Should you visit Detroit or Juneau?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Juneau, this travel cost comparison can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
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.
Juneau
Juneau, Alaska is the capital city of the state, and it is also one of the most beautiful cities. Juneau is surrounded by two large mountains and a channel, so it is the only state capital not accessible by train or car. It is lined with small streets, including what is locally known as “stair streets” which can only be accessed by foot and include walking up 100-300 stairs, depending on which level you're going to. Luckily, most of the sights and stores are on the lower level, though. The only real structures located on the stair streets are residential buildings. Juneau is the most visited city in Alaska, but its population is just over 33,000. Its economy is based mostly on government, tourism, fishing, and mining.
Which city is cheaper, Juneau or Detroit?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Detroit is $107, while the average daily cost in Juneau is $128. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Detroit and Juneau in more detail.
Accommodation
The prices for places to stay in Detroit can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is $51, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $102.
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around $70. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Juneau the cost is $140 on average.
Food
In Detroit travelers spend around $36 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
On average, meal and food prices in Juneau cost around $39 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around $16.
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Food
Meals for one day
Detroit $36
Juneau $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Detroit
For Detroit, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Fresh Mediterranean Inspired Cooking Class in a Unique Detroit Home:
$94
-
Detroit Revival Food Tours:
$139
Local Transportation
Public transportation tends to be much less expensive in Detroit than paying for a taxi or private car service, as is expected. Typically, people spend $30 on transportation in Detroit on average per day.
The average price of local transportation around Juneau is $30 per person, per day. As this average includes both taxis and public transport, keep in mind that the prices of private drivers and taxis are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit
Also for Detroit, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW:
$43
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Detroit - Wayne County Airport One Way Transfer:
$80
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Transfer from Detroit Metropolitan Airport to Detroit:
$100
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Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer:
$106
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Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer:
$106
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Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City:
$122
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Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport:
$122
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Private Transfer From Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Detroit City: One Way Arrival Transfer:
$149
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Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$212
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Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW):
$622
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Juneau
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Juneau:
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Private Departure Transfer to Juneau Airport (JNU):
$48
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Private Arrival Transfer from Juneau Airport (JNU):
$48
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Helena Airport One Way Transfer:
$53
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Airport Transfer via Private Mercedes Sprinter Limo:
$160
Is it cheaper to fly into Detroit or Juneau?
Prices for flights to both Juneau 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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing expenses in Detroit, including the cost of admission tickets for day tours, museums, and attractions, usually cost an average of $17 per day, per person.
Juneau's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around $14 per person, per day. This cost can vary widely by the type of activity, however, as this includes admission tickets, day tours, museums, and other things to do.
Tours and Activities in Detroit
For Detroit, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Entry & Guided Tour:
$15
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2020 Preservation Detroit Saturday Eastern Market Tour:
$18
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The Rise, Fall & Renewal Walking Tour:
$29
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Downtown Detroit Walking Tour with a Local:
$29
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Corktown is Popping! Small Group Walking Tour:
$29
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Detroit Walking Tour Including Rides on the People Mover:
$29
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Detroit Like a Local: Customized Private Tour:
$30
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Detroit Beer History Walking Tour:
$39
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Pre Mother's Day Detroit Shopping Tour:
$49
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90 minute Segway Experience:
$64
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Foods and Flavors of Detroit Private Tour:
$130
Typical Entertainment prices in Juneau
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Juneau are as follows:
Tours and Activities in Juneau
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Juneau are as follows:
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Alpine Zipline Adventure in Juneau, AK:
$169
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Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure in Juneau:
$29
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Goldtown Segway Adventure:
$126
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Half-Day Tour to Mendenhall Glacier and King Crab from Juneau:
$114
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Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure:
$75
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Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure:
$75
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Historic Gold Panning Adventure & Salmon Bake:
$103
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Juneau City Sightseeing and Mendenhall Glacier Tour:
$63
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Juneau City and Mendenhall Glacier Combo Tour:
$63
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Juneau Helicopter Tour and Dogsledding Experience:
$569
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Juneau Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk:
$324
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Juneau Self-Guided Audio Tour:
$15
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Detroit spend on average $16 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
The average person spends about $13 on alcoholic beverages in Juneau per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Sample the Local Flavors in Juneau
Also in Juneau, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
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Juneau Shore Excursion: Alaskan Brewery & Tasting Experience:
$63
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Detroit and Juneau, we can see that Juneau 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 Juneau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Juneau than you might in Detroit.
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