Should you visit Detroit or Phoenix?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Phoenix, 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.
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. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Detroit and Phoenix 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 $56, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $112.
Travelers usually pay around $226 for a double occupancy room in Phoenix If you want to be in a premiere location or have high end amenities, you can expect to pay a bit more.
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.
Phoenix's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $28 per person, per day on transportation in Phoenix.
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
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.
In Phoenix travelers spend around $42 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.
-
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:
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
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.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Phoenix can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $32 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
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
Typically, people visiting Detroit spend on average $16 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Phoenix, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $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
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.
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