A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Milwaukee vs. Winnipeg for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Milwaukee or Winnipeg?

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 Winnipeg 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 welcoming, undiscovered, and friendly city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Milwaukee travel costs.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a welcoming, cultural, and friendly city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Winnipeg travel costs.

Milwaukee and Winnipeg: 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
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Milwaukee or Winnipeg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Winnipeg. Although Milwaukee and Winnipeg are about the same size, Winnipeg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Milwaukee is well known for its many breweries and its baseball culture. Winnipeg is well known for its festivals, culture, and railway connections. Also, Winnipeg is famous for The Forks.

How is Milwaukee different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Milwaukee
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Winnipeg. There are some unique museums around town including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Other popular museums are the Manitoba Museum and the Manitoba Children's Museum.

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.


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

Milwaukee
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Winnipeg has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants around town that serve a mix of local dishes and international cuisines. A must-see part of the city is the historic Forks Market.

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 Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Milwaukee
Winnipeg

Both Milwaukee and Winnipeg have notable vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Winnipeg has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has an active nightlife, even during the winter months. You'll find dance clubs, bars, and pubs around town that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Is the Shopping Better in Milwaukee or Winnipeg?

Milwaukee
Winnipeg

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Milwaukee and Winnipeg.

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 Winnipeg to go shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.


Is Milwaukee or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Milwaukee
Winnipeg

Both Milwaukee and Winnipeg are notable to visit with kids.

Milwaukee is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Winnipeg. Kids will love a visit to the Assiniboine Park Zoo or the Manitoba Children's Museum. There are a number of parks and playgrounds around town as well as the Prairie Dog Central Railway. There are many kid-friendly restaurants in the city as well.

Is Milwaukee or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Milwaukee
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a city with good options for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Winnipeg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many couples enjoy wandering through Assiniboine Park. There are also many romantic restaurants and spas for couples.

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 Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milwaukee
Winnipeg

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

Winnipeg is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's often overlooked by backpackers, there are a couple of hostels around 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 Winnipeg Better for Students?

Milwaukee
Winnipeg

Milwaukee is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Winnipeg 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.

Winnipeg is not popular with students.

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

Milwaukee
Winnipeg

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Milwaukee and Winnipeg.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Winnipeg. There's a bus system around town, but many visitors prefer to have a vehicle.

Is Milwaukee or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Milwaukee
Winnipeg

Milwaukee is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

Winnipeg is generally not very walkable. While there are a few walkable neighborhoods, the city itself is not particularly walkable, particularly during the cold winter months.


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

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Milwaukee?

How long in Milwaukee or Winnipeg?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg.


  • How many days in Milwaukee or Winnipeg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Milwaukee 1-2 
    Winnipeg 2-4

One day in Milwaukee or Winnipeg?

The city of Milwaukee offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg?

Milwaukee is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milwaukee, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Winnipeg. 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.

Five days in Milwaukee or Winnipeg?

Milwaukee is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Winnipeg. 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.


A week in Milwaukee or Winnipeg?

Milwaukee is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Winnipeg 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.


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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg 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
    Winnipeg Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Milwaukee $214
    Winnipeg $255

The average daily cost (per person) in Milwaukee is $214, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $255. 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 Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Milwaukee $99
    Winnipeg $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Milwaukee $198
    Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Milwaukee and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Milwaukee or Winnipeg? 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 Winnipeg


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 Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

Also for Winnipeg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport (YWG): $97
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $37
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $97

Is it cheaper to fly into Milwaukee or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg 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
    Winnipeg $9.33

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
    Winnipeg $2.52

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 Winnipeg

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

  • Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Explore The Challenge of Moderninity with Walking Tours in Winnipeg, MB: $6.61
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds: Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Winnipeg MB: $11
  • Private City Tour in Winnipeg: $96
  • The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • The Sights of South a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winnipeg by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Walk 4 Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $19
  • Winnipeg Private Walking Tour with a Local: $40
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Most Haunted: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $6.61

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Milwaukee $33
    Winnipeg -

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 Winnipeg, we can see that Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Milwaukee or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Milwaukee. When comparing the sizes of Milwaukee and Winnipeg, 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 Winnipeg?

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 Winnipeg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Milwaukee and Winnipeg. The summer months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Winnipeg this time of year.

Milwaukee is around the same temperature as Winnipeg in the summer. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 74°F (23°C) in July, and Winnipeg fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winnipeg this time of the year. In Milwaukee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Milwaukee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Winnipeg during summer. Milwaukee gets 321 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Milwaukee usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Milwaukee gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C) 
    Winnipeg 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Winnipeg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Milwaukee as well as Winnipeg. The shopping scene are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Winnipeg for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Milwaukee is much warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Milwaukee in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Winnipeg averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Milwaukee often gets more sunshine than Winnipeg. Milwaukee gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 147 hours of full sun.

Milwaukee usually gets more rain in October than Winnipeg. Milwaukee gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C) 
    Winnipeg 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Winnipeg in the Winter?

Both Winnipeg and Milwaukee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Milwaukee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Winnipeg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Winnipeg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Milwaukee. In January, Milwaukee is generally much warmer than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Milwaukee average around 21°F (-6°C), and Winnipeg fluctuates around -17°C (2°F).

Milwaukee usually receives more sunshine than Winnipeg during winter. Milwaukee gets 138 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Milwaukee usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Milwaukee gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C) 
    Winnipeg -17°C (2°F)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Winnipeg in the Spring?

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

Milwaukee is much warmer than Winnipeg in the spring. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 47°F (8°C) in April, and Winnipeg fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In Winnipeg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Milwaukee. In the spring, Milwaukee often gets less sunshine than Winnipeg. Milwaukee gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 248 hours of full sun.

Milwaukee usually gets more rain in April than Winnipeg. Milwaukee gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C) 
    Winnipeg 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Milwaukee

Milwaukee Winnipeg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) -17°C (2°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm) -14°C (8°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) -6°C (22°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 5°C (42°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 21°C (71°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 20°C (68°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 14°C (57°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 7°C (45°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm) -3°C (26°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm) -13°C (9°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)