Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Raleigh?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Raleigh 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.
Raleigh is a friendly, southern, and student-friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.
Milwaukee is a undiscovered, friendly, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Raleigh than Milwaukee. While Milwaukee is larger than Raleigh, Raleigh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Raleigh is more popular for its food and big city activities, while Milwaukee is known for its shopping. Raleigh is popular for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University. It is also home to North Carolina State University. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milwaukee and Raleigh. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Raleigh or Milwaukee.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Raleigh. As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids Museum.
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.
Raleigh is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.
Raleigh has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.
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.
Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Raleigh and Milwaukee.
Raleigh has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.
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.
Milwaukee is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.
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.
Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.
Kids will enjoy a visit to either Raleigh or Milwaukee.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Raleigh. For such a small city, Raleigh has a number of unique kid-friendly activities like the popular Pullen Park and Marbles Kids' Museum. Pullen Park has small rides and a playground that are perfect for young kids. There's also the NC Museum of Natural History which is free and fun to explore with kids.
Milwaukee offers lots of family activities. 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.
Most people don't think of either Raleigh or Milwaukee as a couple's destination.
Raleigh is not always the best place to visit for a couple. While it's often overlooked by couples who want a weekend away, there are a number of museums and some nice restaurants to explore.
Milwaukee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.
Raleigh 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 Raleigh. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.
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.
Milwaukee is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.
Public transit is generally limited in Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.
Public transit is quite limited in Raleigh. The city's public transportation options are limited to a few bus lines that are mostly used by students.
Milwaukee is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for its walkability.
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.
Raleigh is generally not a very walkable city. The city is somewhat walkable in the downtown area, but everywhere else you'll need a car.
For even more information, also check out Is Raleigh Worth Visiting? and Is Milwaukee Worth Visiting?.
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Raleigh or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Raleigh 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 Raleigh, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.
Couples should spend more time in Milwaukee than Raleigh. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Milwaukee that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milwaukee than Raleigh 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.
You'll find food and museums around the city of Raleigh. 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.
In Milwaukee, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the suburban-style destination of Raleigh. 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.
In Milwaukee, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milwaukee has to offer.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the southern city of Raleigh. 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.
Milwaukee is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Raleigh 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milwaukee. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Milwaukee. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Raleigh is $189, 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 Raleigh and Milwaukee in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Raleigh 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Raleigh:
Also for Milwaukee, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Raleigh 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Raleigh:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Raleigh.
For Milwaukee, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few actual costs in Raleigh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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 Raleigh and Milwaukee, we can see that Raleigh 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 Raleigh Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.
Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Raleigh. When comparing the sizes of Raleigh 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.
The summer brings many poeple to Raleigh as well as Milwaukee. Many visitors come to Raleigh in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Raleigh is generally a little warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 79°F (26°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milwaukee. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Raleigh this time of the year. In the summer, Raleigh often gets less sunshine than Milwaukee. Raleigh gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun.
Raleigh receives a lot of rain in the summer. Raleigh usually gets more rain in July than Milwaukee. Raleigh gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Milwaukee and Raleigh are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Raleigh for the city's sights and attractions during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the shopping scene.
Raleigh is a little warmer than Milwaukee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 61°F (16°C) in October, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. Raleigh usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during autumn. Raleigh gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Raleigh gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Milwaukee and Raleigh during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Raleigh can be very cold. In the winter, Raleigh is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Raleigh in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 21°F (-6°C).
In the winter, Raleigh often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Raleigh gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun.
Raleigh usually gets more rain in January than Milwaukee. Raleigh gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Raleigh and Milwaukee. The activities around the city are the main draw to Raleigh this time of year.
In April, Raleigh is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 60°F (16°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In Raleigh, it's very sunny this time of the year. Raleigh usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during spring. Raleigh gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Raleigh gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
Raleigh | Milwaukee | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
Feb | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 26°F (-4°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
Mar | 52°F (11°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
Apr | 60°F (16°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 58°F (14°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
Jun | 76°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
Sep | 73°F (23°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 65°F (18°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
Oct | 61°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 53°F (12°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
Nov | 53°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 41°F (5°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |