A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ocean City vs. Milwaukee for Families, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Ocean City or Milwaukee?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Milwaukee? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a laid back, active, and energetic city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and nightlife. See Ocean City travel costs.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a undiscovered, friendly, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Milwaukee travel costs.

Ocean City and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Ocean City or Milwaukee?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ocean City. Although Ocean City and Milwaukee are both popular with visitors, Ocean City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ocean City is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Milwaukee is known for its museums and attractions and shopping. Ocean City is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. It is also home to the Ocean City boardwalk. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Ocean City different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ocean City or Milwaukee?

Ocean City
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.


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

Ocean City
Milwaukee

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

Ocean City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

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 Ocean City or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City
Milwaukee

Ocean City is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Ocean City has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

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 Ocean City or Milwaukee Better for Resorts?

Ocean City
Milwaukee

Ocean City is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

In Ocean City, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.


Is Ocean City or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Ocean City
Milwaukee

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

The beaches at Ocean City attract visitors from all over. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Milwaukee?

Ocean City
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

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.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Ocean City or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Ocean City
Milwaukee

Ocean City is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Ocean City is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Ocean City or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Ocean City
Milwaukee

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

Ocean City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

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 Ocean City or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Ocean City
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a popular place for students. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Ocean City
Milwaukee

Both Ocean City and Milwaukee offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

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


Is Ocean City or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Ocean City
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

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.

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable city. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ocean City or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ocean City than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milwaukee than Ocean City 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 Ocean City or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ocean City 3-7 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Ocean City or Milwaukee?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Ocean City. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Milwaukee, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milwaukee, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Ocean City or Milwaukee?

You'll find food and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Ocean City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Milwaukee, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Ocean City or Milwaukee?

You'll find nightlife and food around the active city of Ocean City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Milwaukee, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Ocean City or Milwaukee?

Ocean City is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ocean City, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Milwaukee is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Ocean City?

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

  • Ocean City Prices
    USA Prices
    Milwaukee Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ocean City $196
    Milwaukee $214

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocean City is $196, 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 Ocean City and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocean City $83
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocean City $166
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Ocean City and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Ocean City 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 Ocean City


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: Ocean City Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocean City $47
    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 Ocean City or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Ocean City 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
    Ocean City $85
    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.
    Ocean City $18
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Milwaukee

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

  • Skip the Line: Museum Admission Ticket - Grohmann Museum: $5.00
  • City of Neighborhoods: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Milwaukee: $7.99
  • The Grand Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour through Milwaukee: $8.99
  • Haunting Histories: An Audio Tour of Milwaukee‘s Wicked Westown: $8.99
  • Milwaukee Historic Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Milwaukee by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Downtown Milwaukee Walking Tour: $16
  • Milwaukee Morbid Mirrorlight Ghost Tours: $24
  • Milwaukee Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Milwaukee Downtown Ghost Tour - The Shadow of City Hall: $29
  • Kenosha Downtown Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Milwaukee Morbid Mirrorlight Ghost Tours: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocean City $14
    Milwaukee $33

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 Ocean City and Milwaukee, we can see that Milwaukee 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 Ocean City Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Milwaukee?

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

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 Ocean City or Milwaukee in the Summer?

Both Milwaukee and Ocean City during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Ocean City is generally around the same temperature as Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 77°F (25°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. Ocean City usually gets more rain in July than Milwaukee. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocean City 77°F (25°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Ocean City or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Milwaukee. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the shopping scene.

Ocean City is a little warmer than Milwaukee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 58°F (14°C) in October, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In October, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocean City 58°F (14°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Ocean City or Milwaukee in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Milwaukee. The winter months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

It's quite cold in Milwaukee in the winter. The weather in Ocean City can be very cold. In the winter, Ocean City is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocean City in January average around 35°F (2°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in January than Milwaukee. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocean City 35°F (2°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Ocean City or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year.

In April, Ocean City is generally a little warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 54°F (12°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

In April, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocean City 54°F (12°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Ocean City

Ocean City Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (2°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 76°F (24°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 69°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 58°F (14°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)