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

Should you visit Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a relaxing, entertaining, and underrated city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Sarasota travel costs.

Milwaukee

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

Sarasota and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • 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 Sarasota or Milwaukee?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Sarasota than Milwaukee. While Milwaukee is larger than Sarasota, Sarasota has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Sarasota is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Also, Sarasota is famous for the John and Mable Ringling Museum. Milwaukee is well known for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Sarasota different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sarasota
Milwaukee

Sarasota 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 Sarasota. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

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 Sarasota or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sarasota
Milwaukee

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

Sarasota has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

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 Sarasota or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Sarasota
Milwaukee

The vibe at night is notable in both Sarasota and Milwaukee.

If you're looking for night time activities Sarasota has a few options to choose from. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

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.

Is Sarasota or Milwaukee Better for Resorts?

Sarasota
Milwaukee

Sarasota is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Sarasota makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.


Is Sarasota or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Sarasota
Milwaukee

Sarasota is a city with good options for the beach. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Sarasota. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Milwaukee?

Sarasota
Milwaukee

If you're looking to go shopping, Sarasota and Milwaukee both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sarasota. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

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 Sarasota or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Sarasota
Milwaukee

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

Sarasota is an extremely popular city to visit for families. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

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 Sarasota or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Sarasota
Milwaukee

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

Sarasota makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

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 Sarasota or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Sarasota
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarasota 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.

Sarasota is not popular with students.

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

Sarasota
Milwaukee

Sarasota and Milwaukee both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

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


Is Sarasota or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Sarasota
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Sarasota 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.

Sarasota is generally not very walkable. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sarasota or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sarasota than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Sarasota or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Sarasota 2-5 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Sarasota or Milwaukee?

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

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.

A weekend in Sarasota or Milwaukee?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the entertaining destination of Sarasota. 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.

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.


Five days in Sarasota or Milwaukee?

You'll find nightlife and food around the underrated city of Sarasota. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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.

A week in Sarasota or Milwaukee?

Sarasota 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.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Sarasota?

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

  • Sarasota Prices
    USA Prices
    Milwaukee Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Sarasota $350
    Milwaukee $214

The average daily cost (per person) in Sarasota is $350, 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 Sarasota and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sarasota $108
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sarasota $216
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Sarasota and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Sarasota 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 Sarasota


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: Sarasota Hotel Prices and Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarasota

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

  • Sarasota–Bradenton Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota Round-Trip Transfer: $55
  • Sarasota Airport(SRQ) to Anna Maria island hotel-Arrival Transfer: $125
  • Sarasota Airport (SRQ) to Anna Maria island - Round-Trip Transfer: $251

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 Sarasota or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Sarasota 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
    Sarasota $238
    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.
    Sarasota $11
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Sarasota

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

  • Anna Maria Island - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour : $65
  • Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico: $95
  • Sarasota Waterways Tour for All Ages: $60
  • 3-Hour Clear Kayak Beach Hopping Adventure in Sarasota: $65
  • Amish Experience Trolley Tour: Bridges to Understanding: $80
  • Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure : $55
  • Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sunset Boat Tour: $58
  • Christmas Carol Trolley Holiday Music & Lights Tour in Sarasota: $77
  • City Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Sarasota: $73
  • Clear Kayak Ecotour at Robinson Preserve in Bradenton, Florida : $73
  • Clear Kayak Glass Bottom Day Tour - Anna Maria Island: $65
  • Clear Kayak Glass Bottom Day Tour - Sarasota: $65

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


Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota or Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Milwaukee. Most visitors come to Sarasota 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.

Sarasota is a little warmer than Milwaukee in the summer. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives less sunshine than Milwaukee during summer. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sarasota gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sarasota 82°F (28°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Sarasota or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Milwaukee. The autumn months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

In the autumn, Sarasota is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sarasota in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the autumn, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sarasota 76°F (24°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Sarasota or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sarasota 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. In January, Sarasota is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 59°F (15°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during winter. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sarasota 59°F (15°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Sarasota or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Sarasota during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the beaches.

Sarasota is much warmer than Milwaukee in the spring. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

In Milwaukee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the spring, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets less rain in April than Milwaukee. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sarasota 73°F (23°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Sarasota

Sarasota Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)