A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Milwaukee for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres 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.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a idyllic, relaxing, and laid back island. Isla Mujeres is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a welcoming, undiscovered, and friendly city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Milwaukee travel costs.

Isla Mujeres and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Isla Mujeres than Milwaukee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Isla Mujeres is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee is more popular for its museums and attractions. Isla Mujeres is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. Also, Isla Mujeres is famous for the Underwater Museum of Art. Milwaukee is well known for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Milwaukee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Is the Food Better in Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Isla Mujeres has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

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 Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Isla Mujeres and Milwaukee.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Isla Mujeres. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Milwaukee. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

Isla Mujeres is a world class resort vacation destination. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Milwaukee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Isla Mujeres is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Milwaukee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is terrific for the beach. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Isla Mujeres is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee?

Both Isla Mujeres and Milwaukee are notable shopping destinations.

Isla Mujeres offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Milwaukee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee More Beautiful?

Isla Mujeres is a island with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Milwaukee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Isla Mujeres is a beautiful place to visit, too. Beautiful beaches with white sand and blue water make this a beautiful destination. The underwater world is also spectacular to explore.

Milwaukee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee Better for Families?

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

Isla Mujeres is an extremely popular island to visit for families. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

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 Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is terrific for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Isla Mujeres is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

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 Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isla Mujeres is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Isla Mujeres. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Milwaukee is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a lot to attract backpackers to the area.

Is Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Milwaukee is a good destination for students. However, Isla Mujeres 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.

Isla Mujeres is not popular with students.

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

Isla Mujeres is a island with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its public transit.

Isla Mujeres has some public transit options. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

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

Is Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres 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.

Isla Mujeres is a very walkable island. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable island. 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 Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Milwaukee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee to fill your time. In our opinion, Isla Mujeres has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Milwaukee. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Isla Mujeres. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Isla Mujeres has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Milwaukee, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this welcoming 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 Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the idyllic destination of Isla Mujeres. 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 island has to offer. This island 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 Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back island of Isla Mujeres. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the welcoming 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 Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee?

Isla Mujeres is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Isla Mujeres and Milwaukee, we can see that Milwaukee is more expensive. And not only is Isla Mujeres much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Isla Mujeres would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres.

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

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres 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.