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

Should you visit Richmond 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 Richmond and Milwaukee can help you decide which place is right for you.

Richmond

Richmond is a growing, friendly, and historical city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a undiscovered, friendly, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Richmond and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Richmond or Milwaukee?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Richmond than Milwaukee. While Milwaukee is larger than Richmond, Richmond has more sights and attractions for tourists. Richmond is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its cultural and historical sights. It is also home to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Richmond different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Richmond
Milwaukee

Richmond is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Richmond. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

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.


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

Richmond
Milwaukee

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

Richmond has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

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 Richmond or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Richmond
Milwaukee

Evening events are good in both Richmond and Milwaukee.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 the Shopping Better in Richmond or Milwaukee?

Richmond
Milwaukee

Both Richmond and Milwaukee are good shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Richmond to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

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.


Is Richmond or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Richmond
Milwaukee

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Richmond or Milwaukee.

Richmond is a family-friendly place to visit. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Milwaukee is a family-friendly city. 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 Richmond or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Richmond
Milwaukee

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

Richmond makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

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 Richmond or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Richmond
Milwaukee

Richmond and Milwaukee are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Richmond is a good city to visit for students. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

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.


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

Richmond
Milwaukee

Both Richmond and Milwaukee offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

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

Is Richmond or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Richmond
Milwaukee

Richmond and Milwaukee both are good when exploring on foot.

Richmond is a somewhat walkable city. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Richmond?

How long in Richmond or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Richmond or Milwaukee to fill your time. In our opinion, Richmond has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Richmond than Milwaukee. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


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

One day in Richmond or Milwaukee?

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

The city of Milwaukee offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Richmond or Milwaukee?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Richmond. 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.

Milwaukee is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milwaukee, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Richmond or Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Richmond. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Richmond or Milwaukee?

Richmond 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Richmond?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Richmond is $161, 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 Richmond and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Richmond $101
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Richmond $202
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Richmond and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Richmond 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 Richmond


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: Richmond Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Richmond $72
    Milwaukee $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72

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 Richmond or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Richmond 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
    Richmond $21
    Milwaukee $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Richmond

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Richmond.

  • The Carytown Food Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour: $80
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $80
  • Pizza & Ice Cream Tour: $80
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond: $85
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $90

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.
    Richmond $13
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Richmond

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Richmond are as follows:

  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond: $44
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $25
  • Church Hill Segway Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Discover Downtown Richmond Bike Tour: $125
  • Guided Walking Tour of Richmond: $38
  • Haunted Capitol Hill Ghost Tour: $30
  • Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery Walking Tour: $30
  • Historic Trolley Tour: $38
  • Hollywood Cemetery Segway Tour in Richmond: $76
  • Hollywood Cemetery Tour Richmond Lore and Civil War: $24
  • Phantoms of Franklin Ghost Tour: $30
  • Private Sightseeing Tour by Electric Cart in Richmond: $165

Tours and Activities in Milwaukee

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

  • Skip the Line: Museum Admission Ticket - Grohmann Museum: $5.00
  • The Grand Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour through Milwaukee: $6.99
  • The Grand Milwaukee Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Skip the Line: North Point Lighthouse Admission Ticket: $8.21
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Milwaukee by Operation City Quest: $10
  • 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
  • Skip The Line: Harley-Davidson Museum Admission Ticket with Audio Guided Option: $22
  • Macabre Milwaukee Walking Tour: $26
  • Shakers Original Historical Ghost Tour: $27
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Milwaukee Private or Public Pedal Tavern Tour : $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Richmond -
    Milwaukee $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Richmond

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Richmond:

  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Drink Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl: $74
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $74
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90

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 Richmond 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 Richmond Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Richmond or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Richmond. When comparing the sizes of Richmond 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 Richmond or Milwaukee?

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.

Should I visit Richmond or Milwaukee in the Summer?

Both Milwaukee and Richmond during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Richmond for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Milwaukee in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Richmond is generally a little warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Richmond average around 78°F (26°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

In Milwaukee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Richmond. In the summer, Richmond often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee. Richmond gets 305 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 Richmond. Richmond usually gets more rain in July than Milwaukee. Richmond gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Richmond or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Richmond and Milwaukee. Many visitors come to Richmond in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the shopping scene during these months.

Richmond is a little warmer than Milwaukee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Richmond averages around 59°F (15°C) in October, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. Richmond usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during autumn. Richmond gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Richmond usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Richmond gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Richmond 59°F (15°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Richmond or Milwaukee in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Richmond as well as Milwaukee. Most visitors come to Richmond 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. Richmond can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Richmond is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Richmond in January average around 36°F (2°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Richmond often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Richmond gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun.

Richmond usually gets more rain in January than Milwaukee. Richmond gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Richmond 36°F (2°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Richmond or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Richmond are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Richmond is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Richmond average around 58°F (14°C), 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 Richmond. Richmond usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during spring. Richmond gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Richmond usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milwaukee. Richmond gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Richmond 58°F (14°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Richmond

Richmond Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)