Should you visit Detroit or Pasadena?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Pasadena, 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.
Pasadena
Pasadena, California is adjacent to Los Angeles and is probably most famous as the host for the New Year's Day Rose Parade and Rose Bowl football game. As such, it has become known as the City of Roses. Year around Pasadena is known to have a vibrant night life. It has a great Old Town area that has impressive shopping and many excellent restaurants. It's also home to the California Institute of Technology and has many museums, theaters, and independent films that make it a cultural haven for the area. Also make sure you visit the Huntington Library which has an impressive art collection and over 150 acres of botanical gardens. It's been featured in several Hollywood Films.
Which city is cheaper, Pasadena 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 Pasadena is $50. 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 Pasadena 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.
Accommodation prices vary by location and style, but travelers pay on average about $40 for a double occupancy room in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena cost around $15 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 $6.00.
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Food
Meals for one day
Detroit $36
Pasadena $15
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
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Detroit Revival Food Tours:
$139
Typical Food prices in Pasadena
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pasadena are as follows:
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.
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around $17 per day to get around in Pasadena.
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Detroit or Pasadena?
Prices for flights to both Pasadena 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.
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
Tours and Activities in Pasadena
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pasadena are as follows:
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Private Christmas Tour with Christmas Afternoon Tea Ceremony in Old Pasadena:
$220
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Private Self-Guided Tour of Pasadena in Los Angeles:
$19
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Detroit spend on average $16 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Detroit and Pasadena, we can see that Detroit is more expensive. And not only is Pasadena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pasadena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pasadena 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 Detroit would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Detroit than you might in Pasadena.
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