Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Pocono Mountains?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pocono Mountains 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.
Pocono Mountains is a beautiful, magnificent, and relaxing region. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the skiing, food, and hiking.
Milwaukee is a welcoming, undiscovered, and friendly city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Visitors will usually find more to do in Pocono Mountains than Milwaukee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pocono Mountains is better known for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee is more popular for its nightlife. Pocono Mountains is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. Also, Pocono Mountains is famous for Bushkill Falls. Milwaukee is well known for its many breweries and its baseball culture.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milwaukee and Pocono Mountains. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Pocono Mountains is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Milwaukee is not a skiing destination.
Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Pocono Mountains. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.
Milwaukee is not a skiing destination.
Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Pocono Mountains and Milwaukee.
Pocono Mountains offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.
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.
Pocono Mountains is a region with good options for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.
Pocono Mountains has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.
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.
Milwaukee is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.
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.
Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.
Pocono Mountains is a region with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.
With a selection of resorts, Pocono Mountains makes a nice vacation spot. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.
Milwaukee is not a resort destination.
Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.
Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.
Both Pocono Mountains and Milwaukee are notable shopping destinations.
Pocono Mountains offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.
Milwaukee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.
Pocono Mountains 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, Pocono Mountains is very family-friendly. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.
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.
Pocono Mountains is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.
Pocono Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.
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.
Pocono Mountains is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.
Many backpackers visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.
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.
Milwaukee is a city with good options for students. However, Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.
Milwaukee is a good city to visit for students. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.
Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.
Both Pocono Mountains and Milwaukee offer respectable public transit options.
Public transit is generally limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.
Public transit is mostly limited in Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.
Milwaukee is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region 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.
Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable region. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.
For even more information, also check out Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting? and Is Milwaukee Worth Visiting?.
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Pocono Mountains or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Pocono Mountains than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pocono Mountains, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.
Families should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Milwaukee. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Pocono Mountains, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Milwaukee. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Pocono Mountains that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.
You'll find shopping and museums around the region of Pocono Mountains. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Milwaukee. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
You'll find museums and skiing around the scenic destination of Pocono Mountains. 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 region offers a variety of activities to choose from.
You'll find nightlife and shopping around the friendly city of Milwaukee. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.
You'll find skiing and food around the relaxing region of Pocono Mountains. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this region makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer.
Milwaukee is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
Pocono Mountains is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pocono Mountains, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Milwaukee is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Pocono Mountains is $174, 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 Pocono Mountains and Milwaukee in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Pocono Mountains 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.
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.
Also for Milwaukee, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Pocono Mountains 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.
For Milwaukee, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pocono Mountains are as follows:
For Milwaukee, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also in Milwaukee, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When comparing the travel costs between Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.
Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Pocono Mountains 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.
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Both Milwaukee and Pocono Mountains during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.
Pocono Mountains is around the same temperature as Milwaukee in the summer. The daily temperature in Pocono Mountains averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
In Milwaukee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pocono Mountains. In the summer, Pocono Mountains often gets less sunshine than Milwaukee. Pocono Mountains gets 288 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. Pocono Mountains usually gets more rain in July than Milwaukee. Pocono Mountains gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pocono Mountains and Milwaukee. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milwaukee for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Pocono Mountains is around the same temperature as Milwaukee. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pocono Mountains in October average around 55°F (13°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 53°F (12°C).
Pocono Mountains usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee during autumn. Pocono Mountains gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Pocono Mountains usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Pocono Mountains gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Pocono Mountains as well as Milwaukee. Many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Pocono Mountains. In January, Pocono Mountains is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Pocono Mountains average around 28°F (-2°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).
In the winter, Pocono Mountains often gets less sunshine than Milwaukee. Pocono Mountains gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun.
Pocono Mountains usually gets more rain in January than Milwaukee. Pocono Mountains gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Milwaukee and Pocono Mountains are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the spring for the natural beauty.
Pocono Mountains is a little warmer than Milwaukee in the spring. The daily temperature in Pocono Mountains averages around 51°F (11°C) in April, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).
It's quite sunny in Milwaukee. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. Pocono Mountains usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee during spring. Pocono Mountains gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Pocono Mountains usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Pocono Mountains gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
Pocono Mountains | Milwaukee | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 28°F (-2°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
Feb | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 26°F (-4°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
Mar | 41°F (5°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
Apr | 51°F (11°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
May | 62°F (17°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 58°F (14°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
Jun | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
Jul | 75°F (24°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Aug | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
Sep | 66°F (19°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 65°F (18°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
Oct | 55°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 53°F (12°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
Nov | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 41°F (5°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
Dec | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |