A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbia vs. Detroit for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Columbia or Detroit?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Detroit? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Columbia or Detroit?

Columbia

Both the largest and capital city of South Carolina, Columbia is literally the center of everything. Geographically it is located in the middle of the state, and it is the home to the University of South Carolina, the Army's Fort Jackson, as well as a variety of museums that celebrate the city's art, history, and culture.

Detroit

Detroit is the largest city in the Midwestern state of Michigan. Near Downtown, the neoclassical Detroit Institute of Arts is famed for the Detroit Industry Murals painted by Diego Rivera, and inspired by the city's ties to the auto industry, giving it the nickname "Motor City." Detroit is also the birthplace of Motown Records, whose chart-topping history is on display at their original headquarters, Hitsville U.S.A.

Which city is cheaper, Detroit or Columbia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Columbia is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Detroit is $112. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Columbia and Detroit in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbia -
    Detroit $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbia $0.00
    Detroit $112
Compare Hotels in Columbia and Detroit

Looking for a hotel in Columbia 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 Columbia


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: Columbia Hotel Prices and Detroit Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbia -
    Detroit $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $43
  • Detroit - Wayne County Airport One Way Transfer: $80
  • Transfer from Detroit Metropolitan Airport to Detroit: $100
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $106
  • Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $106
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $122
  • Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $122
  • Private Transfer From Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Detroit City: One Way Arrival Transfer: $149
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212
  • Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW): $622

Is it cheaper to fly into Columbia or Detroit?

Prices for flights to both Detroit and Columbia 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
    Columbia $4.02
    Detroit $36

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: $94
  • Detroit Revival Food Tours: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Columbia -
    Detroit $17

Tours and Activities in Columbia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Columbia are as follows:

  • Cascade Locks: 1-Hour Columbia River Sightseeing Cruise: $50
  • Cascade Locks: Columbia Gorge Sunday Brunch Cruise: $94
  • Portland: Columbia Gorge Flight Tour: $99
  • Portland: Columbia River Gorge 3-Hour Small Group Tour: $85
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $199
  • Savannah: History & Ghosts Guided Tour with Beverage Stops: $20

Tours and Activities in Detroit

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

  • 2020 Preservation Detroit Saturday Eastern Market Tour: $18
  • Detroit Walking Tour Including Rides on the People Mover: $29
  • Detroit Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $30
  • Detroit Beer History Walking Tour: $39
  • Pre Mother's Day Detroit Shopping Tour: $49
  • 90 minute Segway Experience: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbia $70
    Detroit $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Columbia

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

  • Savannah: Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour: $30

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Columbia 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 Columbia or Detroit in the Summer?

Both Detroit and Columbia during the summer are popular places to visit.

Columbia is a little warmer than Detroit in the summer. The temperature in Columbia is usually 82°F (28°C) in July, and Detroit stays around 74°F (24°C).

In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Columbia. In the summer, Columbia often gets less sunshine than Detroit. Columbia gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually gets more rain in July than Detroit. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Columbia or Detroit in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Detroit.

In the autumn, Columbia is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbia in October are around 64°F (18°C), and Detroit is about 54°F (12°C).

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during autumn. Columbia gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbia usually receives more rain than Detroit. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Detroit 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Detroit in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Detroit.

The weather in Detroit can be very cold. In January, Columbia is generally much warmer than Detroit. Temperatures in Columbia average around 45°F (7°C), and Detroit stays around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Columbia gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets more rain in January than Detroit. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbia 45°F (7°C) 
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Detroit in the Spring?

Both Detroit and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Columbia is much warmer than Detroit in the spring. The temperature in Columbia is usually 64°F (18°C) in April, and Detroit stays around 49°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Detroit. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during spring. Columbia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbia usually receives less rain than Detroit. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Detroit 49°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Detroit and Columbia

Columbia Detroit
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Feb 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 56°F (13°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)


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Columbia vs. Detroit Travel Comparison

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