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

Should you visit Mystic or Milwaukee?

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 Mystic and Milwaukee. 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.

Mystic

Mystic is a quaint, laid back, and charming town. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Mystic travel costs.

Milwaukee

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

Mystic and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Mystic or Milwaukee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mystic. Although Mystic and Milwaukee are popular destinations, Mystic has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mystic is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its New England charm and local character. It is also well known for the Mystic Seaport Museum. Milwaukee is famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Mystic different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mystic
Milwaukee

Mystic 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 Mystic. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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 Mystic or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mystic
Milwaukee

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

Mystic has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

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 Mystic or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Mystic
Milwaukee

Both Mystic and Milwaukee have nice vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Milwaukee has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Mystic or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Mystic
Milwaukee

Mystic is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Mystic attract visitors from all over. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Milwaukee?

Mystic
Milwaukee

Mystic is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Mystic is well-known for its shopping. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Many visitors go to Milwaukee to go shopping. 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.

Is Mystic or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Mystic
Milwaukee

Mystic 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, Mystic is very family-friendly. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Mystic or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Mystic
Milwaukee

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

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

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 Mystic or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Mystic
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Mystic is not popular with students.

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

Mystic is not popular with students.

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

Mystic
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options 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 Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Mystic or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Mystic
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a good destination for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options 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.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.


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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mystic or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mystic than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Mystic, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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

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

One day in Mystic or Milwaukee?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Mystic. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Milwaukee. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Mystic or Milwaukee?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Mystic. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Milwaukee is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Mystic or Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming town of Mystic. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milwaukee. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Mystic or Milwaukee?

Mystic is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Milwaukee. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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, Milwaukee or Mystic?

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

  • Mystic Prices
    USA Prices
    Milwaukee Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mystic $248
    Milwaukee $214

The average daily cost (per person) in Mystic is $248, while the average daily cost in Milwaukee is $214. 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 Mystic and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mystic $125
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mystic $250
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Mystic and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Mystic or Milwaukee? 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 Mystic


Hotels in Milwaukee


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: Mystic Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mystic $56
    Milwaukee $38

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 Mystic or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Mystic 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
    Mystic $90
    Milwaukee $90

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.
    Mystic $24
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Mystic

For Mystic, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $32
  • Mystic's Ghosts GPS Self Guided Audio Walking Tour w/EMF Reader: $7.80
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Downtown Mystic at Night: $35
  • Guided Graveyard Ghost Tour by Moonlight: $35

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mystic $31
    Milwaukee $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100

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 comparing the travel costs between Mystic and Milwaukee, we can see that Mystic is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Mystic or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Mystic and Milwaukee, 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 Mystic or Milwaukee?

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 Mystic or Milwaukee in the Summer?

Both Milwaukee and Mystic are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mystic for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mystic is around the same temperature as Milwaukee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mystic in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 74°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Milwaukee. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. Mystic usually receives less sunshine than Milwaukee during summer. Mystic gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mystic 73°F (23°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

Both Milwaukee and Mystic during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Mystic because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

In October, Mystic is generally around the same temperature as Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 53°F (12°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Mystic. In the autumn, Mystic often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Mystic gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mystic 53°F (12°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Milwaukee in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Milwaukee. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mystic this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milwaukee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milwaukee. It's quite cold in Mystic in the winter. Mystic is much warmer than Milwaukee in the winter. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Mystic usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during winter. Mystic gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mystic usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Milwaukee in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mystic as well as Milwaukee. Many travelers come to Mystic for the beaches.

In the spring, Mystic is around the same temperature as Milwaukee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mystic in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 47°F (8°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milwaukee. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In the spring, Mystic often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee. Mystic gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets more rain in April than Milwaukee. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mystic 48°F (9°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Mystic

Mystic Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)