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

Should you visit Williamsburg or Milwaukee?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Williamsburg and Milwaukee. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a charming, quaint, and well-preserved town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Milwaukee

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

Williamsburg and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Milwaukee?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Williamsburg. Although Williamsburg and Milwaukee are both popular with visitors, Williamsburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Williamsburg is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee is known for its nightlife. Williamsburg is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. It is also home to Colonial Williamsburg. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Williamsburg different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Williamsburg
Milwaukee

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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 Williamsburg or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Williamsburg
Milwaukee

Williamsburg is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Williamsburg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

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 Williamsburg or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Williamsburg
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Williamsburg or Milwaukee Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg
Milwaukee

Williamsburg is terrific for its old town. However, Milwaukee does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Milwaukee does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Milwaukee?

Williamsburg
Milwaukee

Williamsburg is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Williamsburg is well-known for its shopping. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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.

Is Williamsburg or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Williamsburg
Milwaukee

Williamsburg is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Williamsburg is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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 Williamsburg or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Williamsburg
Milwaukee

Williamsburg is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Williamsburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

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 Williamsburg or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Williamsburg
Milwaukee

Williamsburg is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Williamsburg is a very popular town for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

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.

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

Williamsburg
Milwaukee

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Williamsburg and Milwaukee.

Public transit is generally limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

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

Is Williamsburg or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Williamsburg
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options 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.

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Williamsburg or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Williamsburg than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Williamsburg, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Williamsburg or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Williamsburg 2-4 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Williamsburg or Milwaukee?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Williamsburg. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this undiscovered city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Williamsburg or Milwaukee?

You'll find museums and food around the charming destination of Williamsburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Milwaukee is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Williamsburg or Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming town of Williamsburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the friendly destination of Milwaukee. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


A week in Williamsburg or Milwaukee?

Williamsburg is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Williamsburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Williamsburg is $112, 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 Williamsburg and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Williamsburg $66
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Williamsburg $132
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Williamsburg and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg


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: Williamsburg Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Williamsburg $11
    Milwaukee $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Williamsburg or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Williamsburg 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
    Williamsburg $31
    Milwaukee $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Williamsburg

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

  • Taste of Williamsburg Food Tour by Junket: $79
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $84

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.
    Williamsburg $34
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Williamsburg

Here are a few actual costs in Williamsburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Stories and Walking Tour: $25
  • 1 Hour Christmastide Walking Tour in Virginia Past and Present : $25
  • 2-Hour Private Guided The best of Williamsburg Walking Tour: $175
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg Admission Ticket: $62
  • Colonial Ghosts Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Colonial Ghosts Ultimate Dead of Night Haunted Ghost Tour: $35
  • Colonial History Tour in Williamsburg Virginia: $25
  • Colonial Williamsburg & Yorktown Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: $25
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $20
  • Colonial Colonial History Guided Walking Tour: $25
  • Colonial Self-Guided Walking Tour: $15

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 Milwaukee Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • The Grand Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour through Milwaukee: $6.99
  • 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: $12
  • Skip The Line: Harley-Davidson Museum Admission Ticket with Audio Guided Option: $22
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $24
  • Macabre Milwaukee Walking Tour: $26
  • Shakers Original Historical Ghost Tour: $27
  • Downtown Kenosha Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Milwaukee Private or Public Pedal Tavern Tour : $35

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Williamsburg

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

  • Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
  • The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48

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 Williamsburg and Milwaukee, we can see that Milwaukee is more expensive. And not only is Williamsburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Williamsburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg.

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


Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg or Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Milwaukee. Most visitors come to Williamsburg for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Williamsburg is generally a little warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 78°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 Williamsburg this time of the year. In the summer, Williamsburg often gets less sunshine than Milwaukee. Williamsburg gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Williamsburg usually gets more rain in July than Milwaukee. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Williamsburg or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

Both Milwaukee and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

Williamsburg is a little warmer than Milwaukee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during autumn. Williamsburg gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Williamsburg 61°F (16°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Williamsburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milwaukee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milwaukee. It's quite cold in Williamsburg in the winter. In the winter, Williamsburg is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Williamsburg in January average around 38°F (4°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Williamsburg gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg usually gets more rain in January than Milwaukee. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Williamsburg or Milwaukee in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Milwaukee. Many travelers come to Williamsburg for the natural beauty.

In April, Williamsburg is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 57°F (14°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 Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during spring. Williamsburg gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Williamsburg 57°F (14°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Williamsburg

Williamsburg Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 49°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 57°F (14°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.6 inches (118 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 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)