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

Should you visit Columbus or Detroit?

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

Should I visit Columbus 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Detroit

Detroit is a under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Columbus and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Detroit?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Detroit than Columbus. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Columbus is famous for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene. Detroit is famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also well known for the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Columbus different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Columbus or Detroit.

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Detroit offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

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

Detroit is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Detroit. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Detroit is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Detroit has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Columbus or Detroit Better for Music?

Detroit is a world-class destination for live music. However, Columbus is not a live music destination.

Detroit is known as a music capital 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.

Columbus is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Detroit?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Columbus and Detroit.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Columbus. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Detroit offers some nice shopping areas. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Columbus or Detroit Better for Families?

Columbus 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, Columbus is very family-friendly. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

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 Columbus or Detroit Better for Couples?

Neither Columbus or Detroit is generally regarded as a top spot for a couple to visit.

Columbus is not the best destination for a couple to visit. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Most people don't think of Detroit as a couple's destination. 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 Columbus or Detroit Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Columbus and Detroit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

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

Is Columbus or Detroit a more walkable city?

Columbus and Detroit are nice when it comes to walkability.

Columbus is somewhat walkable. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

Detroit is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Columbus Worth Visiting? and Is Detroit Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Detroit?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Columbus and Detroit. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Detroit than in Columbus. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbus, and 1-3 days is enough time in Detroit.

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

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

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

One day in Columbus or Detroit?

In Columbus, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The city of Detroit offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Columbus or Detroit?

In Columbus, you'll find nightlife 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 Columbus has to offer.

Detroit is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Detroit, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbus or Detroit?

Columbus 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.

Detroit is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbus or Detroit?

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

Detroit is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Columbus. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Detroit in the Summer?

Both Detroit and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Detroit in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Columbus is around the same temperature as Detroit. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbus in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Detroit averages at about 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Detroit. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbus. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Detroit during summer. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Columbus. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than Detroit. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbus or Detroit in the Autumn?

Both Detroit and Columbus during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Columbus in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Columbus is generally a little warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 57°F (14°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Columbus often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Detroit. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Detroit. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Detroit in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Detroit. Most visitors come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Detroit because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Detroit can be very cold. Columbus can be very cold during winter. Columbus is much warmer than Detroit in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Detroit during winter. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Columbus usually receives more rain than Detroit. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbus or Detroit in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Detroit. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

In the spring, Columbus is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbus in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Detroit averages at about 49°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Detroit. In the spring, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Detroit. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Detroit. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Detroit and Columbus