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

Should you visit Milwaukee or Ketchikan?

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 Ketchikan 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. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Milwaukee travel costs.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a scenic, quaint, and local town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of Ketchikan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Milwaukee and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milwaukee or Ketchikan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ketchikan. Although Milwaukee and Ketchikan are popular destinations, Ketchikan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ketchikan is very popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee attracts visitors for its nightlife. Ketchikan is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. It is also well known for the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Milwaukee is famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Milwaukee different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Milwaukee and Ketchikan.

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ketchikan. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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

Ketchikan is terrific for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Ketchikan have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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 Milwaukee or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Milwaukee is very good for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Milwaukee or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Around Ketchikan visitors will find world-class hiking trails. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Milwaukee or Ketchikan?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Milwaukee and Ketchikan.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Many visitors go to Ketchikan to go shopping. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Milwaukee or Ketchikan More Beautiful?

Ketchikan is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Milwaukee is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Ketchikan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Milwaukee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Milwaukee or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Ketchikan 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, Ketchikan is very family-friendly. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

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 Ketchikan Better for Couples?

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

Ketchikan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

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 Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ketchikan is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.

Ketchikan is a good town to visit for backpackers. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

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 Ketchikan Better for Students?

Milwaukee is very good for students. However, Ketchikan is not popular with students.

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

Ketchikan is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Milwaukee and Ketchikan.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Milwaukee or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Ketchikan is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Ketchikan is a very walkable town. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Milwaukee?

How long in Milwaukee or Ketchikan?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ketchikan than Milwaukee if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Ketchikan.

One day in Milwaukee or Ketchikan?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Milwaukee. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milwaukee has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Ketchikan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ketchikan has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Milwaukee or Ketchikan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered destination of Milwaukee. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and food around the scenic destination of Ketchikan. 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 Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Milwaukee. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic town of Ketchikan. 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 Ketchikan?

Milwaukee is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Ketchikan 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Milwaukee and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan 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 Milwaukee Expensive? and Is Ketchikan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Milwaukee or Ketchikan?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Milwaukee and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?

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 Milwaukee or Ketchikan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Milwaukee as well as Ketchikan. Many visitors come to Milwaukee in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Milwaukee is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Milwaukee average around 74°F (23°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Milwaukee usually gets less rain in July than Ketchikan. Milwaukee gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milwaukee or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

Both Ketchikan and Milwaukee are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Milwaukee for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Milwaukee is a little warmer than Ketchikan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In October, Milwaukee usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Milwaukee gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Milwaukee or Ketchikan in the Winter?

Both Ketchikan and Milwaukee during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Ketchikan this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ketchikan in the winter. The weather in Milwaukee can be very cold. In the winter, Milwaukee is much colder than Ketchikan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Milwaukee in January average around 21°F (-6°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 34°F (1°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Milwaukee usually gets less rain in January than Ketchikan. Milwaukee gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milwaukee or Ketchikan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Milwaukee and Ketchikan. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Milwaukee is generally a little warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Milwaukee average around 47°F (8°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Milwaukee usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Milwaukee gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Milwaukee