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

Should you visit Houston or Milwaukee?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Houston and Milwaukee. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Houston

Houston is a southern, one-of-a-kind, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a welcoming, undiscovered, and friendly city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Houston and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Houston or Milwaukee?

You'll generally find more things to do in Houston than Milwaukee. Houston is bigger than Milwaukee, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Houston is well known for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. Also, Houston is famous for The Space Center Houston. Milwaukee is well known for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Houston different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Houston
Milwaukee

Houston 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 Houston. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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 Houston or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Houston
Milwaukee

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

Houston has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

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 Houston or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Houston
Milwaukee

Houston 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.

Houston has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

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 Houston or Milwaukee Better for Music?

Houston
Milwaukee

Houston is a 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 Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Milwaukee is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Milwaukee?

Houston
Milwaukee

Shopping is a popular activity in both Milwaukee and Houston.

Houston offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Milwaukee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Houston or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Houston
Milwaukee

Houston 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, Houston is very family-friendly. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

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 Houston or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Houston
Milwaukee

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

Houston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

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 Houston or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Houston
Milwaukee

Houston and Milwaukee are notable places to visit for students.

Houston is popular with students. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

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.

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

Houston
Milwaukee

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

Public transit is generally limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

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

Is Houston or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Houston
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.


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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Houston?

How long in Houston or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Houston or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Houston 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 Houston, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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

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

One day in Houston or Milwaukee?

People visit Houston because there is so much to do. 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 Houston or Milwaukee?

People visit Houston because there is so much to do. 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.

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 Houston or Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the southern city of Houston. 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.

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 Houston or Milwaukee?

Houston 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.

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 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, Milwaukee or Houston?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Houston is $262, 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 Houston and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Houston $142
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Houston $284
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Houston and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Houston 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 Houston


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: Houston Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Houston $72
    Milwaukee $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $538
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Houston APT-HTL (IAH): $151
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $60
  • Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $88
  • RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
  • Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120
  • Private Hotel Transfer in Houston: $80
  • Private Departure Transfer to Houston George Bush Airport IAH: $51
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
  • Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $167
  • Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer to NASA Space Center: $62
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $160

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 Houston or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Houston 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
    Houston $35
    Milwaukee $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

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

  • Seasonal Pizza From Scratch Experience in Houston: $55
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • The Heights Food Tour in Houston: $76
  • Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
  • Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $86
  • Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90
  • Houston Heights Culture and Food Tour: $95

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.
    Houston $14
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Houston

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

  • Houston Ghosts and Hauntings By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • The Art of Fufu Cookbook Experience: West African Soup & Fufu : $100
  • 2 Hours H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck On Wheels: $46
  • 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Admission and Shuttle: $89
  • Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $375
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $89
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $32
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned): $32
  • Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17

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
    Houston $13
    Milwaukee $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Houston

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

  • Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
  • Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
  • 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70

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


Which is Bigger, Houston or Milwaukee?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Milwaukee. When comparing the sizes of Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston or Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Houston as well as Milwaukee. Most visitors come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Houston usually gets more rain in July than Milwaukee. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Houston or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

Both Milwaukee and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Houston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

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

It's quite rainy in Houston. In October, Houston usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Houston or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Houston during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Houston this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Milwaukee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milwaukee. In January, Houston is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 52°F (11°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Houston usually gets more rain in January than Milwaukee. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Houston or Milwaukee in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Milwaukee. Many travelers come to Houston for the activities around the city.

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

In April, Houston usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Houston

Houston Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)