A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Martha's Vineyard vs. Milwaukee for Couples, Food, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a affluent, coastal, and peaceful island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of Martha's Vineyard is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard 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
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • 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 Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Martha's Vineyard. Although Martha's Vineyard and Milwaukee are both popular with visitors, Martha's Vineyard has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Martha's Vineyard is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee is known for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Martha's Vineyard is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. It is also home to the Aquinnah Cliffs. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Martha's Vineyard different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee?

Martha's Vineyard
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.


Is the Food Better in Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Martha's Vineyard
Milwaukee

Martha's Vineyard is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Martha's Vineyard has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Martha's Vineyard
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Milwaukee has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard
Milwaukee

Martha's Vineyard is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

Martha's Vineyard is a world class resort vacation destination. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.


Is Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard
Milwaukee

Martha's Vineyard is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Martha's Vineyard attract visitors from all over. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard
Milwaukee

Martha's Vineyard is a island with good options for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Martha's Vineyard. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee?

Martha's Vineyard
Milwaukee

Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard is well-known for its shopping. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee More Beautiful?

Martha's Vineyard
Milwaukee

Martha's Vineyard is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Milwaukee is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Martha's Vineyard is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural beauty.

Milwaukee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Martha's Vineyard
Milwaukee

Both Martha's Vineyard and Milwaukee are good family-friendly destinations.

Martha's Vineyard offers lots of family activities. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Milwaukee is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard
Milwaukee

Martha's Vineyard is terrific for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Martha's Vineyard is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Martha's Vineyard
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Martha's Vineyard is not popular with students.

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

Martha's Vineyard is not popular with students.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Martha's Vineyard
Milwaukee

Martha's Vineyard and Milwaukee both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

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

Is Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Martha's Vineyard
Milwaukee

Martha's Vineyard and Milwaukee are good when it comes to walkability.

Martha's Vineyard is a somewhat walkable island. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

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 Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting? and Is Milwaukee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Martha's Vineyard?

How long in Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milwaukee than Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee?

Even though Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Martha's Vineyard has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Milwaukee, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee?

Martha's Vineyard is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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.

With shopping and museums around the welcoming city of Milwaukee, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee?

Martha's Vineyard 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. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the friendly destination of Milwaukee. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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 Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee?

Martha's Vineyard 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 choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Martha's Vineyard?

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

  • Martha's Vineyard Prices
    USA Prices
    Milwaukee Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Martha's Vineyard $285
    Milwaukee $214

The average daily cost (per person) in Martha's Vineyard is $285, 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 Martha's Vineyard and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Martha's Vineyard $132
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Martha's Vineyard $264
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Martha's Vineyard and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Martha's Vineyard 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 Marthas Vineyard


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: Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Martha's Vineyard $83
    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 Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Martha's Vineyard 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
    Martha's Vineyard $104
    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.
    Martha's Vineyard $30
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • Best of Martha's Vineyard 3 hour Full-Island Tour: $65
  • 4 hours Hop-on Hop-off Jawsome Jaws Tour: $120
  • All Island Bus Tour: $75
  • All New Shared Jaws tour Budget Friendly: $130
  • Best 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard shared Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $65
  • Discovering Oak Bluffs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Down Island Tour with One Hour in Edgartown: $65
  • Edgartown Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Martha Vineyard Bus Tour: $60
  • Martha's Vineyard: All Island Tour: $70
  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13

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
    Martha's Vineyard $22
    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 Martha's Vineyard and Milwaukee, we can see that Martha's Vineyard is more expensive. And not only is Milwaukee much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Milwaukee would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milwaukee 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 Martha's Vineyard would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Martha's Vineyard than you might in Milwaukee.

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



When is the best time to visit Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Martha's Vineyard and Milwaukee. Most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Martha's Vineyard is generally around the same temperature as Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 73°F (23°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. Martha's Vineyard usually receives less sunshine than Milwaukee during summer. Martha's Vineyard gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Martha's Vineyard usually receives less rain than Milwaukee. Martha's Vineyard gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Martha's Vineyard as well as Milwaukee. The autumn months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

Martha's Vineyard is around the same temperature as Milwaukee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In the autumn, Martha's Vineyard often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Martha's Vineyard gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.

Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milwaukee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milwaukee. It's quite cold in Martha's Vineyard in the winter. In the winter, Martha's Vineyard is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

Martha's Vineyard usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during winter. Martha's Vineyard gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Martha's Vineyard during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Martha's Vineyard is generally around the same temperature as Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 48°F (9°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

In Milwaukee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. In the spring, Martha's Vineyard often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee. Martha's Vineyard gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.

Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in April than Milwaukee. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)