A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Milwaukee for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Milwaukee?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach 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.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a party-hard, energetic, and lively beach city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the live music, beaches, and nightlife.

Milwaukee

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

Daytona Beach and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Milwaukee?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Daytona Beach than Milwaukee. While Milwaukee is larger than Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Daytona Beach is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Milwaukee is known for its museums and shopping. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also home to The Daytona International Speedway. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Daytona Beach different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Daytona Beach or Milwaukee?

Daytona Beach
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Daytona Beach
Milwaukee

Both Daytona Beach and Milwaukee offer a number of decent restaurants to choose from.

Daytona Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Milwaukee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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 Daytona Beach or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Milwaukee

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

Daytona Beach is a must-see party destination. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

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 Daytona Beach or Milwaukee Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Milwaukee

Daytona Beach is a beach city with good options for its live music scene. However, Milwaukee is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Milwaukee is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Milwaukee Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Milwaukee

Daytona Beach is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Daytona Beach offers a few options. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Milwaukee

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Daytona Beach. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Milwaukee?

Daytona Beach
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

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.

Daytona Beach is a good destination for shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.


Is Daytona Beach or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

Milwaukee is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Daytona Beach is not always a place people visit with their families. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.

Is Daytona Beach or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Milwaukee

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

Daytona Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.

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 Daytona Beach or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Milwaukee

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

Daytona Beach is a very popular beach city for students. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

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

Daytona Beach
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.

Is Daytona Beach or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

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.

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Daytona Beach or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milwaukee than Daytona Beach because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milwaukee than Daytona Beach 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 Milwaukee.


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Daytona Beach or Milwaukee?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the beach city of Daytona Beach. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the friendly destination of Milwaukee. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A weekend in Daytona Beach or Milwaukee?

Many people enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting Daytona Beach. A weekend is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milwaukee. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Daytona Beach or Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the energetic beach city of Daytona Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of Milwaukee. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Daytona Beach or Milwaukee?

Daytona Beach 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Milwaukee. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Daytona Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $211, 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 Daytona Beach and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach


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: Daytona Beach Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Milwaukee $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Daytona Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Daytona Beach:

  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Port Canaveral: $239
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $185
  • Private Transfer from Daytona to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Daytona Beach 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
    Daytona Beach $80
    Milwaukee $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach

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

  • Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53

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: $97
  • 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.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

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

  • St. Johns River Nature Cruise at Blue Spring State Park : $28
  • 2 Hour Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75
  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Eco Tour in Flagler County-Small-group: $85
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Electric Bike Tour of New Smyrna Beach: $115
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • Half Day Coastal Fun Cruise in Florida: $200
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65
  • Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65
  • Ormond Beach Manatee and Nature Tour Kayaking or Paddle Boarding: $65

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
  • Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Game Ticket at American Family Field: $11
  • Skip The Line: Harley-Davidson Museum Admission Ticket with Audio Guided Option: $22
  • Macabre Milwaukee Walking Tour: $26
  • Shakers Original Historical Ghost Tour: $27
  • Downtown Kenosha Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Milwaukee Private or Public Pedal Tavern Tour : $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Milwaukee $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Daytona Beach:

  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl from Daytona Beach: $40

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 Daytona Beach and Milwaukee, we can see that Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach or Milwaukee in the Summer?

Both Milwaukee and Daytona Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in July than Milwaukee. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Milwaukee. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the shopping scene.

Daytona Beach is much warmer than Milwaukee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in October, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Milwaukee in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Milwaukee. The winter months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, 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. In the winter, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Daytona Beach in January average around 58°F (14°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in January than Milwaukee. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year.

In April, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 69°F (21°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

In April, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Milwaukee. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)