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

Should you visit Milwaukee or Portland?

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 Portland 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 friendly, welcoming, and undiscovered city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a scenic, laid-back, and progressive city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the live music, hiking, and shopping.

Milwaukee and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milwaukee or Portland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portland. Although Milwaukee and Portland are popular destinations, Portland has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portland is very popular for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee attracts visitors for its museums. Portland is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. It is also well known for Washington Park. Milwaukee is famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Milwaukee different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portland 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 Portland?

Milwaukee is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Milwaukee and Portland.

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.

Portland may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Milwaukee or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Both Milwaukee and Portland have nice 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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Milwaukee or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a city with good options for its live music scene. However, Milwaukee is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Milwaukee is not a live music destination.

Is Milwaukee or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland 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 Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Milwaukee or Portland?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Milwaukee and Portland.

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 Portland to go shopping. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Milwaukee or Portland Better for Families?

Both Milwaukee and Portland are nice 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 Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Milwaukee or Portland Better for Couples?

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

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

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 Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland Better for Students?

Both Milwaukee and Portland are nice destinations for 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.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Portland is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its public transit.

Portland has some public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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

Is Milwaukee or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland 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.

Portland is a very walkable city. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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 Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Milwaukee?

How long in Milwaukee or Portland?

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

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

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

One day in Milwaukee or Portland?

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 live music and shopping around the city of Portland. 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 Portland?

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 shopping and nightlife around the laid-back destination of Portland. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Milwaukee or Portland?

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 live music when visiting the tree-lined city of Portland. 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 Portland?

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.

Portland 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Milwaukee or Portland?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Milwaukee and Portland, 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 Portland?

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 Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Milwaukee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In July, Milwaukee is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Milwaukee average around 74°F (23°C), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

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

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

Should I visit Milwaukee or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Milwaukee during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Milwaukee is around the same temperature as Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

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

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

Should I visit Milwaukee or Portland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Milwaukee and Portland. Many travelers come to Milwaukee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Milwaukee. In the winter, Milwaukee is much colder than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Milwaukee in January average around 21°F (-6°C), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

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

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

Should I visit Milwaukee or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Milwaukee as well as Portland. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Milwaukee is generally cooler than Portland. Daily temperatures in Milwaukee average around 47°F (8°C), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

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

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

Typical Weather for Portland and Milwaukee