A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wilmington vs. Minneapolis for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Wilmington or Minneapolis?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Minneapolis, 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.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a historic, welcoming, and charming city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a dynamic, innovative, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Wilmington and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Wilmington or Minneapolis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Minneapolis than Wilmington. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Minneapolis is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Wilmington attracts visitors for its beaches and historical sights. Wilmington is famous for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. Minneapolis is famous for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also well known for Mall of America.

How is Wilmington different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wilmington or Minneapolis?

Wilmington
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is great for its historical sights. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Minneapolis can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.


Is the Food Better in Wilmington or Minneapolis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wilmington
Minneapolis

Both Wilmington and Minneapolis offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Minneapolis. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Wilmington or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Wilmington
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is great for nightlife. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Minneapolis for the nightlife scene. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Wilmington or Minneapolis Better for Beaches?

Wilmington
Minneapolis

Wilmington is a very popular place for the beache. However, Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wilmington. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.


Is Wilmington or Minneapolis Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington
Minneapolis

Wilmington is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Minneapolis does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Wilmington. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Minneapolis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Minneapolis?

Wilmington
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Minneapolis. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

Wilmington offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Wilmington or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Wilmington
Minneapolis

Wilmington and Minneapolis are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Wilmington is a very family-friendly destination. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Minneapolis is a very kid-friendly city. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.


Is Wilmington or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Wilmington
Minneapolis

Wilmington is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Wilmington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Minneapolis is a good city for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Wilmington or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Wilmington
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Minneapolis is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Wilmington is a good city to visit for students. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Is Wilmington or Minneapolis Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Wilmington
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Minneapolis offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.


Is Wilmington or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Wilmington
Minneapolis

Wilmington and Minneapolis are nice when it comes to walkability.

Wilmington is somewhat walkable. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable place. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

For even more information, also check out Is Wilmington Worth Visiting? and Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Wilmington or Minneapolis. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wilmington due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Wilmington, and 2-4 days is enough time in Minneapolis.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Minneapolis than Wilmington 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 Minneapolis.


  • How many days in Wilmington or Minneapolis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Wilmington 2-5 
    Minneapolis 2-4

One day in Wilmington or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the welcoming city of Wilmington. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With museums and nightlife around the dynamic city of Minneapolis, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wilmington or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Wilmington. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Minneapolis, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Wilmington or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming city of Wilmington. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Minneapolis, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wilmington or Minneapolis?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wilmington. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Minneapolis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Minneapolis or Wilmington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Wilmington is $204, while the average daily cost in Minneapolis is $206. 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 Wilmington and Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wilmington $120
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wilmington $240
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Wilmington and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Wilmington or Minneapolis? 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 Wilmington


Hotels in Minneapolis


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: Wilmington Hotel Prices and Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wilmington $47
    Minneapolis $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

Also for Minneapolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $138
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Wilmington or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis and Wilmington 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
    Wilmington $56
    Minneapolis $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wilmington $17
    Minneapolis $27

Tours and Activities in Wilmington

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

  • 2-Hour Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour: $50
  • 2-Hour Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour: $55
  • 2.5 Hr E-Bike tour of Wilmington's History, Haunts & one Haunted Pub: $65
  • 4.5 Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Adventure Tour: $85
  • 4.5-Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Adventure Tour: $85
  • Black Water Adventure Cruise: $33
  • Craft Beer and History Crawl Shared Experience in Wilmington: $30
  • Eagles Island 50 minute Narrated Boat Cruise: $21
  • Eco Kayak Tour in Wrightsville Beach: $75
  • Half Day Carolina Beach E-Bike Tour: $75
  • Half-Day E-Bike Tour of Wilmington's History, Haunts & Breweries: $85
  • Half-Day E-Bike Tour of the Filming Locations in One Tree Hill: $85

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

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

  • 2-Hour Historic Heartbeats of Minneapolis Senior Tour with Guide: $194
  • Candlelight Ghost Trolley Tour in Minneapolis: $55
  • Challah Baking Experience: $72
  • Christmas in the City: A Minneapolis Walking Tour: $689
  • Complete Minneapolis Walking Tour: $99
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Ghost Walking Tour in Minneapolis: $29
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20
  • Mall of America: 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $44
  • Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wilmington $39
    Minneapolis $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Wilmington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Wilmington:

  • 2-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Bar Crawl: $55
  • 2-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Bar Crawl: $55

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100


When comparing the travel costs between Wilmington and Minneapolis, we can see that Minneapolis 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 Wilmington Expensive? and Is Minneapolis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Wilmington. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington and Minneapolis, 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 Wilmington or Minneapolis?

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 Wilmington or Minneapolis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Minneapolis. The summer months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.

In the summer, Wilmington is around the same temperature as Minneapolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wilmington in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 76°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wilmington usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during summer. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

Wilmington gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Wilmington 81°F (27°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Minneapolis. The shopping scene are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Wilmington is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 65°F (18°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington this time of the year. In the autumn, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Wilmington 65°F (18°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or Minneapolis in the Winter?

Both Minneapolis and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Minneapolis can get quite cold in the winter. Wilmington is much warmer than Minneapolis in the winter. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during winter. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Wilmington 45°F (7°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or Minneapolis in the Spring?

Both Minneapolis and Wilmington during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Wilmington is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wilmington in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 49°F (10°C).

In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wilmington. In the spring, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets more rain in April than Minneapolis. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Wilmington 63°F (17°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Wilmington

Wilmington Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 47°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 56°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)