A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Wisconsin Dells for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Clearwater or Wisconsin Dells?

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 Wisconsin Dells. 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.

Where Should I go: Clearwater or Wisconsin Dells?

Clearwater

Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.

Wisconsin Dells

Located in central Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dells offers natural beauty, fun rivers, and some of the area's most famous theme parks. Wisconsin Dells is one of the two towns that make up "The Dells." The other town, Lake Delton, is another popular Midwestern tourist spot.

Wisconsin Dells is about an hour north of Madison and two hours from Milwaukee. It's famous for its striking rock formations and scenic bluffs. The town's name comes from the Dells of the Wisconsin River, which is an impressive gorge that was originally formed by a glacier.

Which place is cheaper, Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells is $142. 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 Wisconsin Dells in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $141
    Wisconsin Dells $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $282
    Wisconsin Dells $140
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Wisconsin Dells

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater or Wisconsin Dells? 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 Wisconsin Dells


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 Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $221
    Wisconsin Dells $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:

  • From Orlando: Clearwater Beach Day with Transfers and Lunch: $100

Is it cheaper to fly into Clearwater or Wisconsin Dells?

Prices for flights to both Wisconsin Dells 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
    Wisconsin Dells $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Clearwater -
    Wisconsin Dells $46

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

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

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Clearwater by Operation City Quest: $10
  • St. Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour: $15
  • Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining : $27
  • Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach: $28
  • 1-hour Sightseeing Adventure Cruise from Madeira Beach: $28
  • Shark Teeth and Shells, Dolphin and Shelling Tour Boat Clearwater Beach : $28
  • Clearwater Sunset Celebration Cruise: $29
  • Clearwater Dolphin Exploration Tour: $29
  • Tour with Dolphins and Sight Seeing: $29
  • Dolphin Quest - Sightseeing/Eco Cruise, John's Pass, Madeira Beach, FL : $29
  • St. Pete Beach Dolphin Racer Speedboat Adventure: $30
  • Dolphin Exploration Tour "Happy Hour": $30

Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells

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

  • City and History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $24
  • Haunted History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Clearwater -
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:

  • The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $39


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Wisconsin Dells, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Wisconsin Dells much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Wisconsin Dells would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells.

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Wisconsin Dells?

Clearwater is bigger, and its population is about 44 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the population of Clearwater vs. Wisconsin Dells, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Clearwater or Wisconsin Dells?

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 Clearwater or Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Wisconsin Dells.

In the summer, Clearwater is a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the summer temperatures in Clearwater in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wisconsin Dells this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives less sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun in the summer.

Clearwater gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Clearwater 82°F (28°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Wisconsin Dells.

In October, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets more rain in October than Wisconsin Dells. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Wisconsin Dells can be very cold during winter. Clearwater is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the winter. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 19°F (-7°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Clearwater during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Clearwater is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the spring temperatures in Clearwater in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 49°F (10°C).

In Wisconsin Dells, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the spring, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Wisconsin Dells. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Clearwater

Clearwater Wisconsin Dells
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 39°F (4°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Clearwater vs. Wisconsin Dells Travel Comparison

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