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

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.

Detroit

Detroit is a hardworking, overlooked , and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a innovative, diverse, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Detroit and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Detroit or Minneapolis?

You'll generally find more things to do in Detroit than Minneapolis. Detroit is bigger than Minneapolis, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Detroit is better known for its music, while Minneapolis is more popular for its museums and shopping. Minneapolis is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. Detroit is well known for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. Also, Detroit is famous for the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Detroit different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art 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 the Food Better in Detroit or Minneapolis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Detroit and Minneapolis can be an enjoyable experience.

Detroit has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Minneapolis area. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Detroit or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Detroit and Minneapolis.

Detroit has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Minneapolis is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

Is Detroit or Minneapolis Better for Music?

Detroit is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Minneapolis is not a live music destination.

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.

Minneapolis is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis 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, Minneapolis draws large crowds to its stores. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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 Minneapolis Better for Families?

Minneapolis is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Minneapolis is very family-friendly. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

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 Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Minneapolis is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Minneapolis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

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 Minneapolis Better for Students?

Minneapolis is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Detroit is not popular with students.

Minneapolis is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Detroit is not popular with students.

Is Detroit or Minneapolis Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Minneapolis is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Minneapolis has some public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Is Detroit or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Detroit and Minneapolis are notable 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.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable city. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Detroit or Minneapolis. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Minneapolis due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Detroit, and 2-4 days is enough time in Minneapolis.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis.

One day in Detroit or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the hardworking city of Detroit. Most people visit for the live music. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Minneapolis, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city 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 Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the overlooked destination of Detroit. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Minneapolis, you'll find food and shopping. 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 shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Minneapolis has to offer.

Five days in Detroit or Minneapolis?

The hardworking city of Detroit offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Minneapolis 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.

A week in Detroit or Minneapolis?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Detroit. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the live music. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Minneapolis. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Minneapolis. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 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.

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.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Detroit Expensive? and Is Minneapolis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Detroit or Minneapolis?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Minneapolis. When comparing the sizes of Detroit and 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 along with the activities and attractions 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. The summer months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.

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.

Should I visit Detroit or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

Both Minneapolis and Detroit during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Detroit this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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.

Should I visit Detroit or Minneapolis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Minneapolis. Many travelers come to Detroit for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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.

Should I visit Detroit or Minneapolis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Minneapolis. Many visitors come to Detroit in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the activities around the city during these months.

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.

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Detroit