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

Should you visit Memphis or Milwaukee?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis 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.

Memphis

Memphis is a creative, laid-back, and soulful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the live music, food, and museums.

Milwaukee

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

Memphis and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Memphis or Milwaukee?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Memphis. Although Memphis and Milwaukee are about the same size, Memphis has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Memphis is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Milwaukee is known for its shopping. Memphis is popular for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also home to Elvis Presley's Graceland. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Memphis different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Memphis
Milwaukee

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Milwaukee and Memphis.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Memphis. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

Milwaukee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Memphis or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Memphis
Milwaukee

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

Memphis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

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 Memphis or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Memphis
Milwaukee

Memphis 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.

Memphis has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

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 Memphis or Milwaukee Better for Music?

Memphis
Milwaukee

Memphis is terrific for its live music scene. However, Milwaukee is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Memphis. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Milwaukee is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Milwaukee?

Memphis
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

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.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Memphis or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Memphis
Milwaukee

Memphis and Milwaukee are both good destinations for the whole family.

Memphis offers lots of family activities. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Milwaukee is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Memphis or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Memphis
Milwaukee

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

Memphis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

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 Memphis or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Memphis
Milwaukee

For students, both Memphis and Milwaukee are good places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

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

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

Memphis
Milwaukee

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

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

Is Memphis or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Memphis
Milwaukee

Memphis and Milwaukee are good when it comes to walkability.

Memphis is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

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.


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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Milwaukee?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Memphis or Milwaukee?

You'll find food and museums around the city of Memphis. 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 Memphis or Milwaukee?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the creative destination of Memphis. 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 Memphis or Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the soulful city of Memphis. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. 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 Memphis or Milwaukee?

Memphis 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Memphis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Memphis is $167, 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 Memphis and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Memphis $84
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Memphis $168
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Memphis and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Memphis 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 Memphis


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: Memphis Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Memphis $59
    Milwaukee $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Guided Tour with Riverboat Cruise & Hotel Transfers: $339
  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $60
  • Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $282
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133

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 Memphis or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Memphis 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
    Memphis $43
    Milwaukee $52
Typical Food Prices in Memphis

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Memphis:


  • Baskin Robins (for 2)
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Memphis

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

  • Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour: $75

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: $97
  • 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.
    Memphis $45
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Memphis

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

  • 2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour: $72
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure - Memphis: $44
  • Beale Street & Sun Studio: Private Half-Day Walking Tour: $160
  • Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Best of Memphis Walking Tour: $149
  • Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Party Experience - Public: $35
  • Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Private Party Experience: $387
  • Elvis Presley's Childhood Home Sightseeing Daytrip from Memphis: $111
  • Elvis Unleashed: Private Elvis Walking Tour: $150
  • From Tupelo Elvis Presley's Upbringing Tour: $102
  • Guided Memphis City Tour with Riverboat Cruise along Mississippi River: $85

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
  • 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: $11
  • Milwaukee Magic: A Private Christmas Lights Tour: $648
  • Milwaukee Marvels: A 2-Hour Private Tour: $482
  • Milwaukee Private Ghost Tour: $90
  • Milwaukee Private or Public Pedal Tavern Tour : $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Memphis $26
    Milwaukee $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Memphis

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

  • Drinking Spirits with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis: $27
  • Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $59
  • Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $62

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


Which is Bigger, Memphis or Milwaukee?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Milwaukee. When comparing the sizes of Memphis 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 Memphis 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 Memphis or Milwaukee in the Summer?

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

In July, Memphis is generally a little warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 83°F (29°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 Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Memphis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee during summer. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Memphis usually receives less rain than Milwaukee. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Memphis 83°F (29°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Milwaukee. Many travelers come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Milwaukee in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Memphis is much warmer than Milwaukee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In the autumn, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets less rain in October than Milwaukee. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Memphis 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. Memphis can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Memphis is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Memphis in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during winter. Memphis gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Memphis usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Memphis 40°F (5°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Memphis during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Memphis for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Memphis is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 64°F (18°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 Memphis. In the spring, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Milwaukee. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Memphis

Memphis Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)