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

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Milwaukee?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and Milwaukee can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a quaint, charming, and picturesque coastal town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. The beauty of Bar Harbor is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a friendly, welcoming, and undiscovered city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Milwaukee travel costs.

Bar Harbor and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Milwaukee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bar Harbor. Although Bar Harbor and Milwaukee are popular destinations, Bar Harbor has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bar Harbor is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Milwaukee attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Bar Harbor is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. It is also well known for Acadia National Park. Milwaukee is famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Bar Harbor different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or Milwaukee?

Bar Harbor
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Milwaukee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Bar Harbor
Milwaukee

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

Bar Harbor has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

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 Bar Harbor or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Bar Harbor
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Bar Harbor or Milwaukee Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor
Milwaukee

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.


Is Bar Harbor or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor
Milwaukee

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for the beach. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Bar Harbor. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Milwaukee Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor
Milwaukee

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Bar Harbor. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Milwaukee?

Bar Harbor
Milwaukee

Bar Harbor 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.

Bar Harbor is well-known for its shopping. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

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 Bar Harbor or Milwaukee More Beautiful?

Bar Harbor
Milwaukee

Bar Harbor is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Milwaukee is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Bar Harbor is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Surrounded by the water and beautiful landscaping, the town offers visitors plenty of beauty.

Milwaukee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bar Harbor or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Bar Harbor
Milwaukee

Both Bar Harbor and Milwaukee are nice to visit with kids.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Milwaukee is a family-friendly coastal town. 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 Bar Harbor or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor
Milwaukee

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

Bar Harbor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

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 Bar Harbor or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Bar Harbor
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a city with good options for students. However, Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

Milwaukee is a good 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.

Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

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

Bar Harbor
Milwaukee

Both Bar Harbor and Milwaukee offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

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

Is Bar Harbor or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor
Milwaukee

Bar Harbor is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Bar Harbor is a very walkable coastal town. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable coastal town. 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 Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Milwaukee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bar Harbor or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bar Harbor than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bar Harbor, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milwaukee than Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bar Harbor 2-3 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Bar Harbor or Milwaukee?

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Milwaukee, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milwaukee, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or Milwaukee?

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Bar Harbor or Milwaukee?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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, 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 Bar Harbor or Milwaukee?

Bar Harbor 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Bar Harbor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Bar Harbor Prices
    USA Prices
    Milwaukee Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Bar Harbor $243
    Milwaukee $214

The average daily cost (per person) in Bar Harbor is $243, while the average daily cost in Milwaukee is $214. 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 Bar Harbor and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bar Harbor $117
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bar Harbor $234
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Bar Harbor and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor


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: Bar Harbor Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bar Harbor $35
    Milwaukee $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milwaukee

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

  • Departure Transfer from Milwaukee to Milwaukee Airport MKE by SUV: $80
  • Arrival Transfer from Milwaukee Airport MKE to Milwaukee by SUV: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Bar Harbor or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Bar Harbor 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
    Bar Harbor $98
    Milwaukee $90
Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milwaukee

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

  • Kenosha Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Milwaukee Food Tour with 5 Local Favorites Tastings & Secret Dish: $99
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Milwaukee: $103
  • Local Food Tour of 5 Delicacies & a Secret Dish: $104
  • Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bar Harbor $39
    Milwaukee $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • Acadia National Park Entrance Fee
    $25
  • Sunset Cruise (for 4)
    $96

Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor

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

  • 4 Hour Private Tour: Acadia, Fjord, Gardens & Mansions: $700
  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $33
  • Acadia Fat tire Ebike Tours: $190
  • Acadia Full Day Small Group Tour & Hike: $427
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Bar Harbor Premium Driving Tour With Thunder Hole & Acadia: $159
  • Bar Harbor Premium Tour with Cadillac Mountain and Acadia Park: $149
  • Bar Harbor Walking Tour: $30
  • Bar Harbor, Maine: Culinary Walking Tour with Tastings: $160

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
  • City of Neighborhoods: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Milwaukee: $7.99
  • The Grand Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour through Milwaukee: $8.99
  • Haunting Histories: An Audio Tour of Milwaukee‘s Wicked Westown: $8.99
  • Milwaukee Historic Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Milwaukee by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Downtown Milwaukee Walking Tour: $16
  • Milwaukee Morbid Mirrorlight Ghost Tours: $24
  • Milwaukee Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Milwaukee Downtown Ghost Tour - The Shadow of City Hall: $29
  • Kenosha Downtown Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Milwaukee Morbid Mirrorlight Ghost Tours: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bar Harbor $30
    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: $109


When comparing the travel costs between Bar Harbor and Milwaukee, we can see that Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor or Milwaukee in the Summer?

Both Milwaukee and Bar Harbor during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

In the summer, Bar Harbor is cooler than Milwaukee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bar Harbor in July average around 69°F (21°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 74°F (23°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Milwaukee. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Milwaukee. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Milwaukee for the shopping scene.

In October, Bar Harbor is generally cooler than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 48°F (9°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In October, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Milwaukee in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Milwaukee. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Milwaukee in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Milwaukee can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor is cooler than Milwaukee in the winter. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 18°F (-8°C) in January, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in January than Milwaukee. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bar Harbor is cooler than Milwaukee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bar Harbor in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 47°F (8°C).

In April, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)