A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Austin vs. Detroit for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Attractions

Should you visit Austin or Detroit?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Detroit, 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.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. Austin is beautiful destination to visit. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Austin travel costs.

Detroit

Detroit is a under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music. See Detroit travel costs.

Austin and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Detroit?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Austin than Detroit. While Detroit is larger than Austin, Austin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Austin is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Detroit attracts visitors for its big city activities. Austin is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also well known for The Texas Capital. Detroit is famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry.

How is Austin different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Austin or Detroit?

Austin is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Austin can be an interesting and educational experience. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Detroit. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

Is the Food Better in Austin or Detroit? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Austin is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Detroit area. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Austin or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Austin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Detroit is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

Is Austin or Detroit Better for Music?

Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Austin or Detroit.

Austin is a world class music destination. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Detroit. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Is Austin or Detroit Better for Hiking?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Detroit?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Detroit and Austin.

Austin is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Detroit. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Austin or Detroit More Beautiful?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

Austin is beautiful destination to visit. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Austin or Detroit Better for Families?

Austin and Detroit are both nice destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Austin. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Detroit offers lots of family activities. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Austin or Detroit Better for Couples?

Austin is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

Is Austin or Detroit Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Detroit is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but this is still an often overlooked city.

Is Austin or Detroit Better for Students?

Austin is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Detroit is not popular with students.

Austin is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Detroit is not popular with students.

Is Austin or Detroit Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Austin and Detroit.

Public transit is generally limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Is Austin or Detroit a more walkable city?

Detroit is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Detroit is somewhat walkable. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Austin Worth Visiting? and Is Detroit Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Austin?

How long in Austin or Detroit?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Austin and Detroit. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Austin than Detroit. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Austin, and 1-3 days is enough time in Detroit.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Detroit 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 Austin.

One day in Austin or Detroit?

In Austin, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Austin or Detroit?

In Austin, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Austin has to offer.

Detroit is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Austin or Detroit?

Austin is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Detroit. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Austin or Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Austin. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the overlooked destination of Detroit. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Austin and Detroit, 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 Austin or Detroit?

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 Austin or Detroit in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Austin as well as Detroit. The summer months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

In the summer, Austin is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the summer temperatures in Austin in July average around 87°F (30°C), and Detroit averages at about 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Detroit. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In the summer, Austin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Detroit. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets less rain in July than Detroit. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Detroit in the Autumn?

Both Detroit and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Austin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Austin is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 73°F (23°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. Austin usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during autumn. Austin gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Austin usually receives more rain than Detroit. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Austin or Detroit in the Winter?

Both Detroit and Austin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Detroit in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Detroit can get quite cold in the winter. Austin is much warmer than Detroit in the winter. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Austin often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Austin gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Detroit. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Detroit in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Detroit. Many visitors come to Austin in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Detroit for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Austin is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the spring temperatures in Austin in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Detroit averages at about 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Austin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Detroit during spring. Austin gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Austin usually receives more rain than Detroit. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Detroit and Austin