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

Should you visit Wilmington or Milwaukee?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Milwaukee, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a historic, welcoming, and charming city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Wilmington travel costs.

Milwaukee

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

Wilmington and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Milwaukee?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Wilmington than Milwaukee. While Milwaukee is larger than Wilmington, Wilmington has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Wilmington is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. It is also well known for the Battleship North Carolina. Milwaukee is famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Wilmington different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Wilmington or Milwaukee.

Wilmington is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

Milwaukee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Wilmington or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Wilmington has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

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 Wilmington or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Wilmington and Milwaukee.

If you're looking for night time activities Wilmington has a few options to choose from. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

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 Wilmington or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Wilmington attract visitors from all over. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is Wilmington or Milwaukee Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is a city with good options for its old town. However, Milwaukee does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Wilmington. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Milwaukee does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Milwaukee?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Milwaukee offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Wilmington or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Wilmington 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, Wilmington is very family-friendly. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

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 Wilmington or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

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

Wilmington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

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 Wilmington or Milwaukee Better for Students?

For students, both Wilmington and Milwaukee are nice places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

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.

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

Wilmington and Milwaukee both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

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

Is Wilmington or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Wilmington and Milwaukee are nice when it comes to walkability.

Wilmington is somewhat walkable. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Wilmington or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Wilmington 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 Wilmington, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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

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

One day in Wilmington or Milwaukee?

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

With museums and nightlife around the welcoming 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 Wilmington or Milwaukee?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Wilmington. 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 city has to offer. 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 Wilmington or Milwaukee?

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic city of Wilmington. 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 great beach destination, too. 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 Wilmington or Milwaukee?

Wilmington 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.

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 for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

When comparing the travel costs between Wilmington and Milwaukee, we can see that Wilmington 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 Wilmington Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Wilmington. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington or Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Milwaukee. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Wilmington is a little warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wilmington in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wilmington usually receives less sunshine than Milwaukee during summer. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.

Wilmington gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wilmington or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Milwaukee. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Milwaukee in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Wilmington is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 65°F (18°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington this time of the year. In the autumn, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Milwaukee can be very cold during winter. Wilmington is much warmer than Milwaukee in the winter. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during winter. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wilmington or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Wilmington during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Wilmington is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wilmington in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 47°F (8°C).

In Milwaukee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wilmington. In the spring, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Milwaukee. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Wilmington