A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Milwaukee vs. Hood River for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Milwaukee or Hood River?

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 Hood River 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 welcoming, undiscovered, and friendly city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hood River

Hood River is a agricultural, quaint, and scenic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Milwaukee and Hood River: 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 for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • 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


Is there more to do in Milwaukee or Hood River?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hood River than Milwaukee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hood River is better known for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee is more popular for its museums. Hood River is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. Also, Hood River is famous for Multnomah Falls. Milwaukee is well known for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Milwaukee different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Milwaukee or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Milwaukee
Hood River

Hood River is a town with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Milwaukee is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Hood River is a great destination to visit. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Milwaukee is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Milwaukee or Hood River?

Milwaukee
Hood River

Milwaukee is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Milwaukee or Hood River? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milwaukee
Hood River

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

Hood River has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

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 Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Milwaukee
Hood River

Both Milwaukee and Hood River have notable vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Hood River has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.


Is Milwaukee or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Milwaukee
Hood River

Hood River 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 Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Milwaukee or Hood River?

Milwaukee
Hood River

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Milwaukee and Hood River.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Milwaukee. 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.

Many visitors go to Hood River to go shopping. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Is Milwaukee or Hood River Better for Families?

Milwaukee
Hood River

Hood River 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, Hood River is very family-friendly. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

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 Hood River Better for Couples?

Milwaukee
Hood River

Hood River is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Hood River makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

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 Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milwaukee
Hood River

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

Many backpackers visit Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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 Hood River Better for Students?

Milwaukee
Hood River

Milwaukee is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hood River is not popular with students.

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

Hood River is not popular with students.


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

Milwaukee
Hood River

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Milwaukee and Hood River.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Is Milwaukee or Hood River a more walkable city?

Milwaukee
Hood River

Milwaukee is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Milwaukee?

How long in Milwaukee or Hood River?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River 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 Hood River.


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

One day in Milwaukee or Hood River?

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Milwaukee, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milwaukee, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Hood River. 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 Hood River?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Milwaukee, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the agricultural destination of Hood River. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Milwaukee or Hood River?

Milwaukee, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the scenic town of Hood River. 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 Hood River?

Milwaukee is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Hood River 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, Hood River 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 Hood River is $145. 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 Hood River in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Milwaukee $99
    Hood River $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Milwaukee $198
    Hood River $156
Compare Hotels in Milwaukee and Hood River

Looking for a hotel in Milwaukee or Hood River? 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 Hood River


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 Hood River Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Milwaukee $38
    Hood River $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Milwaukee or Hood River?

Prices for flights to both Hood River 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
    Hood River $40

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
    Hood River $18

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): $126
  • 2 Hours Private Tour of Milwaukee Marvels: $248
  • 2-Hour Bus Tour in Milwaukee City: $40
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $24
  • Cream City Cannibal: Jeffery Dahmer Walking Tour: $53
  • Discover Iconic Milwaukee Tour : $67
  • Downtown Kenosha Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • 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
  • Milwaukee Magic: A Private Christmas Lights Tour: $650
  • Milwaukee Marvels: A 2-Hour Private Tour: $483
  • Milwaukee Private Ghost Tour: $90

Tours and Activities in Hood River

For Hood River, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Gift Basket Factory Tour: $31
  • Orchard Tour: $31
  • Railbikes Experience: $211
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Milwaukee $33
    Hood River $19

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 Hood River, we can see that Milwaukee is more expensive. And not only is Hood River much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hood River would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hood River 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 Hood River.

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


Which is Bigger, Milwaukee or Hood River?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Milwaukee and Hood River, 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 Hood River?

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 Milwaukee or Hood River in the Summer?

Both Hood River and Milwaukee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hood River in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Milwaukee is a little warmer than Hood River in the summer. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 74°F (23°C) in July, and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Hood River. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milwaukee. Milwaukee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hood River during summer. Milwaukee gets 321 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Milwaukee usually receives more rain than Hood River. Milwaukee gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C) 
    Hood River 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Hood River in the Autumn?

Both Hood River and Milwaukee during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Milwaukee in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hood River for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Milwaukee is around the same temperature as Hood River. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Milwaukee in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Hood River averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Milwaukee often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Milwaukee gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun.

Milwaukee usually gets less rain in October than Hood River. Milwaukee gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C) 
    Hood River 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Hood River in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Milwaukee and Hood River. Most visitors come to Milwaukee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Hood River because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hood River can be very cold. Milwaukee can be very cold during winter. In January, Milwaukee is generally much colder than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Milwaukee average around 21°F (-6°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Milwaukee usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during winter. Milwaukee gets 138 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hood River receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Milwaukee usually receives less rain than Hood River. Milwaukee gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C) 
    Hood River 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Hood River in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Milwaukee as well as Hood River. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Hood River this time of year.

Milwaukee is cooler than Hood River in the spring. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 47°F (8°C) in April, and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hood River. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In the spring, Milwaukee often gets less sunshine than Hood River. Milwaukee gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun.

Milwaukee usually gets more rain in April than Hood River. Milwaukee gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C) 
    Hood River 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Hood River and Milwaukee

Milwaukee Hood River
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)