Should you visit Columbia or Detroit?
Should I visit Columbia or Detroit? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
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 $107. 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. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Columbia and Detroit in more detail.
Accommodation
The prices for places to stay in Detroit can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is $51, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $102.
Food
The price of a meal in Columbia can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $4.02 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $1.61 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
In Detroit travelers spend around $36 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
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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:
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Fresh Mediterranean Inspired Cooking Class in a Unique Detroit Home:
$94
-
Detroit Revival Food Tours:
$139
Local Transportation
Public transportation tends to be much less expensive in Detroit than paying for a taxi or private car service, as is expected. Typically, people spend $30 on transportation in Detroit on average per day.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit
Also for Detroit, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW:
$43
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Detroit - Wayne County Airport One Way Transfer:
$80
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Transfer from Detroit Metropolitan Airport to Detroit:
$100
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Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer:
$106
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Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer:
$106
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Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City:
$122
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Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport:
$122
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Private Transfer From Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Detroit City: One Way Arrival Transfer:
$149
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Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$212
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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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing expenses in Detroit, including the cost of admission tickets for day tours, museums, and attractions, usually cost an average of $17 per day, per person.
Tours and Activities in Detroit
For Detroit, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Entry & Guided Tour:
$15
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2020 Preservation Detroit Saturday Eastern Market Tour:
$18
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The Rise, Fall & Renewal Walking Tour:
$29
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Downtown Detroit Walking Tour with a Local:
$29
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Corktown is Popping! Small Group Walking Tour:
$29
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Detroit Walking Tour Including Rides on the People Mover:
$29
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Detroit Like a Local: Customized Private Tour:
$30
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Detroit Beer History Walking Tour:
$39
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Pre Mother's Day Detroit Shopping Tour:
$49
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90 minute Segway Experience:
$64
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Foods and Flavors of Detroit Private Tour:
$130
Alcohol
The average person spends about $70 on alcoholic beverages in Columbia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Typically, people visiting Detroit spend on average $16 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
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.
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