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

Should you visit Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled coastal city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a friendly, welcoming, and undiscovered city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Clearwater and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
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 for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Clearwater or Milwaukee?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Clearwater than Milwaukee. While Milwaukee is larger than Clearwater, Clearwater has more sights and attractions for tourists. Clearwater is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also well known for Clearwater Beach. Milwaukee is famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Clearwater different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Clearwater
Milwaukee

Clearwater is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Clearwater. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

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 Clearwater or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Clearwater
Milwaukee

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

Clearwater has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

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 Clearwater or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater
Milwaukee

Evening events are nice in both Clearwater and Milwaukee.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Clearwater or Milwaukee Better for Resorts?

Clearwater
Milwaukee

Clearwater is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

In Clearwater, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.


Is Clearwater or Milwaukee Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater
Milwaukee

Clearwater is a coastal city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Milwaukee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Clearwater. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.

Milwaukee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Clearwater
Milwaukee

Clearwater is terrific for the beache. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Clearwater is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Milwaukee?

Clearwater
Milwaukee

Both Clearwater and Milwaukee are nice shopping destinations.

Clearwater is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.

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.


Is Clearwater or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Clearwater
Milwaukee

Clearwater is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Clearwater is very family-friendly. Check out the playground and activities around Pier 60. Less crowded and family-friendly Sand Key Park is another favorite spot and the playgrounds at New Coachman Park and Crest Lake Park are also fun. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another popular attraction for visitors with kids.

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 Clearwater or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Clearwater
Milwaukee

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

Clearwater makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are beautiful parks and beaches as well as romantic activities like sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. Couples will also enjoy dining on local seafood and shopping at the local venues.

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 Clearwater or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Clearwater
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a good destination for students. However, Clearwater is not popular with students.

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.

Clearwater is not popular with students.


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

Clearwater
Milwaukee

Both Clearwater and Milwaukee offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Clearwater. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through town.

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

Is Clearwater or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Clearwater
Milwaukee

Clearwater and Milwaukee both are nice when exploring on foot.

Clearwater is somewhat walkable. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly walkable.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Milwaukee?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Clearwater or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Clearwater 3-5 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Clearwater or Milwaukee?

You'll find nightlife and food around the coastal city of Clearwater. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the undiscovered city of Milwaukee, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milwaukee, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Clearwater or Milwaukee?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful destination of Clearwater. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Milwaukee, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Clearwater or Milwaukee?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the beautiful coastal city of Clearwater. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Milwaukee, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Clearwater or Milwaukee?

Clearwater is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Clearwater?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $309, 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 Clearwater and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $141
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $282
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater 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 Clearwater


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: Clearwater Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $221
    Milwaukee $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:

  • St. Petersburg to St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) - Departure Private Transfer: $64
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $129
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Arrival Private Transfer : $64
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $103
  • Private Transfer from St Petersburg Clearwater Airport to St Pete Beach: $75
  • Private Transfer from Clearwater to Tampa Airport: $120
  • Private Airport Transfer to St. Petersburg or Clearwater Beach : $105

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milwaukee

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

  • Departure Transfer from Milwaukee to Milwaukee Airport MKE by SUV: $81

Is it cheaper to fly into Clearwater or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Clearwater 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
    Clearwater $46
    Milwaukee $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milwaukee

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

  • Family Fun Food Tour: $80
  • Milwaukee Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Local Food Tour: $101
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Milwaukee: $103
  • Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Clearwater -
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Clearwater are as follows:

  • 1-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure Cruise from Madeira Beach: $28
  • 1.5 Hour Tiki Tour with Open Bar in Clearwater Beach: $49
  • 2 Hour Guided Kayak Tour in Boca Ciega Bay - St. Pete: $55
  • 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour around Clearwater Beach: $65
  • 2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida: $35
  • 2 Hours Kayak Eco Tour in Tarpon Springs: $54
  • 3 hour - Two Island Sandbar Tiki Adventure: $595
  • 4-Hour St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key Experience by Ferry: $67
  • All Day Fishing Experience from John's Pass in Madeira Beach, FL - 10 Hours: $160
  • Aqua Sol Adventures -Signature Sunset Cruise and Bridge tour: $275
  • Bay Area Info Tours- Tours of Pinellas in a Luxury Mini Van: $100
  • Calypso Breeze Tropical Party Cruise: $57

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
  • 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
  • Uncover Opulence: Milwaukee's Grand Walk Audio Tour: $11
  • Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Game Ticket at American Family Field: $16
  • Skip The Line: Harley-Davidson Museum Admission Ticket with Audio Guided Option: $22
  • Shakers Original Historical Ghost Tour: $27
  • Milwaukee Downtown Ghost Tour - The Shadow of City Hall: $29
  • Downtown Kenosha Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Clearwater -
    Milwaukee $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:

  • The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $20

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Milwaukee, we can see that Clearwater 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater 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 Clearwater Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Milwaukee?

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

Both Milwaukee and Clearwater during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Clearwater is a little warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Clearwater in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 74°F (23°C).

In Milwaukee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the summer, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Milwaukee. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Milwaukee. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Clearwater 82°F (28°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Milwaukee. The autumn months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

In October, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Milwaukee in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Milwaukee. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Clearwater 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. Clearwater is much warmer than Milwaukee in the winter. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the winter, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets more rain in January than Milwaukee. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the beaches.

In the spring, Clearwater is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Clearwater in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 47°F (8°C).

It's quite sunny in Milwaukee. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Milwaukee. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Clearwater

Clearwater Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)