Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Detroit?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Detroit or Las Vegas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Las Vegas, 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 live music, food, and shopping.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a colorful, sinful, and fun-filled entertainment capital. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.
Detroit and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons
Detroit
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with couples
- Less popular with backpackers
Las Vegas
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Nice resorts
- Fun shopping
- Good for couples and romance
- Big city activities
- Home to the Strip
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular with backpackers
Is there more to do in Detroit or Las Vegas?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Las Vegas than Detroit. While Detroit is larger than Las Vegas, Las Vegas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Las Vegas is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also well known for The Strip. Detroit is famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry.
How is Detroit different from Las Vegas?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas?
Detroit
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Las Vegas can be an interesting and educational experience. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Detroit. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.
Is Detroit or Las Vegas Better for Theater?
Detroit
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its theatre productions. However, Detroit is not a theatre destination.
Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Las Vegas. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.
Detroit is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Detroit or Las Vegas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Detroit
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Las Vegas is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.
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 Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?
Detroit
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.
The nightlife in Las Vegas is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.
Detroit is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.
Is Detroit or Las Vegas Better for Music?
Detroit
Las Vegas
It can be fun to see live music in either Detroit and Las Vegas.
With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Detroit. 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.
In Las Vegas you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.
Is Detroit or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?
Detroit
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit is not a resort destination.
Las Vegas offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.
Detroit is not a resort destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Las Vegas?
Detroit
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.
Known for shopping, Las Vegas draws large crowds to its stores. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.
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 Las Vegas Better for Families?
Detroit
Las Vegas
Detroit is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital 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.
Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.
Is Detroit or Las Vegas Better for Couples?
Detroit
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.
Las Vegas has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.
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 Las Vegas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Detroit
Las Vegas
Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Detroit and Las Vegas.
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 Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.
Is Detroit or Las Vegas a more walkable city?
Detroit
Las Vegas
Detroit and Las Vegas are nice when it comes to walkability.
Detroit is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.
Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable city. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.
For even more information, also check out Is Detroit Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Detroit?
How long in Detroit or Las Vegas?
Both Detroit and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Detroit. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Detroit, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.
Families should spend more time in Detroit than Las Vegas. 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 Las Vegas than Detroit. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Las Vegas that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas.
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How many days in Detroit or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of StayDetroit 1-3Las Vegas 2-7
One day in Detroit or Las Vegas?
You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Detroit. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Detroit has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This entertainment capital 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 Las Vegas?
You'll find live music and food around the hardworking destination of Detroit. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Las Vegas has to offer.
Five days in Detroit or Las Vegas?
Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the under-rated city of Detroit. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Las Vegas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Las Vegas has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Detroit or Las Vegas?
Detroit is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Las Vegas. Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDetroit $133Las Vegas $310
The average daily cost (per person) in Detroit is $133, while the average daily cost in Las Vegas is $310. 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 Las Vegas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDetroit $64Las Vegas $158
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDetroit $128Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Detroit and Las Vegas
Looking for a hotel in Detroit or Las Vegas? 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: Detroit Hotel Prices and Las Vegas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Detroit $37Las Vegas $53
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
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24 Hr Bus Pass$15
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24 hrs Deuce Bus$7.00
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Taxi from Airport to the Strip$36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:
- Transfer in private minivan from Las Vegas The Strip- Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $76
- Transfer in private minivan from Las Vegas Airport (LAS)- Las Vegas The Strip: $76
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Las Vegas The Strip - Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $58
- Transfer from Airport to Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel: $50
- RoundTrip Private Transfer Las Vegas by Luxury SUV Cadillac Escalade up to 5 pax: $232
- Round trip Private Transfer Las Vegas airport by eco friendly premium cars: $168
- Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Business Car: $114
- Private Transfer: Las Vegas to LAS Airport by Luxury SUV or Limousine up to 8 p: $113
- Private Transfer in Las Vegas with Personal Driver: $175
- Private Transfer from Subic Bay Cruise Port to Angeles City: $46
- Private Transfer from Salomague Port to Laoag Airport (LAO) : $46
- Private Transfer from Salomague Cruise Port to Laoag city hotels: $46
Is it cheaper to fly into Detroit or Las Vegas?
Prices for flights to both Las Vegas 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
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Food Meals for one dayDetroit $44Las Vegas $80
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 Las Vegas
Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
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Coffee$5.00
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Deep Fried Twinkie$1.07
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Chocolate Dip Banana$1.07
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Gelato$5.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Las Vegas.
- Half-Day Private Manila Food Tour: True Philippine Experience: $40
- Guest Artists Chuck Wagon Dinner Show in Henderson: $49
- Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show at the Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
- Manila Night Market and Food tour experience with Mari: $62
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience : $65
- Manila A Walking Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink: $70
- Makati Street Food tour Experience with Mari: $73
- Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $75
- Tournament of Kings Dinner and Show at Excalibur Hotel and Casino: $78
- Las Vegas Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $80
- Market Tour and Provincial Filipino Cooking Class in the Countryside: $88
- Private Filipino cooking class in a local Manila Home: $90
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Detroit $21Las Vegas $78
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:
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Wedding Chapel$139
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Atomic Testing Museum (two people)$12
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Gondola Ride (4 person)$64
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Monorail Ride$5.00
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NY NY Rollercoaster$14
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Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass$26
Tours and Activities in Las Vegas
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Las Vegas are as follows:
- 4 Gun Vegas Desert Shooting Adventure with Lunch from Las Vegas: $199
- 7-Hours Tour of Manila: Eat, Walk & Explore: $64
- All Day GoCar Ultimate Las Vegas Day Tour: $205
- Horseback Riding Tour in Las Vegas: $85
- Manila; Walking Foods and Drinks Tour : $70
- Nellis Desert Exploration Jeep Tour Off Road You Drive We Guide: $283
- Vegas Strip and Red Rock Canyon Guided Trike or Slingshot Tour : $189
- 1-Day Zion & Bryce Canyon National Park Bus Tour: $199
- 1-Day Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park Tour: $249
- 1.5 Hr Las Vegas Strip Limo Tour with Champagne and Photos: $549
- 1.5-Hour Express Bike Tour in Intramuros (tour using a bamboo bicycle!): $22
- 1.5-Hour Guided Raft Tour at the Base of the Hoover Dam: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDetroit $20Las Vegas $55
Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:
- Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $36
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
- Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $50
- Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $50
- Fremont Street Party Bus and Bar Crawl: $50
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $50
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
- Las Vegas Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Free Drinks: $59
- Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
- Nightclub and Bar Crawl with Party Bus and Drinks: $69
- Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $70
- Fremont Street-Old Vegas Bar Crawl: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Detroit and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Detroit or Las Vegas?
Detroit has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Las Vegas. When comparing the sizes of Detroit and Las Vegas, 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.
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.