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

Should you visit Boca Raton or Detroit?

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 Boca Raton and Detroit. 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.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a posh, outdoorsy, and relaxed coastal city. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Detroit

Detroit is a overlooked , under-rated, and hardworking city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Boca Raton and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Detroit?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Boca Raton than Detroit. While Detroit is larger than Boca Raton, Boca Raton has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Boca Raton is more popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Detroit is known for its music and big city activities. Boca Raton is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also home to Red Reef Park. Detroit is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry.

How is Boca Raton different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Detroit?

Boca Raton
Detroit

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton can be an interesting and educational experience. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

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 Boca Raton or Detroit? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boca Raton
Detroit

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

Boca Raton has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

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 Boca Raton or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton
Detroit

The vibe at night is great in both Boca Raton and Detroit.

Many people head to Boca Raton for the nightlife scene. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Detroit has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Boca Raton or Detroit Better for Music?

Boca Raton
Detroit

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

Detroit has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.

Boca Raton is not a live music destination.


Is Boca Raton or Detroit Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton
Detroit

Boca Raton is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit is not a resort destination.

Boca Raton is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Boca Raton or Detroit Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton
Detroit

Boca Raton is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Detroit is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Boca Raton has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Detroit is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Detroit Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton
Detroit

Boca Raton is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Detroit is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Boca Raton are among the best in the world. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Detroit is not a beach destination.


Is Boca Raton or Detroit Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton
Detroit

Boca Raton is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Boca Raton has hiking trails worth exploring. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Detroit?

Boca Raton
Detroit

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

Boca Raton is well-known for its shopping. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

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 Boca Raton or Detroit Better for Families?

Boca Raton
Detroit

Boca Raton 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, Boca Raton is very family-friendly. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

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 Boca Raton or Detroit Better for Couples?

Boca Raton
Detroit

Boca Raton is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Boca Raton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

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

Boca Raton
Detroit

Boca Raton is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Boca Raton has some public transit options. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

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

Is Boca Raton or Detroit a more walkable city?

Boca Raton
Detroit

Boca Raton and Detroit are good when it comes to walkability.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable coastal city. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

Detroit is somewhat walkable. 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 Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Detroit Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Detroit?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boca Raton and Detroit. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boca Raton than in Detroit. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 1-3 days is enough time in Detroit.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton.


  • How many days in Boca Raton or Detroit? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boca Raton 3-5 
    Detroit 1-3

One day in Boca Raton or Detroit?

In Boca Raton, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With live music and food around the overlooked city of Detroit, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Detroit, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Detroit?

In Boca Raton, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With food and shopping around the destination of Detroit, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Boca Raton or Detroit?

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Boca Raton has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Detroit, 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 Boca Raton or Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boca Raton. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Boca Raton. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Detroit is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Detroit or Boca Raton?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Boca Raton is $283, 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 Boca Raton and Detroit in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boca Raton $171
    Detroit $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boca Raton $342
    Detroit $128
Compare Hotels in Boca Raton and Detroit

Looking for a hotel in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton


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: Boca Raton Hotel Prices and Detroit Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boca Raton $76
    Detroit $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boca Raton

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

  • Private Transfer from West Palm Beach to (FLL) Airport: $115
  • Delray Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Delray Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Boynton Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Boynton Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Boca Raton to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Boca Raton to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)- Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Boca Raton Private Transfer to FLL (UP TO 14 PASS): $80
  • Private Delray Beach Transfer and Fort Lauderdale Airport: $84

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

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

  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187
  • Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $142
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $142
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $130
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $99
  • Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $94
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $94
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Boca Raton or Detroit?

Prices for flights to both Detroit and Boca Raton 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
    Boca Raton $67
    Detroit $44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boca Raton

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

  • Delray Beach Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109

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.
    Boca Raton $28
    Detroit $21

Tours and Activities in Boca Raton

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

  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $160
  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $150
  • Boca Raton-Delray Beach 1-Hour Private Jet Ski Guided Tour: $165
  • Delray Beach Food & Drinks Tour: $104

Tours and Activities in Detroit

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

  • Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
  • Detroit Tigers Baseball Game Ticket at Comerica Park: $9.31
  • Architectural Beauty and Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $115
  • Ghosts and Spirits Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Segway Tour Strait to the Point: $99
  • Spirit and History Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.50
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Ann Arbor with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan Admission Ticket: $26
  • Motor City Ghosts Tour: $33
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Ann Arbor, MI: $15
  • SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boca Raton $40
    Detroit $20


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


Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton or Detroit?

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 Boca Raton or Detroit in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Detroit. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Boca Raton is generally a little warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 82°F (28°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Detroit during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun in the summer.

Boca Raton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Detroit. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Boca Raton 82°F (28°C) 
    Detroit 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Detroit in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Detroit. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Boca Raton is much warmer than Detroit in the autumn. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than Detroit. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Boca Raton 78°F (25°C) 
    Detroit 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Detroit in the Winter?

Both Detroit and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

It's quite cold in Detroit in the winter. In the winter, Boca Raton is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the winter temperatures in Boca Raton in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Detroit averages at about 25°F (-4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Detroit. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Boca Raton 65°F (19°C) 
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Detroit in the Spring?

Both Detroit and Boca Raton during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Detroit for the activities around the city.

In April, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 74°F (23°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in April than Detroit. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Boca Raton 74°F (23°C) 
    Detroit 49°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Detroit and Boca Raton

Boca Raton Detroit
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)