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

Should you visit Detroit or Minneapolis?

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

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

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.

Minneapolis

Known as one of the Twin Cities with its neighbor, Saint Paul, the Minneapolis area is the second largest economic center in the Midwest, behind Chicago. Originally a city of lumber and flour milling, the city has grown to prosper in commerce, rail and trucking, health care, industry, education, publishing, milling, and food processing amongst others. In addition to housing the headquarters for five Fortune 500 Companies, Minneapolis is a city of thriving culture. From visual arts, music, and theater to sporting events and award-winning restaurants, the entertainment is never lacking.

Which place is cheaper, Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis is $206. 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 Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Detroit $64
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Detroit $128
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Detroit and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Detroit or Minneapolis? 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 Minneapolis


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 Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Detroit $37
    Minneapolis $43

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 : $697
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Detroit Airport DTW: $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Detroit or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis 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
    Minneapolis $40

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Detroit $21
    Minneapolis $27

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
  • Architectural Beauty and Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $105
  • Ghosts and Spirits Haunted Walking Tour: $32
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $91
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Spirit and History Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.50
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan Admission Ticket: $27
  • Private Antique Car Tour of Historic Belle Isle: $385
  • Private Guided Walking Tour in Detroit: $92
  • Private MotorCities National Heritage Area Antique Car Tour: $475
  • SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Admission Ticket: $26
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Windsor by Wacky Walks: $11

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

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

  • "Crooked" St. Paul Gangsters Private Riding Tour (2 hrs): $480
  • Candlelight Ghost Trolley Tour in Minneapolis: $40
  • Complete Minneapolis Walking Tour: $99
  • Ghost Walking Tour in Minneapolis: $29
  • Historic Cave Tour: $15
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20
  • Mall of America: 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $44
  • Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket: $29
  • Minneapolis River Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Minneapolis River Walk: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Minneapolis Tour - Skyscrapers to City Parks - Walking/Driving: $170

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Detroit $20
    Minneapolis $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brews Cruise Hop-On Hop-Off Brewery Loop Full-Day Tour: $25
  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $90


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

Which is Bigger, Detroit or Minneapolis?

Detroit is bigger, and its population is about 2.6 times larger than the population of Minneapolis. When comparing the population of Detroit vs. Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis in the Summer?

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

Detroit is around the same temperature as Minneapolis in the summer. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 74°F (24°C) in July, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Minneapolis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Detroit. Detroit usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during summer. Detroit gets 319 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Detroit usually receives around the same amount of rain as Minneapolis. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Detroit 74°F (24°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Detroit or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Detroit is a little warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Detroit in October average around 54°F (12°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In the autumn, Detroit often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis. Detroit gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun.

Detroit usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Detroit 54°F (12°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Detroit or Minneapolis in the Winter?

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

Minneapolis can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Detroit. In January, Detroit is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 25°F (-4°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

Detroit usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during winter. Detroit gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Detroit usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Detroit or Minneapolis in the Spring?

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

Detroit is around the same temperature as Minneapolis in the spring. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 49°F (9°C) in April, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In the spring, Detroit often gets less sunshine than Minneapolis. Detroit gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun.

Detroit usually gets more rain in April than Minneapolis. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Detroit

Detroit Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 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. Minneapolis Travel Comparison

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