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

Should you visit Nashville or Milwaukee?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nashville and Milwaukee 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.

Nashville

Nashville is a southern, country music lovers, and eclectic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the live music, food, and museums.

Milwaukee

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

Nashville and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nashville or Milwaukee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nashville. Although Nashville and Milwaukee are popular destinations, Nashville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nashville is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Milwaukee attracts visitors for its shopping. Nashville is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also well known for The Grand Ole Opry. Milwaukee is famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Nashville different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nashville
Milwaukee

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

Nashville is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.

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 Nashville or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nashville
Milwaukee

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

Nashville has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

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 Nashville or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Nashville
Milwaukee

Nashville is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Nashville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Milwaukee has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Nashville or Milwaukee Better for Music?

Nashville
Milwaukee

Nashville is terrific for its live music scene. However, Milwaukee is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Nashville. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Milwaukee is not a live music destination.


Is Nashville or Milwaukee Better for Resorts?

Nashville
Milwaukee

Nashville is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nashville makes a nice vacation spot. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Milwaukee?

Nashville
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a city with good options for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Nashville or Milwaukee Better for Christmas?

Nashville
Milwaukee

Nashville is a city with good options for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Milwaukee does not offer Christmas activities.

Christmas holiday activities are popular when visiting Nashville. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Milwaukee does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Nashville or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Nashville
Milwaukee

Both Nashville and Milwaukee are nice to visit with kids.

Nashville is a family-friendly city. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

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 Nashville or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Nashville
Milwaukee

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

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

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 Nashville or Milwaukee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville
Milwaukee

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

Nashville is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

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 Nashville or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Nashville
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Nashville is lacking in good options 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.

Nashville is a decent spot for students. Several universities bring in international students, but the city is smaller and it isn't the most popular student destination in America.

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

Nashville
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Nashville or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Nashville
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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.

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.


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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nashville or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nashville than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nashville, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Nashville or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nashville 2-3 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Nashville or Milwaukee?

You'll find food and museums around the city of Nashville. 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 Nashville or Milwaukee?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the eclectic destination of Nashville. 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.

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 Nashville or Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the southern city of Nashville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. 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 Nashville or Milwaukee?

Nashville 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.

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 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, Milwaukee or Nashville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nashville is $172, 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 Nashville and Milwaukee in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Nashville 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 Nashville


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: Nashville Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nashville $21
    Milwaukee $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

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

  • Private transfer to Nashville Airport and Hotel: $128
  • Private Departure Transfer from Downtown Nashville to Nashville Airport (BNA): $84
  • Private Arrival Transfer in Nashville International Airport (BNA) : $50
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Nashville Airport (BNA) to Downtown Nashville: $84
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $111

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Nashville or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Nashville 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
    Nashville $41
    Milwaukee $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

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

  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Franklin, TN: $94
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Nashville, TN: $94
  • Nashville 12South Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Nashville Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville: $113
  • General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise: $138

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nashville $27
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Nashville

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

  • Downtown Nashville Sightseeing Walking Tour: $39
  • Franklin Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with Live Narration: $39
  • "Murder in Music City" Night-Time Ghost Walking Tour of Nashville: $35
  • 1 Hour Nashville Insider Photoshoot Tour in the Gulch: $79
  • 2 Hour Narrated Sightseeing Tractor Tour of Nashville: $59
  • 2-Hour Guided E-Bicycle Sightseeing Tour of Nashville: $117
  • 90-Minute Monster Truck Joyride City Tour of Nashville: $53
  • Adventure Park Ziplining and Climbing in Nashville : $52
  • Amazing Nashville Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Axe Throwing Experience with Private Lane and Coach in Nashville: $46
  • Best of Nashville City Sightseeing Tour on Double Decker Bus: $40
  • Big E’s Bronco Tours - Nashville Music History and Cultural Tour: $45

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nashville $15
    Milwaukee $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville's Annual Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween Pub Crawl: $25
  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual New Year's Eve Pub Crawl: $25
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting: $29
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Nashville's Honky-Tonk Walking Sightseeing Pub Crawl: $31
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33
  • Nashville's Lost Spirits: Murder and True Crime Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Nashville Lost Spirits: Murder True Crime Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Nashville Brewery & Distillery Tour by Golf Cart: $58

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 comparing the travel costs between Nashville and Milwaukee, we can see that Milwaukee 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 Nashville Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nashville or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Nashville. When comparing the sizes of Nashville 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 Nashville 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 Nashville or Milwaukee in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Nashville is a little warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nashville in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 74°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Milwaukee. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually receives less sunshine than Milwaukee during summer. Nashville gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nashville usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nashville 81°F (27°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

Both Milwaukee and Nashville during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Nashville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Milwaukee for the shopping scene.

In October, Nashville is generally a little warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 62°F (17°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Nashville. In the autumn, Nashville often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Nashville gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nashville 62°F (17°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Milwaukee in the Winter?

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

Milwaukee can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Nashville. Nashville is much warmer than Milwaukee in the winter. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 38°F (4°C) in January, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Nashville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee during winter. Nashville gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nashville usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nashville 38°F (4°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Milwaukee in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Milwaukee. Many visitors come to Nashville in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Nashville is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nashville in April average around 62°F (16°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 47°F (8°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milwaukee. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In the spring, Nashville often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Nashville gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.

Nashville receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nashville usually gets more rain in April than Milwaukee. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nashville 62°F (16°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Nashville

Nashville Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)