music scene. However, Milwaukee is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Chicago. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Milwaukee is not a live music destination.

Is Chicago or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Chicago is a city with good options for the beache. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Chicago. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chicago or Milwaukee?

Chicago is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Chicago draws large crowds to its stores. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

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 Chicago or Milwaukee Better for Christmas?

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

Since it has plenty to do, Chicago is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Milwaukee does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Chicago or Milwaukee Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a city with good options for visiting Christmas markets. However, Milwaukee does not offer Christmas markets.

Chicago is a nice place to see Christmas markets. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Milwaukee does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Chicago or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Chicago is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Chicago is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

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 Chicago or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

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

Chicago makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

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 Chicago or Milwaukee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chicago is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.

Chicago is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Milwaukee is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a lot to attract backpackers to the area.

Is Chicago or Milwaukee Better for Students?

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

Chicago is a very popular city for students. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

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

Chicago is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Chicago can take you anywhere. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

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

Is Chicago or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Chicago 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.

Chicago is a very walkable city. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible 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 Chicago Worth Visiting? and Is Milwaukee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Chicago?

How long in Chicago or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chicago or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chicago than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Chicago, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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

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

One day in Chicago or Milwaukee?

People visit Chicago because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Milwaukee, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Chicago or Milwaukee?

People visit Chicago because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Milwaukee, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milwaukee has to offer.

Five days in Chicago or Milwaukee?

People visit Chicago because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Milwaukee is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Chicago or Milwaukee?

Chicago 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milwaukee. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Milwaukee. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chicago and Milwaukee, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Milwaukee much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Milwaukee would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milwaukee and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago than you might in Milwaukee.

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

Which is Bigger, Chicago or Milwaukee?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Milwaukee. When comparing the sizes of Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago or Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chicago as well as Milwaukee. Many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Milwaukee in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chicago is generally around the same temperature as Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Chicago average around 77°F (25°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 Chicago this time of the year. In the summer, Chicago often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee. Chicago gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chicago usually gets more rain in July than Milwaukee. Chicago gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chicago or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

Both Milwaukee and Chicago are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Chicago in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the shopping scene during these months.

Chicago is a little warmer than Milwaukee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chicago averages around 56°F (14°C) in October, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Chicago usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during autumn. Chicago gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chicago usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Chicago gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chicago or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Chicago during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, 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. Chicago can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Chicago is a little warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chicago in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Chicago often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee. Chicago gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun.

Chicago usually gets more rain in January than Milwaukee. Chicago gets 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chicago or Milwaukee in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chicago and Milwaukee. The spring months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Chicago is generally a little warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Chicago average around 52°F (11°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 Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chicago usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee during spring. Chicago gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Chicago usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Chicago gets 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Chicago