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

Should you visit Nantucket or Milwaukee?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Nantucket and Milwaukee can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a serene, peaceful, and upscale island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Milwaukee

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

Nantucket and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
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


Is there more to do in Nantucket or Milwaukee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantucket. Although Nantucket and Milwaukee are popular destinations, Nantucket has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nantucket is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also well known for Great Point Lighthouse. Milwaukee is famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Nantucket different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nantucket or Milwaukee?

Nantucket
Milwaukee

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Nantucket or Milwaukee.

Nantucket is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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.


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

Nantucket
Milwaukee

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

Many restaurants in Nantucket have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket
Milwaukee

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Nantucket and Milwaukee.

If you're looking for night time activities Nantucket has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Is Nantucket or Milwaukee Better for Resorts?

Nantucket
Milwaukee

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

In Nantucket, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.


Is Nantucket or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Nantucket
Milwaukee

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

The beaches at Nantucket attract visitors from all over. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is Nantucket or Milwaukee Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket
Milwaukee

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Milwaukee does not have a historic old town.

Nantucket is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Milwaukee does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Milwaukee Better for Hiking?

Nantucket
Milwaukee

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Milwaukee?

Nantucket
Milwaukee

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Nantucket is well-known for its shopping. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and 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 Nantucket or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Nantucket
Milwaukee

Nantucket 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, Nantucket is very family-friendly. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

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 Nantucket or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Nantucket
Milwaukee

Nantucket is terrific for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Nantucket is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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 Nantucket or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Nantucket
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is not popular with students.

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

Nantucket
Milwaukee

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

Nantucket has some public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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

Is Nantucket or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Nantucket
Milwaukee

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is a very walkable island. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable island. 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 Nantucket Worth Visiting? and Is Milwaukee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Milwaukee?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Nantucket or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nantucket 2-4 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Nantucket or Milwaukee?

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Nantucket or Milwaukee?

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered 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 Nantucket or Milwaukee?

Nantucket is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly 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 Nantucket or Milwaukee?

Nantucket is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Nantucket?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nantucket is $350, 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 Nantucket and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantucket $237
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantucket $474
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Nantucket and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Nantucket 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 Nantucket


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: Nantucket Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantucket $47
    Milwaukee $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Nantucket or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $81
    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.
    Nantucket $34
    Milwaukee $26

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
    Nantucket $35
    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 Nantucket and Milwaukee, we can see that Nantucket 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket 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 Nantucket Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket or Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Milwaukee. Many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Milwaukee in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nantucket is cooler than Milwaukee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nantucket in July average around 68°F (20°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 74°F (23°C).

In July, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Nantucket or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Milwaukee. Many visitors come to Nantucket in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Nantucket is generally around the same temperature as Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 53°F (12°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nantucket usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Milwaukee can be very cold. Nantucket can be very cold during winter. Nantucket is much warmer than Milwaukee in the winter. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. In January, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Nantucket during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nantucket is cooler than Milwaukee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nantucket in April average around 45°F (7°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 47°F (8°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. Nantucket usually gets more rain in April than Milwaukee. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Nantucket

Nantucket Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)