A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Milwaukee for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Mazatlan or Milwaukee?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan 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.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a cultural, authentic, and historical city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Milwaukee

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

Mazatlan and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Milwaukee?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Mazatlan than Milwaukee. While Milwaukee is larger than Mazatlan, Mazatlan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mazatlan is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. Also, Mazatlan is famous for the Malecon. Milwaukee is well known for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Mazatlan different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

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 Mazatlan or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mazatlan is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Mazatlan has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

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 Mazatlan or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Mazatlan and Milwaukee.

Mazatlan has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

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.

Is Mazatlan or Milwaukee Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Milwaukee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Mazatlan. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Milwaukee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Mazatlan attract visitors from all over. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Milwaukee Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Milwaukee does not have a historic old town.

Mazatlan is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Milwaukee does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Milwaukee?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Milwaukee and Mazatlan.

Mazatlan offers some nice shopping areas. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

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 Mazatlan or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Milwaukee.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Mazatlan. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

Milwaukee offers lots of family activities. 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 Mazatlan or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

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

Mazatlan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

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 Mazatlan or Milwaukee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Mazatlan. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

Milwaukee is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a lot to attract backpackers to the area.

Is Mazatlan or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Milwaukee is a popular place for students. However, Mazatlan 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.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

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

Mazatlan is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its public transit.

Mazatlan has some public transit options. There are city buses around town.

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

Is Mazatlan or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Mazatlan is a very walkable city. The city is relatively walkable.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mazatlan or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mazatlan than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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

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

One day in Mazatlan or Milwaukee?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Mazatlan. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

The city of Milwaukee offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Milwaukee?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the authentic destination of Mazatlan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Milwaukee is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milwaukee, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Milwaukee?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the historical city of Mazatlan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Milwaukee is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Mazatlan or Milwaukee?

Mazatlan is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mazatlan and Milwaukee, we can see that Milwaukee is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Milwaukee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milwaukee than you might in Mazatlan.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mazatlan Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan or Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Milwaukee. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Mazatlan is a little warmer than Milwaukee in the summer. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 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 Mazatlan this time of the year. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Milwaukee. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan usually gets more rain in July than Milwaukee. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Mazatlan is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mazatlan in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Milwaukee averages at about 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Mazatlan during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

It's quite cold in Milwaukee in the winter. In January, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 20°C (67°F), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Milwaukee. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Milwaukee in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Milwaukee. The beaches are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.

Mazatlan is much warmer than Milwaukee in the spring. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Milwaukee. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Mazatlan