A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Virginia Beach vs. Milwaukee for Families, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Milwaukee?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Milwaukee, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a bustling, fun-filled, and relaxing coastal city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife and beaches.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a welcoming, undiscovered, and friendly city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Virginia Beach and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Milwaukee?

You'll generally find more things to do in Milwaukee than Virginia Beach. Milwaukee is bigger than Virginia Beach, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Milwaukee is better known for its museums and shopping, while Virginia Beach is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Virginia Beach is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe. Milwaukee is well known for its many breweries and its baseball culture. Also, Milwaukee is famous for the Lakefront area.

How is Virginia Beach different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Virginia Beach or Milwaukee?

Virginia Beach
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Virginia Beach
Milwaukee

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Virginia Beach and Milwaukee.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Virginia Beach. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

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 Virginia Beach or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Milwaukee

The vibe at night is notable in both Virginia Beach and Milwaukee.

If you're looking for night time activities Virginia Beach has a few options to choose from. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

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 Virginia Beach or Milwaukee Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Milwaukee

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

With a selection of resorts, Virginia Beach makes a nice vacation spot. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Milwaukee

Virginia Beach is a coastal city with good options for the beache. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Virginia Beach. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Milwaukee?

Virginia Beach
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a nice place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Milwaukee

Virginia Beach 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, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

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 Virginia Beach or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Milwaukee

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

Virginia Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

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 Virginia Beach or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Milwaukee

For students, both Virginia Beach and Milwaukee are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Milwaukee is a good coastal 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.

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

Virginia Beach
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination 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 Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.


Is Virginia Beach or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination 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.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Virginia Beach or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Virginia Beach than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milwaukee than Virginia Beach 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.


  • How many days in Virginia Beach or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Virginia Beach 5-7 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Virginia Beach or Milwaukee?

You'll find nightlife around the coastal city of Virginia Beach. 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 nightlife and shopping. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Milwaukee?

You'll find nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Milwaukee is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.


Five days in Virginia Beach or Milwaukee?

You'll find nightlife around the bustling coastal city of Virginia Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milwaukee. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Virginia Beach or Milwaukee?

Virginia Beach is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Virginia Beach, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Milwaukee. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Virginia Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Virginia Beach is $126, 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 Virginia Beach and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach


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: Virginia Beach Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Milwaukee $38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

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 Virginia Beach or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $30
    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.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Virginia Beach.

  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87
  • Kayak Dolphin Experience in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours | Must Know How to Swim: $78
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Virginia Historic Adventure!: $200

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
  • 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: $648
  • Milwaukee Marvels: A 2-Hour Private Tour: $482
  • Milwaukee Private Ghost Tour: $90
  • Milwaukee Private or Public Pedal Tavern Tour : $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Virginia Beach $11
    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 Virginia Beach and Milwaukee, we can see that Milwaukee is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Milwaukee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milwaukee than you might in Virginia Beach.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Virginia Beach Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Virginia Beach. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Milwaukee. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences.

Virginia Beach is a little warmer than Milwaukee in the summer. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Virginia Beach usually receives less sunshine than Milwaukee during summer. Virginia Beach gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.

Virginia Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Milwaukee. Many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Milwaukee in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Virginia Beach is a little warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Virginia Beach in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. In the autumn, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Virginia Beach gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Milwaukee can be very cold during winter. Virginia Beach can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Virginia Beach is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 39°F (4°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during winter. Virginia Beach gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Virginia Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Virginia Beach is much warmer than Milwaukee in the spring. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

In Milwaukee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. In the spring, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Virginia Beach gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Milwaukee. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 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 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)