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

Should you visit Hershey or Milwaukee?

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

Should I visit Hershey 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.

Hershey

Hershey is a fun-filled, playful, and lighthearted town. Visitors also love the shopping and museums.

Milwaukee

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

Hershey and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Hershey or Milwaukee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hershey. Although Hershey and Milwaukee are popular destinations, Hershey has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hershey is very popular for its resorts, while Milwaukee attracts visitors for its nightlife. Hershey is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. It is also well known for Hersheypark. Milwaukee is famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Hershey different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hershey
Milwaukee

Both Hershey and Milwaukee have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Hershey is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to Hershey's Chocolate World, there's the Hershey Story Museum, the Hershey Historic Center, and the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. There's also the AACA Museum (a car museum).

Milwaukee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Hershey or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hershey
Milwaukee

Both Hershey and Milwaukee offer reasonable local cuisine and restaurants.

Hershey offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Milwaukee. 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 Hershey or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Hershey
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a popular place for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Hershey doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Is Hershey or Milwaukee Better for Resorts?

Hershey
Milwaukee

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

In Hershey, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Hershey or Milwaukee?

Hershey
Milwaukee

Shopping is a popular activity in both Milwaukee and Hershey.

Hershey is a great destination for shopping. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

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 Hershey or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Hershey
Milwaukee

Hershey is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Hershey is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Hersheypark offers family-friendly resorts and camping. There's also the themed amusement park and even a zoo. When the weather's warm there's a water park and, of course, there's the famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

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 Hershey or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Hershey
Milwaukee

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

Hershey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

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 Hershey or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Hershey
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a popular place for students. However, Hershey is not popular with students.

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.

Hershey is not popular with students.

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

Hershey
Milwaukee

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Hershey and Milwaukee.

Public transit is generally limited in Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

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

Is Hershey or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Hershey
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a popular place for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Milwaukee is somewhat walkable. 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.

Hershey is generally not a very walkable town. You really need a car to get to the area's attractions.


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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Hershey?

How long in Hershey or Milwaukee?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milwaukee than Hershey 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 Hershey or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hershey 2-3 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Hershey or Milwaukee?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Hershey. 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.

In Milwaukee, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Hershey or Milwaukee?

You'll find museums and shopping around the lighthearted destination of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

In Milwaukee, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milwaukee has to offer.

Five days in Hershey or Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun-filled town of Hershey. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Milwaukee is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Hershey or Milwaukee?

Hershey 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milwaukee. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Milwaukee. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Hershey?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hershey is $212, 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 Hershey and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hershey $114
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hershey $228
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Hershey and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Hershey 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 Hershey


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: Hershey Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hershey $49
    Milwaukee $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hershey

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hershey:

  • Private transfer from MDT airport to Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hershey: $150

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 Hershey or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Hershey 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
    Hershey $61
    Milwaukee $52
Typical Food Prices in Hershey

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hershey:


  • Frozen Hot Chocolate
    $4.19
  • Plain and Fancy Farm
    $46
  • Homemade Apple Butter
    $7.98

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.
    Hershey $53
    Milwaukee $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hershey

Here are a few typical costs in Hershey for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Hershey Chocolate World (for 3)
    $75

Tours and Activities in Hershey

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

  • Skip the Line: AACA Museum Admission Ticket: $25

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: $10
  • 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
    Hershey $27
    Milwaukee $33

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


Which is Bigger, Hershey or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Hershey 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 Hershey 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 Hershey or Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hershey as well as Milwaukee. Many visitors come to Hershey in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Hershey is around the same temperature as Milwaukee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hershey in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milwaukee. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In the summer, Hershey often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee. Hershey gets 310 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun.

Hershey usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Milwaukee. Hershey gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hershey 77°F (25°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Hershey or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

Both Milwaukee and Hershey are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hershey for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the shopping scene.

In October, Hershey is generally a little warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Hershey average around 56°F (13°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Hershey usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during autumn. Hershey gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hershey usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Hershey gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hershey 56°F (13°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Hershey or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Hershey during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Hershey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. The weather in Hershey can be very cold. Hershey is much warmer than Milwaukee in the winter. The daily temperature in Hershey averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Hershey often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Hershey gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun.

Hershey usually gets more rain in January than Milwaukee. Hershey gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Hershey or Milwaukee in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hershey and Milwaukee.

In the spring, Hershey is a little warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hershey in April average around 53°F (12°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 47°F (8°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hershey usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during spring. Hershey gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hershey usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Hershey gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hershey 53°F (12°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Hershey

Hershey Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)