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

Should you visit Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island 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.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a relaxing, secluded, and natural island. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and beaches. See Jekyll Island 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.

Jekyll Island and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Milwaukee?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jekyll Island. Although Jekyll Island and Milwaukee are both popular with visitors, Jekyll Island has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Jekyll Island is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and hiking, while Milwaukee is known for its nightlife and shopping. Jekyll Island is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. It is also home to Driftwood Beach. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Jekyll Island different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jekyll Island or Milwaukee?

Jekyll Island
Milwaukee

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Milwaukee and Jekyll Island.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Jekyll Island. Mosaic is the history museum on the island. The museum also offers historic tours of the area's sites. The Historic District is a popular place to visit with its well-maintained historic cottages and other structures.

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.


Is the Food Better in Jekyll Island or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jekyll Island
Milwaukee

Both Jekyll Island and Milwaukee offer a number of decent restaurants to choose from.

Jekyll Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Many restaurants are casual with low country dishes or fried seafood. You'll find some brunch places as well as cafes and quick dining eateries around town.

Milwaukee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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 Jekyll Island or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Jekyll Island. There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Is Jekyll Island or Milwaukee Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Milwaukee

Jekyll Island is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Jekyll Island offers a few options. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Milwaukee

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

The beaches at Jekyll Island attract visitors from all over. Unspoiled beaches are the biggest draw. Some areas are rocky, but the beaches are peaceful and perfect for walks if you want to get away from the crowds. Much of the island is a state park, so it's undeveloped and pristine.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Milwaukee Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Milwaukee

Jekyll Island is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Jekyll Island. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Milwaukee?

Jekyll Island
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Jekyll Island is a good destination for shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.


Is Jekyll Island or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Milwaukee

Jekyll Island is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Jekyll Island is very family-friendly. Kids will love climbing and playing at Driftwood Beach, which is like a natural playground. Animal lovers will enjoy dolphin cruises or a visit to a turtle hospital. There's also the standard beach activities like minigolf, bike rental, and tram tours.

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 Jekyll Island or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Milwaukee

Jekyll Island is a island with good options for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Jekyll Island makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are several basic hotels as well as a few campgrounds. Couples will enjoy the beaches, but the island is small with limited activities and restaurant options. If you love natural scenery then this is a great destination, but there are fewer amenities than there are in many beach areas.

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 Jekyll Island or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Jekyll Island
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Jekyll Island 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.

Jekyll Island is not popular with students.


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

Jekyll Island
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.

Is Jekyll Island or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good 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.

Jekyll Island is not a walkable island. Resources are spread out, so you really need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Jekyll Island or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milwaukee than Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Jekyll Island or Milwaukee?

You'll find museums around the island of Jekyll Island. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the undiscovered destination of Milwaukee. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A weekend in Jekyll Island or Milwaukee?

You'll find museums around the relaxing destination of Jekyll Island. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milwaukee. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Jekyll Island or Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the secluded island of Jekyll Island. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of Milwaukee. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Jekyll Island or Milwaukee?

Jekyll Island 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Milwaukee. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Jekyll Island?

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

  • Jekyll Island Prices
    USA Prices
    Milwaukee Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jekyll Island $189
    Milwaukee $214

The average daily cost (per person) in Jekyll Island is $189, 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 Jekyll Island and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island


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: Jekyll Island Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    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 Jekyll Island or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Jekyll Island 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
    Jekyll Island $77
    Milwaukee $90

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.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Milwaukee $26

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
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    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 Jekyll Island and Milwaukee, we can see that Milwaukee 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 Jekyll Island Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island or Milwaukee in the Summer?

Both Milwaukee and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

In July, Jekyll Island is generally a little warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 82°F (28°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Milwaukee. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually receives less sunshine than Milwaukee during summer. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Jekyll Island. In July, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

Both Milwaukee and Jekyll Island during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Milwaukee for the shopping scene.

Jekyll Island is much warmer than Milwaukee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Jekyll Island. In the autumn, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Milwaukee in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Milwaukee. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. In the winter, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jekyll Island in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during winter. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Milwaukee in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Milwaukee. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milwaukee. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island this time of the year. In the spring, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Milwaukee. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)