A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Milwaukee vs. Hope for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Milwaukee or Hope?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Milwaukee and Hope 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.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a friendly, welcoming, and undiscovered city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Milwaukee travel costs.

Hope

Hope is a friendly, local, and small town. Visitors also love the hiking. See Hope travel costs.

Milwaukee and Hope: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Milwaukee or Hope?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hope. Although Milwaukee and Hope are popular destinations, Hope has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hope is very popular for its hiking, while Milwaukee attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Hope is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its chainsaw carvings and being the filming location of "Rambo." It is also well known for Othello Tunnels. Milwaukee is famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Milwaukee different from Hope?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Milwaukee or Hope?

Milwaukee
Hope

Milwaukee is very good for its historical sights. However, Hope is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Hope offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You can check out Hopes Art Gallery, The Sunshine Valley Tashme Museum, or the Hope Museum.


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

Milwaukee
Hope

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Milwaukee and Hope.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Milwaukee. 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.

Hope may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There's a decent selection of casual restaurants with basic dishes and local cuisine.

Is Milwaukee or Hope Better for Nightlife?

Milwaukee
Hope

Milwaukee is very good for nightlife. However, Hope is not known for nightlife and partying.

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 Hope specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town but there are some local pubs and bars.

Is Milwaukee or Hope Better for Hiking?

Milwaukee
Hope

Hope 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 Hope. There are a range of hikes in the area, like more challenging routes such as Hope Mountain and Wells Peak. For a more casual hike you can check out Rotary Trail, Thacker Marsh Trail, and the Othello Tunnels.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Milwaukee or Hope?

Milwaukee
Hope

Milwaukee is very good for shopping. However, Hope is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Milwaukee. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Hope has some nice offerings. It's a small town, but there are places to peak up anything you may have forgotten.

Is Milwaukee or Hope Better for Families?

Milwaukee
Hope

Hope 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, Hope is very family-friendly. Kids will love enjoying the outdoors just as much as the adults. You can also visit the Hope Museum or the Coquihalla Gorge.

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 Milwaukee or Hope Better for Couples?

Milwaukee
Hope

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

Hope makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy adventures and nature will love a few days in this beautiful area.

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 Milwaukee or Hope Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milwaukee
Hope

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

Many backpackers visit Hope. There are many camping and backpacking opportunities in the area.

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 Milwaukee or Hope Better for Students?

Milwaukee
Hope

Milwaukee is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Hope 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.

Hope is not popular with students.

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

Milwaukee
Hope

Milwaukee is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Hope is not known 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 Hope. There is no public transit in town.


Is Milwaukee or Hope a more walkable city?

Milwaukee
Hope

Milwaukee is very good for its walkability. However, Hope is not known for its high level of walkability.

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.

Hope is generally not very walkable. The town is relatively walkable, but you'll likely want to get into the surrounding area where most of the activities are.

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

Should I spend more time in Hope or Milwaukee?

How long in Milwaukee or Hope?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Milwaukee and Hope. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hope than in Milwaukee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Milwaukee, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hope.

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

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

One day in Milwaukee or Hope?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Milwaukee. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find around the town of Hope. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

A weekend in Milwaukee or Hope?

Milwaukee is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find around the small destination of Hope. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Milwaukee or Hope?

You'll find shopping and museums around the friendly destination of Milwaukee. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the friendly town of Hope. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Milwaukee or Hope?

The friendly city of Milwaukee offers museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Hope is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Hope or Milwaukee?

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

  • Milwaukee Prices
    USA Prices
    Hope Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Milwaukee $214
    Hope $47

The average daily cost (per person) in Milwaukee is $214, while the average daily cost in Hope is $47. 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 Milwaukee and Hope in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Milwaukee $99
    Hope $8.89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Milwaukee $198
    Hope $18
Compare Hotels in Milwaukee and Hope

Looking for a hotel in Milwaukee or Hope? 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 Milwaukee


Hotels in Hope


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: Milwaukee Hotel Prices and Hope Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Milwaukee $38
    Hope -

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 Milwaukee or Hope?

Prices for flights to both Hope and Milwaukee 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
    Milwaukee $90
    Hope $38

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.
    Milwaukee $26
    Hope -

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

Tours and Activities in Hope

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hope.

  • From Vancouver: 2-Day Kelowna Wine, Lake, and Farm Tour: $296
  • From Vancouver: 3-Day Tour to Manning Park, Nelson & Osoyoos: $379

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Milwaukee $33
    Hope $10

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 Milwaukee and Hope, we can see that Milwaukee is more expensive. And not only is Hope much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hope would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hope 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 Hope.

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


Which is Bigger, Milwaukee or Hope?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Hope. When comparing the sizes of Milwaukee and Hope, 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 Milwaukee or Hope?

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 Milwaukee or Hope in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Milwaukee and Hope. Many visitors come to Milwaukee in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hope for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Milwaukee is generally a little warmer than Hope. Daily temperatures in Milwaukee average around 74°F (23°C), and Hope fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In July, Milwaukee usually receives more rain than Hope. Milwaukee gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C) 
    Hope 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Hope in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Milwaukee as well as Hope. Most visitors come to Milwaukee for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hope because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Milwaukee is a little warmer than Hope in the autumn. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Hope fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

It's quite rainy in Hope. Milwaukee usually gets less rain in October than Hope. Milwaukee gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C) 
    Hope 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Hope in the Winter?

Both Hope and Milwaukee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hope this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hope in the winter. The weather in Milwaukee can be very cold. In the winter, Milwaukee is much colder than Hope. Typically, the winter temperatures in Milwaukee in January average around 21°F (-6°C), and Hope averages at about 3°C (37°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hope. In January, Milwaukee usually receives less rain than Hope. Milwaukee gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 201 mm (7.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C) 
    Hope 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Hope in the Spring?

Both Hope and Milwaukee during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Milwaukee is generally around the same temperature as Hope. Daily temperatures in Milwaukee average around 47°F (8°C), and Hope fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Hope gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Milwaukee usually gets less rain in April than Hope. Milwaukee gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C) 
    Hope 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Hope and Milwaukee

Milwaukee Hope
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 3°C (37°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Feb 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm) 5°C (41°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 7°C (44°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Apr 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 9°C (49°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 15°C (60°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Sep 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 15°C (59°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 10°C (51°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 6°C (43°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm) 3°C (37°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)