A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Milwaukee vs. San Francisco for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Milwaukee or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a eccentric, one-of-a-kind, and scenic coastal city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and theater.

Milwaukee and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milwaukee or San Francisco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Francisco than Milwaukee, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. San Francisco is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also home to The Golden Gate Bridge. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Milwaukee different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in San Francisco are world-renowned. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car 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 Milwaukee or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a coastal city with good options for its theatre productions. However, Milwaukee is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Milwaukee is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco is terrific for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in San Francisco have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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 San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Both Milwaukee and San Francisco have good 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.

San Francisco has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Milwaukee or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is a coastal 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 San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Milwaukee is not a live music destination.

Is Milwaukee or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

The beaches at San Francisco attract visitors from all over. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is Milwaukee or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Around San Francisco visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Milwaukee or San Francisco?

San Francisco is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, San Francisco draws large crowds to its stores. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods 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.

Is Milwaukee or San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

San Francisco is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 San Francisco Better for Couples?

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

San Francisco makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

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 San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 San Francisco Better for Students?

San Francisco is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

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

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

San Francisco is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of San Francisco can take you anywhere. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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

Is Milwaukee or San Francisco a more walkable city?

San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is a very walkable coastal city. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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 San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Milwaukee?

How long in Milwaukee or San Francisco?

Both Milwaukee and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Milwaukee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Milwaukee, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in Milwaukee or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the undiscovered destination of Milwaukee. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

People visit San Francisco because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milwaukee. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

People visit San Francisco because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Milwaukee or San Francisco?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Milwaukee. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

People visit San Francisco because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

A week in Milwaukee or San Francisco?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Milwaukee. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Francisco, one week is sufficent for most. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Milwaukee and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 San Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Milwaukee or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Milwaukee. When comparing the sizes of Milwaukee and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Milwaukee and San Francisco. Most visitors come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In July, Milwaukee usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Milwaukee gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Milwaukee or San Francisco in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Milwaukee as well as San Francisco. The autumn months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

In October, Milwaukee is generally cooler than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Milwaukee average around 53°F (12°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Milwaukee usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Milwaukee gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milwaukee or San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco and Milwaukee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Milwaukee in the winter. Milwaukee is much colder than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Milwaukee usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Milwaukee gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Milwaukee or San Francisco in the Spring?

Both San Francisco and Milwaukee during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Francisco in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Milwaukee is much colder than San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Milwaukee in April average around 47°F (8°C), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).

Milwaukee usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Milwaukee gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Milwaukee