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

Should you visit Milwaukee or Berkeley?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Milwaukee and Berkeley can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a undiscovered, friendly, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a progressive, diverse, and quirky city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Milwaukee and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Milwaukee or Berkeley?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Berkeley than Milwaukee. While Milwaukee is larger than Berkeley, Berkeley has more sights and attractions for tourists. Berkeley is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. It is also home to University of California Botanical Garden. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Milwaukee different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Milwaukee
Berkeley

Berkeley 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 Berkeley. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.

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 Milwaukee or Berkeley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milwaukee
Berkeley

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

Berkeley has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

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 Milwaukee or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Milwaukee
Berkeley

Berkeley 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.

Berkeley has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

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 the Shopping Better in Milwaukee or Berkeley?

Milwaukee
Berkeley

Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is well-known for its shopping. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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 Milwaukee or Berkeley Better for Families?

Milwaukee
Berkeley

Both Milwaukee and Berkeley are good to visit with kids.

Milwaukee is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Berkeley. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Milwaukee or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Milwaukee
Berkeley

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

Berkeley makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

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 Milwaukee or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milwaukee
Berkeley

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

Many backpackers visit Berkeley. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

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 Milwaukee or Berkeley Better for Students?

Milwaukee
Berkeley

Berkeley is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Berkeley. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for 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.

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

Milwaukee
Berkeley

Berkeley is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Berkeley can take you anywhere. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

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

Is Milwaukee or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Milwaukee
Berkeley

Berkeley is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Berkeley. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

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 Milwaukee Worth Visiting? and Is Berkeley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Milwaukee?

How long in Milwaukee or Berkeley?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Milwaukee and Berkeley. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berkeley than in Milwaukee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Milwaukee, and 2-3 days is enough time in Berkeley.

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

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

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


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

One day in Milwaukee or Berkeley?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Berkeley. 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.

A weekend in Milwaukee or Berkeley?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Berkeley. 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 Milwaukee or Berkeley?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the progressive city of Berkeley. 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 Milwaukee or Berkeley?

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.

Berkeley 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 The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Milwaukee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Milwaukee is $176, while the average daily cost in Berkeley is $190. 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 Milwaukee and Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Milwaukee $99
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Milwaukee $198
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Milwaukee and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Milwaukee or Berkeley? 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 Milwaukee


Hotels in Berkeley


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: Milwaukee Hotel Prices and Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Milwaukee $38
    Berkeley $30

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Private Transfer: Oakland International Airport to Hotel: $200
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland: $93
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $126
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $43
  • Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to San Francisco by SUV: $232

Is it cheaper to fly into Milwaukee or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Milwaukee 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
    Milwaukee $52
    Berkeley $36

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

Typical Food Prices in Berkeley

Some typical examples of dining costs in Berkeley are as follows:


  • Chocolates at Sweet Dreams
    $4.46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berkeley

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

  • North 3-Hour Food Tour: $116
  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $130
  • Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland: $140

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Milwaukee $26
    Berkeley $30

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

Tours and Activities in Berkeley

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Berkeley are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135
  • Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $20
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $16
  • Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $120
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $12
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Milwaukee $33
    Berkeley $13

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Berkeley

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

  • Guided Wine Tasting at Berkeley Wineries with Local Sommelière : $175
  • Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175


When comparing the travel costs between Milwaukee and Berkeley, we can see that Berkeley 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 Milwaukee Expensive? and Is Berkeley Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Milwaukee or Berkeley?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Milwaukee and Berkeley, 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 Milwaukee or Berkeley?

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 Milwaukee or Berkeley in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Milwaukee as well as Berkeley. Most visitors come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Milwaukee is a little warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the summer temperatures in Milwaukee in July average around 74°F (23°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Milwaukee usually gets more rain in July than Berkeley. Milwaukee gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Berkeley in the Autumn?

Both Berkeley and Milwaukee are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.

In October, Milwaukee is generally cooler than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Milwaukee average around 53°F (12°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Milwaukee usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Milwaukee gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Berkeley in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Milwaukee in the winter. Milwaukee is much colder than Berkeley in the winter. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Milwaukee usually gets less rain in January than Berkeley. Milwaukee gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Berkeley in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Milwaukee and Berkeley. Also, many visitors come to Berkeley in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Milwaukee is much colder than Berkeley. Typically, the spring temperatures in Milwaukee in April average around 47°F (8°C), and Berkeley averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In April, Milwaukee usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Milwaukee gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Milwaukee

Milwaukee Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)