A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Martha's Vineyard vs. Wisconsin Dells for Resorts, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Martha's Vineyard or Wisconsin Dells?

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 Wisconsin Dells. 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. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of Martha's Vineyard is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. It's also popular because of the hiking, nightlife, and food. See Wisconsin Dells travel costs.

Martha's Vineyard and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Martha's Vineyard or Wisconsin Dells?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Martha's Vineyard. Although Martha's Vineyard and Wisconsin Dells 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, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Wisconsin Dells is known for its nightlife. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Martha's Vineyard and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Martha's Vineyard is popular for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. It is also home to the Aquinnah Cliffs.

How is Martha's Vineyard different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Martha's Vineyard
Wisconsin Dells

You'll find a number of decent museums and attractions in both Wisconsin Dells and Martha's Vineyard.

While most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

Wisconsin Dells offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.


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

Martha's Vineyard
Wisconsin Dells

Martha's Vineyard is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Martha's Vineyard. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Martha's Vineyard
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Wisconsin Dells has something for everybody. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

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 Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard
Wisconsin Dells

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Martha's Vineyard is a great choice. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Wisconsin Dells has a few great resort options. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.


Is Martha's Vineyard or Wisconsin Dells Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard
Wisconsin Dells

Martha's Vineyard is a great destination for the beach. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Martha's Vineyard is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard
Wisconsin Dells

Hiking trails can be found around both Martha's Vineyard and Wisconsin Dells, and they are good.

Martha's Vineyard offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for hiking. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Martha's Vineyard or Wisconsin Dells?

Martha's Vineyard
Wisconsin Dells

Martha's Vineyard is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.


Is Martha's Vineyard or Wisconsin Dells More Beautiful?

Martha's Vineyard
Wisconsin Dells

Martha's Vineyard is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Martha's Vineyard
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Wisconsin Dells is very family-friendly. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard
Wisconsin Dells

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Martha's Vineyard makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a good island for couples to visit. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.


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

Martha's Vineyard
Wisconsin Dells

Martha's Vineyard is a island with a few options for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally 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 quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Martha's Vineyard
Wisconsin Dells

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable island. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Martha's Vineyard or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Martha's Vineyard or Wisconsin Dells. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wisconsin Dells due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Martha's Vineyard, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.

Couples should spend more time in Martha's Vineyard than Wisconsin Dells. 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.


  • How many days in Martha's Vineyard or Wisconsin Dells? Ideal Length of Stay
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3 
    Wisconsin Dells 2-4

One day in Martha's Vineyard or Wisconsin Dells?

Martha's Vineyard is a small town with plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Wisconsin Dells, there's plenty to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.


A weekend in Martha's Vineyard or Wisconsin Dells?

Martha's Vineyard might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

With food and nightlife around the high energy city of Wisconsin Dells, 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Martha's Vineyard is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lighthearted destination of Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Since Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Wisconsin Dells 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, Wisconsin Dells 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
    Wisconsin Dells Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Martha's Vineyard $285
    Wisconsin Dells $174

The average daily cost (per person) in Martha's Vineyard is $285, while the average daily cost in Wisconsin Dells is $174. 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 Wisconsin Dells in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Martha's Vineyard $132
    Wisconsin Dells $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Martha's Vineyard $264
    Wisconsin Dells $140
Compare Hotels in Martha's Vineyard and Wisconsin Dells

Looking for a hotel in Martha's Vineyard or Wisconsin Dells? 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 Wisconsin Dells


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 Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Martha's Vineyard $83
    Wisconsin Dells $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Martha's Vineyard or Wisconsin Dells?

Prices for flights to both Wisconsin Dells 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
    Wisconsin Dells $74

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Martha's Vineyard $30
    Wisconsin Dells $46

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

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

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

Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells

Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Haunted History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Martha's Vineyard $22
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14


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

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 Wisconsin Dells Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Martha's Vineyard or Wisconsin Dells?

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 Martha's Vineyard or Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Martha's Vineyard as well as Wisconsin Dells. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Martha's Vineyard is generally around the same temperature as Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 73°F (23°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wisconsin Dells. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In the summer, Martha's Vineyard often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wisconsin Dells. Martha's Vineyard gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun.

Martha's Vineyard usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Wisconsin Dells. Martha's Vineyard gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C)

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

Both Wisconsin Dells and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Martha's Vineyard is around the same temperature as Wisconsin Dells in the autumn. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Martha's Vineyard. Martha's Vineyard usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during autumn. Martha's Vineyard gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C)

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

Both Wisconsin Dells and Martha's Vineyard during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Wisconsin Dells can be very cold during winter. Martha's Vineyard can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Martha's Vineyard is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the winter temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 19°F (-7°C).

In the winter, Martha's Vineyard often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Martha's Vineyard gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun.

Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in January than Wisconsin Dells. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Martha's Vineyard and Wisconsin Dells. Most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Martha's Vineyard is generally around the same temperature as Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 48°F (9°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wisconsin Dells this time of the year. In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. Martha's Vineyard usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during spring. Martha's Vineyard gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard Wisconsin Dells
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 39°F (4°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)


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