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

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

Galveston

Galveston is a charming, coastal, and historic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a welcoming, undiscovered, and friendly city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Galveston and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • 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 with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Galveston or Milwaukee?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Galveston than Milwaukee. While Milwaukee is larger than Galveston, Galveston has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Galveston is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. Also, Galveston is famous for Pleasure Pier. Milwaukee is well known for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Galveston different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Galveston
Milwaukee

Galveston 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 Galveston. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.

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 Galveston or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Galveston
Milwaukee

Galveston is a town with good options for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Galveston has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

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 Galveston or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Galveston
Milwaukee

Galveston is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Galveston has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.

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 Galveston or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Galveston
Milwaukee

Galveston is a town with good options for the beache. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Galveston. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.


Is Galveston or Milwaukee Better for its Old Town?

Galveston
Milwaukee

Galveston is a town with good options for its old town. However, Milwaukee does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Galveston. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Milwaukee does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galveston or Milwaukee?

Galveston
Milwaukee

If you're looking to go shopping, Galveston and Milwaukee both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Galveston. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

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 Galveston or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Galveston
Milwaukee

Galveston 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, Galveston is very family-friendly. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

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 Galveston or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Galveston
Milwaukee

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

Galveston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

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 Galveston or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Galveston
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Galveston is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Milwaukee. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

Galveston is not popular with students.

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

Galveston
Milwaukee

Galveston and Milwaukee both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.

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


Is Galveston or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Galveston
Milwaukee

Galveston and Milwaukee are notable when it comes to walkability.

Galveston is a somewhat walkable place. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Galveston Worth Visiting? and Is Milwaukee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Galveston?

How long in Galveston or Milwaukee?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Galveston or Milwaukee?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Galveston. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Galveston has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Milwaukee. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milwaukee has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Galveston or Milwaukee?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Galveston. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Milwaukee. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Galveston or Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal town of Galveston. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the undiscovered city of Milwaukee. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Galveston or Milwaukee?

Galveston 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.

Milwaukee 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Galveston?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Galveston is $183, 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 Galveston and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Galveston $81
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Galveston $162
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Galveston and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Galveston 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 Galveston


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: Galveston Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Galveston $35
    Milwaukee $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston

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

  • Private Departure Transfer from Galveston Port to HOU Airport: $168
  • Privat Transfer from Galveston Port to Houston Airport (IAH): $193
  • Galveston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) Private Transfer: $193
  • Galveston Port to William Hobby Airport Departure Transfer: $168
  • Galveston Port to George Bush Airport Private Departure Transfer: $193

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milwaukee

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

  • Milwaukee - General Mitchell Airport One Way Transfer : $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Galveston or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Galveston 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
    Galveston $52
    Milwaukee $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galveston

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

  • Taste of the Strand Food Tour on Galveston Island: $105

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: $96
  • 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.
    Galveston $15
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Galveston

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.

  • 2 Hours Private Cemeteries of Galveston Walking Tour: $180
  • Al's Authentic Paranormal Excursion Tour: $16
  • Authentic Galveston Ghost City Tour: $25
  • Baywatch Dolphin Tour : $25
  • Baywatch Galveston Island Bus Tours: $25
  • Dark Side and Cemeteries of Galveston – Walking Tour: $351
  • Demo and Reno Galveston Reconstructed Private Tour: $85
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Guide: $34
  • Galveston Cemetery Private Tour: $85
  • Galveston Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour with Red Light District: $20
  • Galveston Dark of the Moon Tour: $25
  • Galveston Ghosts of the Gulf Haunted Tour: $33

Tours and Activities in Milwaukee

For Milwaukee, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Sailing Adventure in Lake Michigan (up to 6 people): $128
  • 2 Hours Private Tour of Milwaukee Marvels: $245
  • 2-Hour Bus Tour in Milwaukee City: $40
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Cream City Cannibal: Jeffery Dahmer Walking Tour: $53
  • Discover Iconic Milwaukee Tour : $67
  • Downtown Kenosha Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • 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: $10
  • Milwaukee Bucks Basketball Game Ticket at Fiserv Forum: $69
  • Milwaukee Magic: A Private Christmas Lights Tour: $648
  • Milwaukee Marvels: A 2-Hour Private Tour: $482

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Galveston $37
    Milwaukee $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston

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

  • Galveston Island Brewing Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting : $10
  • Experience Best the Happy Hour Pub Crawl Tour in Galveston: $20
  • Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $25
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $25
  • Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30

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 comparing the travel costs between Galveston and Milwaukee, we can see that Galveston 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 Galveston Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Galveston or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of Galveston 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 Galveston or Milwaukee?

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 Galveston or Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Galveston and Milwaukee. Many travelers come to Galveston for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Milwaukee in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Galveston is a little warmer than Milwaukee in the summer. The daily temperature in Galveston averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

In July, Galveston usually receives less rain than Milwaukee. Galveston gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Galveston 84°F (29°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Galveston or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Galveston as well as Milwaukee. Many visitors come to Galveston in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Galveston is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Galveston in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Galveston usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Galveston gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Galveston 71°F (22°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Galveston or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Galveston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Galveston for the museums, the shopping scene, 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. In January, Galveston is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Galveston average around 52°F (11°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In January, Galveston usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Galveston gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Galveston 52°F (11°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Galveston or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Galveston during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Galveston because of the beaches and the small town charm.

Galveston is much warmer than Milwaukee in the spring. The daily temperature in Galveston averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

Galveston usually gets less rain in April than Milwaukee. Galveston gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Galveston 70°F (21°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Galveston

Galveston Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 83°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)