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

Should you visit Detroit or Hershey?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Hershey, 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 under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Hershey

Hershey is a fun-filled, playful, and lighthearted town. Visitors also love the shopping and museums.

Detroit and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Detroit or Hershey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Detroit. Although Detroit and Hershey are popular destinations, Detroit has more sights and attractions for tourists. Detroit is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Hershey attracts visitors for its resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. 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 Detroit different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hershey 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 Hershey?

Detroit
Hershey

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Detroit and Hershey.

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 Hershey. In addition to Hershey's Chocolate World, there's the Hershey Story Museum, the Hershey Historic Center, and the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. There's also the AACA Museum (a car museum).


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

Detroit
Hershey

Detroit is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Detroit offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Hershey. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Detroit or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Detroit
Hershey

Detroit is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Detroit know how to have a good time. 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.

Hershey doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Is Detroit or Hershey Better for Music?

Detroit
Hershey

Detroit is very popular for live music. However, Hershey is not a live music destination.

Detroit is a world class music destination. 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.

Hershey is not a live music destination.


Is Detroit or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Detroit
Hershey

Hershey is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit is not a resort destination.

Hershey is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Hershey?

Detroit
Hershey

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Detroit. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Many visitors go to Hershey to go shopping. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Detroit or Hershey Better for Families?

Detroit
Hershey

Hershey is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Hershey is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Hersheypark offers family-friendly resorts and camping. There's also the themed amusement park and even a zoo. When the weather's warm there's a water park and, of course, there's the famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

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 Detroit or Hershey Better for Couples?

Detroit
Hershey

Hershey is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Hershey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

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 Hershey Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Detroit
Hershey

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

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 Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

Is Detroit or Hershey a more walkable city?

Detroit
Hershey

Detroit is a popular place for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Detroit is somewhat walkable. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

Hershey is generally not a very walkable city. You really need a car to get to the area's attractions.


For even more information, also check out Is Detroit Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Detroit and Hershey. In our opinion, Detroit has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Detroit than Hershey. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Detroit, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hershey.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Detroit or Hershey? Ideal Length of Stay
    Detroit 1-3 
    Hershey 2-3

One day in Detroit or Hershey?

In Detroit, you'll find shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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.

In Hershey, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Detroit or Hershey?

In Detroit, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Detroit has to offer.

In Hershey, you'll find museums and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hershey has to offer.

Five days in Detroit or Hershey?

Detroit 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.

Hershey is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Detroit. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Detroit. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 Hershey. Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Hershey. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hershey 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 Hershey is $212. 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 Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Detroit $64
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Detroit $128
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in Detroit and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in Detroit or Hershey? 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 Hershey


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 Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Detroit $37
    Hershey $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

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

  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $99
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $129
  • Detroit - Wayne County Airport One Way Transfer : $80
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187
  • Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $141
  • Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $141

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hershey

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hershey:

  • Private transfer from MDT airport to Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hershey: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Detroit or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey 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
    Hershey $61

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 Hershey

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hershey:


  • Frozen Hot Chocolate
    $4.19
  • Plain and Fancy Farm
    $46
  • Homemade Apple Butter
    $7.98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Detroit $21
    Hershey $53

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: $6.61
  • 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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hershey

Here are a few typical costs in Hershey for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Hershey Chocolate World (for 3)
    $75

Tours and Activities in Hershey

Here are a few actual costs in Hershey for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Skip the Line: AACA Museum Admission Ticket: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Detroit $20
    Hershey $27


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


Which is Bigger, Detroit or Hershey?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Detroit and Hershey, 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 Hershey?

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 Hershey in the Summer?

Both Hershey and Detroit during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Detroit in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Detroit is generally around the same temperature as Hershey. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 74°F (24°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Detroit. In the summer, Detroit often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Detroit gets 319 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun.

Detroit usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Hershey. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Detroit 74°F (24°C) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Detroit or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Hershey. Most visitors come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Hershey because of the shopping scene.

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

Detroit usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during autumn. Detroit gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Detroit usually receives less rain than Hershey. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Detroit or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Hershey. The winter months attract visitors to Detroit because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hershey in the winter. The weather in Detroit can be very cold. In the winter, Detroit is much colder than Hershey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Detroit in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and Hershey averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Detroit often gets less sunshine than Hershey. Detroit gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun.

Detroit usually gets less rain in January than Hershey. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Detroit or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

In April, Detroit is generally cooler than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 49°F (9°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Hershey. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Detroit. Detroit usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey during spring. Detroit gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Detroit usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hershey. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Detroit 49°F (9°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and Detroit

Detroit Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)