A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Dallas vs. Wisconsin Dells for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Dallas or Wisconsin Dells?

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 Dallas and Wisconsin Dells can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dallas

Dallas is a upscale, chic, and active city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a lighthearted, high energy, and fun-filled city. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and nightlife.

Dallas and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Dallas or Wisconsin Dells?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dallas than Wisconsin Dells, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dallas is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Wisconsin Dells is more popular for its resorts and hiking. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Dallas and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Dallas is well known for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. Also, Dallas is famous for the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Dallas different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dallas or Wisconsin Dells?

Dallas
Wisconsin Dells

Dallas is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Dallas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.


Is the Food Better in Dallas or Wisconsin Dells? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dallas
Wisconsin Dells

Dallas is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Dallas. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Wisconsin Dells is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

Is Dallas or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Dallas
Wisconsin Dells

Both Dallas and Wisconsin Dells are great when it comes to partying.

Dallas offers plenty to do in the evening. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Wisconsin Dells has a large number of nightlife venues. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

Is Dallas or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Dallas
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is very good for its resorts. However, Dallas is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Wisconsin Dells makes a nice vacation spot. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Dallas is not a resort destination.


Is Dallas or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Dallas
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wisconsin Dells. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Wisconsin Dells?

Dallas
Wisconsin Dells

Dallas is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Dallas is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Dallas or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Dallas
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Wisconsin Dells is one of the most popular family destinations. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dallas. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.


Is Dallas or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Dallas
Wisconsin Dells

Dallas is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Dallas frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

Wisconsin Dells is a good city for couples to visit. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

Is Dallas or Wisconsin Dells Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dallas
Wisconsin Dells

Dallas is a popular place for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Dallas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Public transit is quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Dallas or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Dallas
Wisconsin Dells

Dallas and Wisconsin Dells both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Dallas is generally not very walkable. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.


For even more information, also check out Is Dallas Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Dallas or Wisconsin Dells. In our opinion, Dallas has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Dallas than Wisconsin Dells. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dallas than Wisconsin Dells 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 Dallas.


  • How many days in Dallas or Wisconsin Dells? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dallas 2-4 
    Wisconsin Dells 2-4

One day in Dallas or Wisconsin Dells?

The active destination of Dallas offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Wisconsin Dells. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dallas or Wisconsin Dells?

The city of Dallas offers food and shopping. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dallas or Wisconsin Dells?

Dallas 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wisconsin Dells. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Dallas or Wisconsin Dells?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dallas. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy destination of Wisconsin Dells. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Wisconsin Dells or Dallas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dallas is $141, 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 Dallas and Wisconsin Dells in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dallas $84
    Wisconsin Dells $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dallas $168
    Wisconsin Dells $140
Compare Hotels in Dallas and Wisconsin Dells

Looking for a hotel in Dallas 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 Dallas


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: Dallas Hotel Prices and Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dallas $28
    Wisconsin Dells $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Allen or Plano to Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Dowtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $135
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $105
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Plano / Allen - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $122
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW): Transfer to Dallas: $202
  • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
  • Dallas to Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Departure Private Transfer Dowtown Dallas to Dallas Airport DAL Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • Departure Private Transfer: Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $126
  • Private Departure Transfer to Dallas Fort Worth Airport DFW: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Dallas or Wisconsin Dells?

Prices for flights to both Wisconsin Dells and Dallas 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
    Dallas $35
    Wisconsin Dells $43
Typical Food Prices in Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Deep Ellum Foodie Lovers Tour with Food Tours of America: $85
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $96
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dallas $13
    Wisconsin Dells $46

Tours and Activities in Dallas

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

  • Historic Downtown Audio Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Historic Dallas Downtown Solo Self Guided Walking Tour : $7.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Dallas in Wonderland: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Must-See Landmarks & Attractions Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • JFK Assassination Walking Tour (Self-Guided): $16
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Denton by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • The Assassination of John F. Kennedy Experience: $20
  • Texas Rangers Baseball Game Ticket at Globe Life Field: $21
  • John F. Kennedy Trolley Tour in Dallas: $22
  • Dallas' Reunion Tower GeO-Deck Observation Ticket: $25
  • Historic West End Ghost Walking Tour: $26

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dallas $12
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

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

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55


When comparing the travel costs between Dallas and Wisconsin Dells, we can see that Wisconsin Dells 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 Dallas Expensive? and Is Wisconsin Dells Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dallas or Wisconsin Dells?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 490 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Dallas and 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 along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Dallas 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 Dallas or Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and Wisconsin Dells. Most visitors come to Dallas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Wisconsin Dells because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Dallas is a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the summer. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 88°F (31°C) in July, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wisconsin Dells this time of the year. In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dallas usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during summer. Dallas gets 337 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dallas usually receives less rain than Wisconsin Dells. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dallas 88°F (31°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dallas as well as Wisconsin Dells. The autumn months attract visitors to Dallas because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year.

In the autumn, Dallas is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dallas in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In the autumn, Dallas often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Dallas gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets more rain in October than Wisconsin Dells. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dallas 69°F (21°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dallas this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Wisconsin Dells. In January, Dallas is generally much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 46°F (8°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 19°F (-7°C).

Dallas usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during winter. Dallas gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dallas usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dallas 46°F (8°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Dallas during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dallas for the activities around the city.

Dallas is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the spring. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

In Wisconsin Dells, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dallas. In the spring, Dallas often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Dallas gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets more rain in April than Wisconsin Dells. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dallas 68°F (20°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Dallas

Dallas Wisconsin Dells
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Feb 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
May 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jul 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 39°F (4°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Dec 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)