A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Milwaukee vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque, quaint, and charming town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Milwaukee and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Pebble Beach Golf Course
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Although Milwaukee and Carmel-by-the-Sea are both popular with visitors, Carmel-by-the-Sea has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more popular for its food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee is known for its nightlife. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. It is also home to Pebble Beach Golf Course. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Milwaukee different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Milwaukee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Milwaukee and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Milwaukee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.


Is the Food Better in Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milwaukee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Carmel-by-the-Sea has a huge number of terrific restaurants. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Milwaukee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Milwaukee is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Milwaukee. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Milwaukee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Carmel-by-the-Sea attract visitors from all over. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Milwaukee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is well-known for its shopping. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Milwaukee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Milwaukee is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Milwaukee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Students?

Milwaukee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Milwaukee is a city with good options for students. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

Is Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Milwaukee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Milwaukee and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

Is Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Milwaukee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walkable town. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Milwaukee?

How long in Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.


  • How many days in Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Ideal Length of Stay
    Milwaukee 1-2 
    Carmel-by-the-Sea 1-3

One day in Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Milwaukee, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Even though Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Carmel-by-the-Sea has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With shopping and museums around the welcoming city of Milwaukee, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Five days in Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the friendly destination of Milwaukee. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Milwaukee is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.


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, Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea is $0.00. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Milwaukee $99
    Carmel-by-the-Sea -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Milwaukee $198
    Carmel-by-the-Sea $0.00
Compare Hotels in Milwaukee and Carmel-by-the-Sea

Looking for a hotel in Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea? 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea


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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Milwaukee $38
    Carmel-by-the-Sea $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Prices for flights to both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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
    Carmel-by-the-Sea $153

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

  • Thai Cooking Class in Monterey: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Milwaukee $26
    Carmel-by-the-Sea -

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: $12
  • Skip The Line: Harley-Davidson Museum Admission Ticket with Audio Guided Option: $22
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $24
  • Macabre Milwaukee Walking Tour: $26
  • Shakers Original Historical Ghost Tour: $27
  • Downtown Kenosha Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Milwaukee Private or Public Pedal Tavern Tour : $35

Tours and Activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Carmel-by-the-Sea are as follows:

  • 1-Hour Monterey and Cannery Row Sea Car Tour: $79
  • 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach’s Historical Highlights: $9.99
  • 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour: $68
  • 2-Hour Monterey and Pacific Grove Sea Car Tour: $149
  • 2.5-Hour Electric Bike Tour Along 17 Mile Drive of Coastal Monterey: $65
  • 3-Hour Monterey Bay Winter Whale-Watching Tour: $70
  • 3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove Sea Car Tour: $189
  • Big Sur Self-Driving Audio Tour: Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway: $17
  • Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour: $139
  • Carmel by the Sea 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $20
  • Carmel-By-The-Sea Electric Bike Guided Tour: $68
  • Fairy Tale Houses Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Milwaukee $33
    Carmel-by-the-Sea -

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Carmel-by-the-Sea:

  • Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $149
  • Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $149


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Milwaukee and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Milwaukee is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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


Which is Bigger, Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Milwaukee and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Milwaukee as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. The summer months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

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

Milwaukee usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Milwaukee gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C) 
    Carmel-by-the-Sea 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Milwaukee are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Milwaukee is generally cooler than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Milwaukee average around 53°F (12°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Milwaukee usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Milwaukee gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C) 
    Carmel-by-the-Sea 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Milwaukee during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Milwaukee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milwaukee. Milwaukee is much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Milwaukee usually gets less rain in January than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Milwaukee gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C) 
    Carmel-by-the-Sea 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Milwaukee and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Furthermore, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Milwaukee is much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the spring temperatures in Milwaukee in April average around 47°F (8°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In April, Milwaukee usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Milwaukee gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C) 
    Carmel-by-the-Sea 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Milwaukee

Milwaukee Carmel-by-the-Sea
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
Mar 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.1 inches (55 mm)
Apr 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
May 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 62°F (16°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.6 inches (14 mm)
Nov 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2 inches (51 mm)