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

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Should you visit Detroit or Cleveland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Cleveland, 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: Detroit or Cleveland?

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.

Cleveland

Located on the shores of Lake Erie of the Great Lakes, Cleveland is the second largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. As a culturally diverse and thriving metropolitan area, the city is host to a vast range of sights and activities, such as world-class museums, cultural events, professional sports, and golf courses as well as plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities.

Which place is cheaper, Cleveland or Detroit?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Detroit is $133, while the average daily cost in Cleveland is $132. 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 Detroit and Cleveland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Detroit $64
    Cleveland $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Detroit $128
    Cleveland $150
Compare Hotels in Detroit and Cleveland

Looking for a hotel in Detroit or Cleveland? 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 Detroit


Hotels in Cleveland


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: Detroit Hotel Prices and Cleveland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Detroit $37
    Cleveland $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

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

  • Private Transfer to and from Toronto Pearson to Windsor Ontario : $693
  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Detroit Airport DTW: $61
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90

Typical Local Transportation prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cleveland are as follows:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Detroit or Cleveland?

Prices for flights to both Cleveland and Detroit 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
    Detroit $44
    Cleveland $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: $104

Typical Food prices in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $1.79
  • Sandwich
    $9.75
  • Large Pizza
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • West Side Market Food Tour: $49
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $74
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $91

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Detroit $21
    Cleveland $40

Tours and Activities in Detroit

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

  • Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
  • Crime Solving Detective Experience Ann Arbor, MI : $15
  • Detroit Pistons Basketball Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $23
  • Architectural Beauty and Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $115
  • Detroit Pistons Basketball Game Ticket: $26
  • Ghosts and Spirits Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Spirit and History Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.50
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan Admission Ticket: $27
  • Motor City Ghosts Tour: $33
  • Private Antique Car Tour of Historic Belle Isle: $385
  • Private Guided Walking Tour in Detroit: $92

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

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

  • Cleveland Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Game Ticket: $18
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Cleveland Ghosts Tour: $32
  • Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Game Ticket: $23
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Erie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
  • Guided Walking Tour: Downtown Highlights: $24
  • Skip the Line: Cleveland History Center Admission Ticket: $14
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cleveland Sights & Stories: $28
  • Tales of Terror Walking Tour : $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Detroit $20
    Cleveland $45

Typical Alcohol prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:


  • A Night of Shots
    $36

Sample the Local Flavors in Cleveland

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cleveland:

  • Cleveland Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Detroit and Cleveland, we can see that Detroit is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

Which is Bigger, Detroit or Cleveland?

Detroit is bigger, and its population is about 2.1 times larger than the population of Cleveland. When comparing the population of Detroit vs. Cleveland, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Detroit or Cleveland?

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 Detroit or Cleveland in the Summer?

Both Cleveland and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In July, Detroit is generally around the same temperature as Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 74°F (24°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Cleveland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Detroit. Detroit usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland during summer. Detroit gets 319 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. In July, Detroit usually receives less rain than Cleveland. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Detroit 74°F (24°C) 
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Detroit or Cleveland in the Autumn?

Both Cleveland and Detroit during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Detroit is around the same temperature as Cleveland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 54°F (12°C) in October, and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Detroit often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland. Detroit gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun.

Detroit usually gets more rain in October than Cleveland. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Detroit 54°F (12°C) 
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Detroit or Cleveland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Cleveland.

Cleveland can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Detroit. In the winter, Detroit is much colder than Cleveland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Detroit in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and Cleveland averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Detroit usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during winter. Detroit gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Detroit usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C) 
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Detroit or Cleveland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Cleveland.

In April, Detroit is generally cooler than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 49°F (9°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In the spring, Detroit often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland. Detroit gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun.

Detroit usually gets more rain in April than Cleveland. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Detroit 49°F (9°C) 
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Detroit

Detroit Cleveland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Feb 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Mar 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
May 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Jul 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Oct 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Nov 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Dec 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 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.
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Detroit vs. Cleveland Travel Comparison

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