Which place is cheaper, Detroit or Dayton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dayton or Detroit?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Detroit, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Dayton or Detroit?
Dayton
Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDayton $323Detroit $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $323, 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 Dayton and Detroit in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Detroit $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Detroit $128
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Detroit
Looking for a hotel in Dayton 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.
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: Dayton Hotel Prices and Detroit Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Detroit $37
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: $61
- Detroit - Wayne County Airport One Way Transfer : $80
- Private Arrival Transfer - from Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
- Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
- Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
- Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
- Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $99
- Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $129
- Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $141
- Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $141
- Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Detroit?
Prices for flights to both Detroit and Dayton 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
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Food Meals for one dayDayton $61Detroit $44
Typical Food Prices in Dayton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:
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Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)$17
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$34
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dayton -Detroit $21
Tours and Activities in Dayton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:
- Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
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
- Detroit Tigers Baseball Game Ticket at Comerica Park: $6.52
- Self Guided "Detroit's Spirit and History" Solo Walking Tour: $7.75
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Crazy Dash: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Windsor by Wacky Walks: $10
- Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience Ann Arbor, MI: $15
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Ann Arbor with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25
- Ghosts and Spirits Haunted Walking Tour: $26
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Detroit $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Detroit, we can see that Dayton 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 Dayton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dayton 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 Dayton Expensive? and Is Detroit Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Detroit?
Detroit has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Dayton. When comparing the sizes of Dayton 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 Dayton 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 Dayton or Detroit in the Summer?
Both Detroit and Dayton during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.
In July, Dayton is generally around the same temperature as Detroit. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 78°F (26°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dayton. In the summer, Dayton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Detroit. Dayton gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Detroit. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Detroit 74°F (24°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Detroit in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Detroit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
Dayton is a little warmer than Detroit in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
Dayton usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during autumn. Dayton gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Dayton usually receives more rain than Detroit. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Detroit 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Detroit in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Detroit. Additionally, many visitors come to Detroit in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Detroit can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dayton. In the winter, Dayton is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dayton in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Detroit averages at about 25°F (-4°C).
In the winter, Dayton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Detroit. Dayton gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Detroit. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Detroit 25°F (-4°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Detroit in the Spring?
Both Detroit and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Detroit for the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Dayton is generally a little warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 55°F (13°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).
It's quite sunny in Detroit. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dayton. Dayton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Detroit during spring. Dayton gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Dayton usually receives more rain than Detroit. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Detroit 49°F (9°C)
Typical Weather for Detroit and Dayton
| Dayton | Detroit | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 25°F (-4°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 27°F (-3°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.2 inches (80 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 65°F (19°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 43°F (6°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.