A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Detroit vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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.

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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque, quaint, and charming town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Detroit and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Detroit. Although Detroit and Carmel-by-the-Sea are both popular with visitors, Detroit has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Detroit is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. Detroit is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also home to the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Detroit different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Detroit and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Is the Food Better in Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Carmel-by-the-Sea has a huge number of terrific restaurants. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

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 Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Detroit is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

Detroit offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Music?

Detroit is renowned for its music scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

In Detroit you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

Is Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for the beache. However, Detroit is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is well-known for its shopping. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

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 Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Detroit is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Detroit is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

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 Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Detroit and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

Is Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walkable town. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

Detroit is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Detroit Worth Visiting? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Detroit and Carmel-by-the-Sea. In our opinion, Carmel-by-the-Sea has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Detroit. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

One day in Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Detroit, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With museums and nightlife around the overlooked city of Detroit, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Carmel-by-the-Sea has to offer.

Five days in Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the hardworking destination of Detroit. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A week in Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Detroit is a popular choice for travelers. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Since Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Detroit and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Detroit is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Detroit Expensive? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Detroit and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Detroit this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Detroit is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the summer temperatures in Detroit in July average around 74°F (24°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Detroit usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Detroit is generally cooler than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 54°F (12°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Detroit usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Detroit during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Detroit in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Detroit can get quite cold in the winter. Detroit is much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 25°F (-4°C) in January, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Detroit usually gets less rain in January than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most visitors come to Detroit for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Detroit is cooler than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the spring temperatures in Detroit in April average around 49°F (9°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In April, Detroit usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Detroit