A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Milwaukee vs. Death Valley National Park for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Milwaukee or Death Valley National Park?

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 Death Valley National Park 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.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a dramatic, striking, and vast national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Milwaukee and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Milwaukee or Death Valley National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Death Valley National Park. Although Milwaukee and Death Valley National Park are both popular with visitors, Death Valley National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Death Valley National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Death Valley National Park is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. It is also home to Zabriskie Point. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Milwaukee different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park?

Milwaukee
Death Valley National Park

Milwaukee is very good for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.


Is the Food Better in Milwaukee or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milwaukee
Death Valley National Park

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Milwaukee and Death Valley National Park.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Milwaukee. 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.

Death Valley National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Milwaukee or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Milwaukee
Death Valley National Park

Milwaukee is very good for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park 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.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Milwaukee or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Milwaukee
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Death Valley National Park offers a few options. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.


Is Milwaukee or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Milwaukee
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Death Valley National Park. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Milwaukee or Death Valley National Park?

Milwaukee
Death Valley National Park

Milwaukee is very good for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

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.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Milwaukee or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Milwaukee
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park 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, Death Valley National Park is very family-friendly. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

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 Milwaukee or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Milwaukee
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Death Valley National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

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 Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milwaukee
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Death Valley National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

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 Death Valley National Park Better for Students?

Milwaukee
Death Valley National Park

Milwaukee is very good for students. However, Death Valley National Park 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.

Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.


Is Milwaukee or Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Milwaukee
Death Valley National Park

Milwaukee is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Milwaukee or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Milwaukee
Death Valley National Park

Milwaukee is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable city. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Milwaukee Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Milwaukee?

How long in Milwaukee or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Milwaukee or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Death Valley National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Milwaukee, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milwaukee than Death Valley National Park 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 Milwaukee.


  • How many days in Milwaukee or Death Valley National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Milwaukee 1-2 
    Death Valley National Park 2-4

One day in Milwaukee or Death Valley National Park?

In Milwaukee, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this undiscovered destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find around the national park of Death Valley National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Death Valley National Park?

In Milwaukee, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find around the dramatic destination of Death Valley National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Milwaukee or Death Valley National Park?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Milwaukee. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the dramatic national park of Death Valley National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Milwaukee or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Milwaukee. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Death Valley National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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, Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park is $87. 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 Death Valley National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Milwaukee $99
    Death Valley National Park $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Milwaukee $198
    Death Valley National Park $74
Compare Hotels in Milwaukee and Death Valley National Park

Looking for a hotel in Milwaukee or Death Valley National Park? 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 Death Valley National Park


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Milwaukee $38
    Death Valley National Park $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Milwaukee or Death Valley National Park?

Prices for flights to both Death Valley National Park 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
    Death Valley National Park $20

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.
    Milwaukee $26
    Death Valley National Park $36

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: $11
  • 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 Death Valley National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Death Valley National Park are as follows:

  • Death Valley Self Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Death Valley on Mojave Desert VIP Small Group Tour from Las Vegas: $219

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Milwaukee $33
    Death Valley National Park $8.57

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

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


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