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

Should you visit Milwaukee or Sacramento?

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 Sacramento 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.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a relaxed, undiscovered, and laid back city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Milwaukee and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Milwaukee or Sacramento?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Sacramento than Milwaukee. While Milwaukee is larger than Sacramento, Sacramento has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Milwaukee is well known for its many breweries and its baseball culture. Sacramento is well known for its history and state capital. Also, Sacramento is famous for the California State Railroad Museum.

How is Milwaukee different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Milwaukee
Sacramento

Sacramento 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 Sacramento. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.

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 Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milwaukee
Sacramento

Sacramento is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Sacramento has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

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 Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Milwaukee
Sacramento

Both Milwaukee and Sacramento 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.

Sacramento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

Is the Shopping Better in Milwaukee or Sacramento?

Milwaukee
Sacramento

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

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 Sacramento to go shopping. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.


Is Milwaukee or Sacramento Better for Families?

Milwaukee
Sacramento

Both Milwaukee and Sacramento are notable 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 Sacramento. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.

Is Milwaukee or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Milwaukee
Sacramento

Neither Milwaukee or Sacramento is generally regarded as a top spot for a couple to visit.

Most people don't think of Milwaukee as a couple's destination. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

Is Milwaukee or Sacramento Better for Students?

Milwaukee
Sacramento

Milwaukee is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is not popular with students.


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

Milwaukee
Sacramento

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Milwaukee and Sacramento.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

Is Milwaukee or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Milwaukee
Sacramento

Milwaukee is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Milwaukee?

How long in Milwaukee or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Milwaukee or Sacramento to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


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

One day in Milwaukee or Sacramento?

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 shopping and museums around the city of Sacramento. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sacramento has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Milwaukee or Sacramento?

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 museums and nightlife around the undiscovered destination of Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the undiscovered city of Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?

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.

Sacramento 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, Sacramento 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 Sacramento is $281. 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 Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Milwaukee $99
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Milwaukee $198
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Milwaukee and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Milwaukee or Sacramento? 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 Sacramento


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 Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Milwaukee $38
    Sacramento $51

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 Sacramento

Also for Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $219
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $110
  • Round Trip Private Transfer in Sacramento Airport to Calistoga: $293

Is it cheaper to fly into Milwaukee or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento 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
    Sacramento $53

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sacramento

For Sacramento, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $95
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Midtown Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Italian Cooking and Dance Class Experience: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Milwaukee $26
    Sacramento $19

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): $128
  • 2 Hours Private Tour of Milwaukee Marvels: $245
  • 2-Hour Bus Tour in Milwaukee City: $40
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 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: $10
  • Milwaukee Bucks Basketball Game Ticket at Fiserv Forum: $69
  • Milwaukee Magic: A Private Christmas Lights Tour: $648
  • Milwaukee Marvels: A 2-Hour Private Tour: $482

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

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

  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $12
  • Davis Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Delta's History and Wine: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Downtown Sacramento Mural and Art Walking Tour : $45
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Full-Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,orKneeboard: $850
  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Half Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,or Kneeboard: $425
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Milwaukee $33
    Sacramento $12

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 Sacramento

Also in Sacramento, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sacramento Bar Hunt: Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl: $12
  • Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Milwaukee and Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Milwaukee much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Milwaukee would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milwaukee 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 Sacramento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sacramento than you might in Milwaukee.

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


Which is Bigger, Milwaukee or Sacramento?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Milwaukee and Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?

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 Sacramento in the Summer?

Both Sacramento and Milwaukee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the family-friendly experiences.

Milwaukee is around the same temperature as Sacramento in the summer. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 74°F (23°C) in July, and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milwaukee. Milwaukee usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Milwaukee gets 321 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Milwaukee usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Milwaukee gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Sacramento in the Autumn?

Both Sacramento and Milwaukee during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.

In the autumn, Milwaukee is much colder than Sacramento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Milwaukee in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Sacramento averages at about 64°F (18°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Milwaukee often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Milwaukee gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.

Milwaukee usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Milwaukee gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Sacramento in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Milwaukee and Sacramento. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sacramento for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Milwaukee in the winter. In January, Milwaukee is generally much colder than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Milwaukee average around 21°F (-6°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Milwaukee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sacramento during winter. Milwaukee gets 138 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Milwaukee usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Milwaukee gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Sacramento in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Milwaukee as well as Sacramento.

Milwaukee is much colder than Sacramento in the spring. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 47°F (8°C) in April, and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In the spring, Milwaukee often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Milwaukee gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.

Milwaukee usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Milwaukee gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Milwaukee

Milwaukee Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)