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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach 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.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a relaxing, adventurous, and fun-filled beach town. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a undiscovered, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Milwaukee travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Milwaukee are both popular with visitors, Cocoa Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. It is also home to the Kennedy Space Center. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cocoa Beach
Milwaukee

Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach. The town's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center is a big appeal for space enthusiasts. It's easy to take advantage of the great beaches and then spend a day exploring the space center. Also in town is the Florida Surf Museum.

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 Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cocoa Beach
Milwaukee

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

Cocoa Beach has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this beach town. Head to Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier for some great restaurants. In addition to seafood options, you'll find steakhouses, bistros, and pizza shops.

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 Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
Milwaukee

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cocoa Beach and Milwaukee.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cocoa Beach. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

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.

Is Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
Milwaukee

Cocoa Beach is a beach town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Cocoa Beach makes a nice vacation spot. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.


Is Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
Milwaukee

Cocoa Beach is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Cocoa Beach attract visitors from all over. There are long stretches of sand that are great for swimming, surfing, water sports, or just relaxing in the sun. The most popular area is around Cocoa Beach Pier. For family-friendly, head to James H. Nance Park which also has a playground. If you have a dog, Canova Beach Park is your best option.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee?

Cocoa Beach
Milwaukee

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Cocoa Beach and Milwaukee.

Cocoa Beach has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Milwaukee is a great destination for 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 Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
Milwaukee

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

Cocoa Beach is an extremely popular beach town to visit for families. It's right by the Kennedy Space Center, which is a great excursion for kids and adults alike. There's also the Brevard Zoo, amazing beaches, and great parks where the kids can run 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 Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
Milwaukee

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

Cocoa Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

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 Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Cocoa Beach
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Milwaukee. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

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

Cocoa Beach
Milwaukee

Cocoa Beach is a beach town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its public transit.

Cocoa Beach has some public transit options. You can hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley to access many sights in the area. It's a service provided by the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT).

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


Is Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
Milwaukee

Cocoa Beach and Milwaukee are good when it comes to walkability.

Cocoa Beach is a somewhat walkable beach town. For the most walkable areas stay near the town center. In general, you'll want to have a car to access most of what the area has to offer though.

Milwaukee is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.

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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach.


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

One day in Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee?

You'll find shopping and museums around the beach town of Cocoa Beach. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the undiscovered city of Milwaukee. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the adventurous destination of Cocoa Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Milwaukee. 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.


Five days in Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee?

You'll find nightlife and food around the relaxing beach town of Cocoa Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

The welcoming city of Milwaukee offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee?

Cocoa Beach is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Cocoa Beach?

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

  • Cocoa Beach Prices
    USA Prices
    Milwaukee Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cocoa Beach $176
    Milwaukee $214

The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $176, 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 Cocoa Beach and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa 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 Cocoa 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: Cocoa Beach Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $26
    Milwaukee $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach

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

  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Port Canaveral: $295

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 Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Cocoa 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
    Cocoa Beach $75
    Milwaukee $90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cocoa Beach

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

  • 3 Hour Indian River Queen Cruise with Dinner: $79
  • Village Food Tours Lunch & History Tour: $100

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.
    Cocoa Beach $16
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach

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

  • 1-Hour Virtual Reality Experience Skull & Books VR - Cocoa Beach: $45
  • LED Bio Comb Jelly Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Tour!: $75
  • 2 Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour of the Indian River Lagoon: $75
  • 2 Hour Tiki Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Cocoa Beach: $65
  • 2 Hr Dolphin & Manatee River Cruise . Melbourne, Cocoa Beach,Fl. : $30
  • 2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida : $49
  • Bioluminescence Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Tour Near Orlando: $75
  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $70
  • Bioluminescence Night Craigcat Tours : $190
  • Bioluminescence Rafting Boat Tour Wildlife Refuge: $78
  • Bioluminescence Rafting Tour - Wildlife Refuge (Titusville): $60
  • Bioluminescence Rafting Tour Cocoa Beach: $79

Tours and Activities in Milwaukee

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

  • 2-Hour Bus Tour in Milwaukee City: $40
  • Christmas Past, Present and Future Light Tour in Milwaukee: $50
  • City of Neighborhoods: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Milwaukee: $7.99
  • Discover Iconic Milwaukee Tour : $68
  • Downtown Milwaukee Walking Tour: $16
  • Haunting Histories: An Audio Tour of Milwaukee‘s Wicked Westown: $8.99
  • Kenosha Downtown Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Kenosha Metal Detecting Tour to Simmons Island Beach: $40
  • Milwaukee Cheese Curd Kayak Tour: $175
  • Milwaukee Downtown Ghost Tour - The Shadow of City Hall: $29
  • Milwaukee Historic Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Milwaukee Marvels: A 2-Hour Private Tour: $1,126

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cocoa Beach $20
    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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cocoa Beach and Milwaukee, we can see that Milwaukee is more expensive. And not only is Cocoa Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cocoa Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cocoa 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 Cocoa Beach.

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


Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee?

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

Both Milwaukee and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cocoa Beach is generally a little warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cocoa Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

Both Milwaukee and Cocoa Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Milwaukee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 77°F (25°C) in October, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cocoa Beach 77°F (25°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Milwaukee. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Milwaukee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milwaukee. In the winter, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cocoa Beach in January average around 63°F (17°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cocoa Beach 63°F (17°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Milwaukee in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Milwaukee. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches.

In April, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 73°F (23°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Milwaukee. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cocoa Beach 73°F (23°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 63°F (17°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 77°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 69°F (21°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)