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

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Should you visit Detroit or Phoenix?

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

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

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.

Phoenix

The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.

Which city is cheaper, Phoenix or Detroit?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Detroit is $112, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $187. 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. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Detroit and Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Detroit $56
    Phoenix $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Detroit $112
    Phoenix $226
Compare Hotels in Detroit and Phoenix

Looking for a hotel in Detroit or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix


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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Detroit $30
    Phoenix $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

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

  • Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW): $622
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212
  • Private Transfer From Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Detroit City: One Way Arrival Transfer: $149
  • Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $122
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $122
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $106
  • Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $106
  • Transfer from Detroit Metropolitan Airport to Detroit: $100
  • Detroit - Wayne County Airport One Way Transfer: $80
  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix

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

  • Transfer from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $56
  • Sedan Airport One Way Transfer Phoenix to Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona or Tucson: $309
  • SUV Airport One Way Transfer Phoenix to Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona, or Tucson: $334
  • Private Transfer: Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): $622
  • Private Transfer: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Phoenix: $622
  • Private Phoenix Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $114
  • Private Phoenix Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $114
  • Private Phoenix International Airport Transfer to Pittsburgh: $48
  • Private Departure Transfer to Phoenix Airport (PHX): $26
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Phoenix Airport (PHX): $26
  • Private Transfer to/from Phoenix Airport (PHX): $128
  • Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) - Departure Private Transfer: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Detroit or Phoenix?

Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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 $36
    Phoenix $42

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: $94
  • Detroit Revival Food Tours: $139

Typical Food prices in Phoenix

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

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

  • Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Detroit $17
    Phoenix $32

Tours and Activities in Detroit

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

  • 2020 Preservation Detroit Saturday Eastern Market Tour: $18
  • 90 minute Segway Experience: $64
  • Detroit Beer History Walking Tour: $39
  • Detroit Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $30
  • Detroit Walking Tour Including Rides on the People Mover: $29
  • Pre Mother's Day Detroit Shopping Tour: $49

Tours and Activities in Phoenix

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.

  • 2-Day Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix: $539
  • 3-Day Sedona and Grand Canyon Rail Experience: $820
  • 4 Person Guided U Drive Jeep Experience: $650
  • A Day In The Old West Adventure including Horseback Ride and Cowboy Lunch: $325
  • ATV Rentals and Tours: $350
  • Apache Trail Full Day Small Group Tour: $149
  • Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Tour: $129
  • Awesome Instagram Tour of Phoenix: $150
  • BYOB Pedal Bar Experience In Old Town Scottsdale: $53
  • Biplane - 30 Minute Scenic Sightseeing Tour in Phoenix: $250
  • Christmas | Holiday Lights ISM Zoomtown Lights 2 Hour Tour: $320
  • Christmas | Holiday light Illuminations Symphony of lights only 2 hour Tours: $320

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Detroit $16
    Phoenix $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:

  • Wine Tours, Airport Transportation and more!: $100
  • Custom Arizona Brewery Tour: $245
  • Scottsdale: Mountain Biking and Brewery Tour: $250
  • From Phoenix/Scottsdale: Sedona Hiking & Wine Tasting Tour: $275
  • Private Southern Arizona Wine Tour Phoenix to Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards: $997
  • Private Wine Tour from Phoenix to Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards: $1,650

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Detroit or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Phoenix.

Phoenix can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Detroit is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Detroit in July are around 74°F (24°C), and Phoenix is about 98°F (36°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. Detroit usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Detroit gets 319 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Detroit usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Detroit 74°F (24°C) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

Should I visit Detroit or Phoenix in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Phoenix.

In October, Detroit is generally much colder than Phoenix. Temperatures in Detroit average around 54°F (12°C), and Phoenix stays around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. In the autumn, Detroit often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Detroit gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

Detroit usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Detroit 54°F (12°C) 
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Detroit or Phoenix in the Winter?

Both Phoenix and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Detroit can get quite cold in the winter. Detroit is much colder than Phoenix in the winter. The temperature in Detroit is usually 25°F (-4°C) in January, and Phoenix stays around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. Detroit usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Detroit gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Detroit usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Detroit or Phoenix in the Spring?

Both Phoenix and Detroit during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Detroit is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Detroit in April are around 49°F (9°C), and Phoenix is about 74°F (23°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Detroit. In the spring, Detroit often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Detroit gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Detroit usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Detroit 49°F (9°C) 
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Detroit

Detroit Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)


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Detroit vs. Phoenix Travel Comparison

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