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

Should you visit Nags Head or Milwaukee?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Nags Head or Milwaukee? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Nags Head

Visitors also love the food.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a friendly, welcoming, and undiscovered city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Nags Head and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Milwaukee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milwaukee. Although Nags Head and Milwaukee are popular destinations, Milwaukee has more sights and attractions for tourists. Milwaukee is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Nags Head attracts visitors for its food. Milwaukee is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its many breweries and its baseball culture. It is also well known for the Lakefront area. Nags Head is famous for

How is Nags Head different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nags Head or Milwaukee?

Nags Head
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have 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.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nags Head
Milwaukee

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

Nags Head has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

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 Nags Head or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a popular place for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Milwaukee has a few options to choose from. 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.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Milwaukee?

Nags Head
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a popular place for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Nags Head or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Nags Head
Milwaukee

Nags Head 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, Nags Head is very family-friendly. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

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 Nags Head or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Milwaukee

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

Nags Head makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

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 Nags Head or Milwaukee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Milwaukee

Nags Head is a with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.

Nags Head is a good to visit for backpackers. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

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 Nags Head or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Nags Head
Milwaukee

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

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

Nags Head is not popular with students.

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

Nags Head
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head does not have public transit.

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

Nags Head does not have public transit.

Is Nags Head or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a popular place for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Milwaukee is somewhat walkable. 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.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.


Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nags Head or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nags Head than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milwaukee than Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Nags Head or Milwaukee?

You'll find food around the of Nags Head. 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.

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

A weekend in Nags Head or Milwaukee?

You'll find food around the destination of Nags Head. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Milwaukee. 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 Nags Head or Milwaukee?

You'll find food around the of Nags Head. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the welcoming city of Milwaukee. 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 Nags Head or Milwaukee?

Nags Head is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nags Head, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Milwaukee 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Nags Head?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $149, while the average daily cost in Milwaukee is $176. 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 Nags Head and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head or Milwaukee? 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 Nags Head


Hotels in Milwaukee


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: Nags Head Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Milwaukee $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $41
    Milwaukee $52

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.
    Nags Head $14
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.

  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $57
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Corolla Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • Manteo Historic Walking Tour: $28
  • OBX Ghost Tours: $25
  • Outer Banks Audio Driving Tour: $13
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15

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: $246
  • 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: $11
  • Milwaukee Magic: A Private Christmas Lights Tour: $650
  • Milwaukee Marvels: A 2-Hour Private Tour: $483
  • Milwaukee Private Ghost Tour: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    Milwaukee $33

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

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


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head and Milwaukee, 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 Nags Head or Milwaukee?

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 Nags Head or Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Milwaukee. Many visitors come to Nags Head in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Nags Head is around the same temperature as Milwaukee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nags Head in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than Milwaukee during summer. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Milwaukee. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the shopping scene.

In October, Nags Head is generally a little warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 62°F (16°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In the autumn, Nags Head often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Nags Head because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

It's quite cold in Milwaukee in the winter. The weather in Nags Head can be very cold. Nags Head is much warmer than Milwaukee in the winter. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee during winter. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. In January, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Nags Head during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Nags Head is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nags Head in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 47°F (8°C).

In Milwaukee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nags Head. In the spring, Nags Head often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Milwaukee. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Nags Head

Nags Head Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)