Which place is cheaper, Tucson or Milwaukee?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Milwaukee or Tucson?
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 Tucson 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.
Where Should I go: Milwaukee or Tucson?
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is a city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin on Lake Michigan's western shore. It's known for its breweries, many of which offer tours chronicling its role in the beer industry. Overlooking the Menomonee River, the Harley-Davidson Museum displays classic motorcycles, including one of Elvis Presley's. Nearby is the Milwaukee Public Museum, with its large-scale European Village and a recreation of old Milwaukee. In summertime, festivals let loose by the lake almost every weekend. These attractions along with stylish eating and shopping areas have turned Wisconsin's largest city into an interesting and attractive destination.
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sunny, dry climate. As a gateway to the American Southwest, Tucson blends a laid-back atmosphere with strong Mexican and Native American influences, creating a unique desert city experience. Its historic neighborhoods feature colorful adobe architecture, lively murals, and a thriving arts scene. Nature lovers are drawn to Tucson for its easy access to saguaro-studded national parks, hiking trails, and breathtaking sunsets. With a strong university presence, the city pulses with youthful energy, affordable entertainment, and a dynamic culinary scene. Budget travelers will appreciate Tucson’s range of low-cost attractions and accessible public spaces, making it an excellent base for exploring both city sights and the nearby wilderness. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up desert vibes, Tucson offers something for every traveler.
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.
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Milwaukee Prices
USA PricesTucson Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMilwaukee $214Tucson $184
The average daily cost (per person) in Milwaukee is $214, while the average daily cost in Tucson is $184. 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 Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMilwaukee $99Tucson $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMilwaukee $198Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Milwaukee and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Milwaukee or Tucson? 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.
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 Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Milwaukee $38Tucson $27
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 Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson 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
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Food Meals for one dayMilwaukee $90Tucson $63
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Milwaukee $26Tucson $16
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMilwaukee $33Tucson $16
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 Tucson, we can see that Milwaukee is more expensive. And not only is Tucson much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tucson would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tucson 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 Tucson.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Milwaukee Expensive? and Is Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Milwaukee or Tucson?
Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Tucson. When comparing the sizes of Milwaukee and Tucson, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.