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

Should you visit Lancaster or Milwaukee?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lancaster or Milwaukee, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a traditional, picturesque, and scenic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a undiscovered, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Lancaster and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • 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 Lancaster or Milwaukee?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lancaster than Milwaukee. While Milwaukee is larger than Lancaster, Lancaster has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lancaster is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee is known for its nightlife. Lancaster is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its history and long running Amish community. It is also home to Bird-in-Hand Village. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Lancaster different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lancaster
Milwaukee

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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 Lancaster or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lancaster
Milwaukee

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

Lancaster has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

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 Lancaster or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Lancaster
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Milwaukee has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Milwaukee?

Lancaster
Milwaukee

Lancaster is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Lancaster is well-known for its shopping. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

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 Lancaster or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Lancaster
Milwaukee

Lancaster 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, Lancaster is very family-friendly. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

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 Lancaster or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Lancaster
Milwaukee

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

Lancaster makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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 Lancaster or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Lancaster
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not popular with students.


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

Lancaster
Milwaukee

Lancaster and Milwaukee both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

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

Is Lancaster or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Lancaster
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known 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.

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Milwaukee?

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

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

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


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

One day in Lancaster or Milwaukee?

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

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 Lancaster or Milwaukee?

You'll find museums and food around the traditional destination of Lancaster. 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 friendly 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 Lancaster or Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the picturesque town of Lancaster. 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 friendly 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 Lancaster or Milwaukee?

Lancaster 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Lancaster?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lancaster 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 Lancaster and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lancaster $91
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lancaster $182
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Lancaster and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Lancaster 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 Lancaster


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: Lancaster Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lancaster $69
    Milwaukee $38

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 Lancaster or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Lancaster 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
    Lancaster $53
    Milwaukee $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster

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

  • International Food Tour Lancaster, Pennsylvania: $62
  • Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $65

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.
    Lancaster $19
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Lancaster

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

  • 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
  • Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $47
  • Authentic Tour & Meal with the Amish!: $89
  • From Philadelphia: Lancaster County Amish Community Tour: $179
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
  • Guided Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $12
  • Historic Columbia, PA: Guided Tour of the Bank Museum: $14
  • Historic Lancaster Photo Shoot Tour: $100
  • Lancaster County: Amish Farmlands, Museum Tour, Farm Visit: $36
  • Lancaster County: Tour and Meal with an Amish Family: $79
  • Lancaster Electric Bicycle Tour: $130
  • Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $57

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
    Lancaster $11
    Milwaukee $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Lancaster

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

  • Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City: $79
  • Lancaster City: The Ultimate Walking Craft Brewery Tour: $79

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 Lancaster and Milwaukee, we can see that Lancaster 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 Lancaster Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Milwaukee?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lancaster and Milwaukee. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lancaster is generally around the same temperature as Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 77°F (25°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In Lancaster, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lancaster usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee during summer. Lancaster gets 310 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lancaster usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milwaukee. Lancaster gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Lancaster or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lancaster as well as Milwaukee. Many travelers come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Milwaukee in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Lancaster is a little warmer than Milwaukee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Lancaster often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Lancaster gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.

Lancaster usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Lancaster gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Lancaster or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Lancaster are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lancaster in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Milwaukee can be very cold during winter. Lancaster can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Lancaster is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lancaster in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

Lancaster usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during winter. Lancaster gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Lancaster gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Lancaster or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Lancaster during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lancaster for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Lancaster is generally a little warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 53°F (12°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

In Milwaukee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lancaster. In the spring, Lancaster often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Lancaster gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.

Lancaster usually gets more rain in April than Milwaukee. Lancaster gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Lancaster

Lancaster 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)