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

Should you visit Baltimore or Detroit?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Detroit can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Detroit

Detroit is a hardworking, overlooked , and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Baltimore or Detroit?

Both Detroit and Baltimore have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Baltimore is better known for its museums, food, and shopping, while Detroit is more popular for its music. Baltimore is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Detroit is well known for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry.

How is Baltimore different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Baltimore
Detroit

Baltimore 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 Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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 Baltimore or Detroit? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore
Detroit

Baltimore is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Baltimore has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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 Baltimore or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore
Detroit

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Baltimore and Detroit.

Baltimore is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Many people head to Detroit for the nightlife scene. 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 Baltimore or Detroit Better for Music?

Baltimore
Detroit

Detroit is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Baltimore is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Baltimore is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Detroit?

Baltimore
Detroit

Baltimore is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Baltimore is well-known for its shopping. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Many visitors go to Detroit to go shopping. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Baltimore or Detroit Better for Families?

Baltimore
Detroit

Baltimore is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Baltimore is very family-friendly. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Detroit. 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 Baltimore or Detroit Better for Couples?

Baltimore
Detroit

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

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

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 Baltimore or Detroit Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore
Detroit

Baltimore is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

Baltimore
Detroit

Baltimore is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Baltimore can get you to some places easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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

Is Baltimore or Detroit a more walkable city?

Baltimore
Detroit

Baltimore is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Detroit?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Baltimore or Detroit? Ideal Length of Stay
    Baltimore 2-3 
    Detroit 1-3

One day in Baltimore or Detroit?

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

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Detroit. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Detroit has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Baltimore or Detroit?

In Baltimore, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Baltimore has to offer.

You'll find live music and food around the under-rated destination of Detroit. 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.

Five days in Baltimore or Detroit?

Baltimore 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the hardworking city of Detroit. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Baltimore or Detroit?

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

Detroit 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.


Which place is cheaper, Detroit or Baltimore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $184, while the average daily cost in Detroit is $133. 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 Baltimore and Detroit in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baltimore $93
    Detroit $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baltimore $186
    Detroit $128
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Detroit

Looking for a hotel in Baltimore or Detroit? 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 Baltimore


Hotels in Detroit


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: Baltimore Hotel Prices and Detroit Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baltimore $21
    Detroit $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • San Francisco Airport to Oakland: Round Trip Private Transfer: $89
  • Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Ronald Reagan Airport: $174
  • Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Dulles International Airport: $209
  • Private Transfer from Baltimore Port to Baltimore Airport: $42
  • Private Transfer from Baltimore Cruise Port to Baltimore city: $42
  • Private Transfer from Baltimore City to Baltimore Cruise Port: $42
  • Private Transfer from Baltimore Airport to Baltimore Port: $42
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $56
  • Private Airport Transfer: Baltimore Airport BWI to Washington in Luxury SUV: $191
  • Private Airport Transfer: Baltimore Airport BWI to Washington in Business Car: $137
  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI - Business Vehicle: $111

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

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

  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $101
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $132
  • Detroit - Wayne County Airport One Way Transfer : $80
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $95
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $191
  • Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $95
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $144
  • Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $144

Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Detroit?

Prices for flights to both Detroit and Baltimore 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
    Baltimore $46
    Detroit $44
Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.

  • Federal Hill Food Tour: $71
  • Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
  • Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $76
  • Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise : $119
  • Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $119
  • Baltimore 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise: $194
  • Baltimore New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $251

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Detroit

For Detroit, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Fresh Mediterranean Inspired Cooking Class in a Unique Detroit Home: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baltimore $18
    Detroit $21

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
  • Assateague Island Cruise Departs from Ocean Pines: $45
  • Baltimore Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise Tour: $88
  • Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Baltimore Harbor Tour: $31
  • Baltimore Helicopter Sightseeing Tour: $182
  • Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $92
  • Baltimore Orioles Baseball Game Ticket at Oriole Park: $17
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Baltimore Signature Lunch Cruise: $76
  • Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point: $99

Tours and Activities in Detroit

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

  • Spirit and History Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.50
  • Self Guided "Detroit's Spirit and History" Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Windsor by Wacky Walks: $11
  • Detroit Tigers Baseball Game Ticket at Comerica Park: $12
  • Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Ann Arbor, MI: $15
  • Detroit Pistons Basketball Game Ticket: $19
  • Detroit Pistons Basketball Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $19
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Ann Arbor with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baltimore $17
    Detroit $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Chesapeake Region Wine Tour: $171


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baltimore and Detroit, we can see that Baltimore is more expensive. And not only is Detroit much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Detroit would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Detroit 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 Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore than you might in Detroit.

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


Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Baltimore. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Detroit in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Detroit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Baltimore is around the same temperature as Detroit in the summer. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 78°F (25°C) in July, and Detroit fluctuates around 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 Baltimore this time of the year. In the summer, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Detroit. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun.

Baltimore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Baltimore usually gets more rain in July than Detroit. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C) 
    Detroit 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Detroit in the Autumn?

Both Detroit and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Detroit in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Baltimore is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Baltimore in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Detroit averages at about 54°F (12°C).

Baltimore usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Detroit. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C) 
    Detroit 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Detroit in the Winter?

Both Detroit and Baltimore during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Detroit for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Detroit can be very cold during winter. Baltimore can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Baltimore is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 32°F (0°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Baltimore often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets more rain in January than Detroit. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C) 
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Detroit in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Detroit. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Detroit because of the activities around the city.

Baltimore is a little warmer than Detroit in the spring. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Detroit during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Detroit. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C) 
    Detroit 49°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Detroit and Baltimore

Baltimore Detroit
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
May 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Nov 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)