A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Detroit vs. Pocono Mountains for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Detroit or Pocono Mountains?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Pocono Mountains, 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a beautiful, magnificent, and relaxing region. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, skiing, and food.

Detroit and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Detroit or Pocono Mountains?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Detroit than Pocono Mountains, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Detroit is better known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Pocono Mountains is more popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Pocono Mountains is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. 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 Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pocono Mountains and Detroit. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Detroit or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Detroit
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Detroit is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Pocono Mountains. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Detroit is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Detroit or Pocono Mountains?

Detroit
Pocono Mountains

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Detroit and Pocono Mountains.

Detroit offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pocono Mountains. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

Is the Food Better in Detroit or Pocono Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Detroit
Pocono Mountains

Dining out at restaurants in both Detroit and Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains area. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Is Detroit or Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Detroit
Pocono Mountains

Detroit is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

Detroit has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.


Is Detroit or Pocono Mountains Better for Music?

Detroit
Pocono Mountains

Detroit is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Pocono Mountains is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Pocono Mountains is not a live music destination.

Is Detroit or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

Detroit
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Pocono Mountains makes a nice vacation spot. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Detroit or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Detroit
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Pocono Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Pocono Mountains?

Detroit
Pocono Mountains

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Detroit and Pocono Mountains.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Detroit. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Many visitors go to Pocono Mountains to go shopping. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Is Detroit or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Detroit
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains 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, Pocono Mountains is very family-friendly. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

Detroit
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Pocono Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Detroit
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

Detroit is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but this is still an often overlooked city.

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

Detroit
Pocono Mountains

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Detroit and Pocono Mountains.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Is Detroit or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Detroit
Pocono Mountains

Detroit is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

Detroit is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable city. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.


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

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Pocono Mountains?

Both Detroit and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than in Detroit. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Detroit, and 3-7 days is enough time in Pocono Mountains.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.


  • How many days in Detroit or Pocono Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Detroit 1-3 
    Pocono Mountains 3-7

One day in Detroit or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find food and shopping around the hardworking destination of Detroit. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Pocono Mountains, you'll find skiing and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This region 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 Pocono Mountains?

You'll find shopping and museums around the under-rated city of Detroit. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Pocono Mountains, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Detroit or Pocono Mountains?

Detroit is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Pocono Mountains is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pocono Mountains has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Detroit or Pocono Mountains?

Detroit is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area 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 Pocono Mountains. In Pocono Mountains, you'll find museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


Which place is cheaper, Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains is $174. 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 Pocono Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Detroit $64
    Pocono Mountains $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Detroit $128
    Pocono Mountains $178
Compare Hotels in Detroit and Pocono Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Detroit or Pocono Mountains? 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 Pocono Mountains


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Detroit $37
    Pocono Mountains $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61
  • Detroit - Wayne County Airport One Way Transfer : $80
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $95
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $95
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $101
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $132
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $144
  • Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $144
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $191

Is it cheaper to fly into Detroit or Pocono Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Pocono Mountains 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
    Pocono Mountains $53

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Detroit $21
    Pocono Mountains $30

Tours and Activities in Detroit

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

  • Spirit and History Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.50
  • Self Guided "Detroit's Spirit and History" Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Windsor by Wacky Walks: $11
  • Detroit Tigers Baseball Game Ticket at Comerica Park: $12
  • Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Ann Arbor, MI: $15
  • Detroit Pistons Basketball Game Ticket: $19
  • Detroit Pistons Basketball Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $19
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Ann Arbor with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20

Tours and Activities in Pocono Mountains

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pocono Mountains are as follows:

  • Delaware Water Gap Air Tour: $141
  • Private Mount Pocono Observation Air Tour: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Detroit $20
    Pocono Mountains $13


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


Which is Bigger, Detroit or Pocono Mountains?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Detroit and Pocono Mountains, 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 Pocono Mountains?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Detroit or Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Pocono Mountains. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Detroit this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Detroit is around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains in the summer. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 74°F (24°C) in July, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In the summer, Detroit often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Detroit gets 319 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pocono Mountains. Detroit usually gets less rain in July than Pocono Mountains. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Detroit 74°F (24°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Detroit or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Pocono Mountains and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Detroit is around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Detroit in October average around 54°F (12°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 55°F (13°C).

Detroit usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains during autumn. Detroit gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Detroit usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Detroit 54°F (12°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Detroit or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

Both Pocono Mountains and Detroit during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Detroit in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Pocono Mountains can be very cold during winter. Detroit can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Detroit is generally much colder than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 25°F (-4°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Detroit often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains. Detroit gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun.

Detroit usually gets less rain in January than Pocono Mountains. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Detroit or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Pocono Mountains. Most visitors come to Detroit for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the natural beauty.

Detroit is cooler than Pocono Mountains in the spring. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 49°F (9°C) in April, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pocono Mountains this time of the year. In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. Detroit usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains during spring. Detroit gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Detroit usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Detroit 49°F (9°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Detroit

Detroit Pocono Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Mar 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
May 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Jul 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Sep 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Nov 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Dec 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)