Which city is cheaper, San Diego or Detroit?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Detroit vs. San Diego for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Detroit or San Diego?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or San Diego, 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 San Diego?
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.
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDetroit $112San Diego $161
The average daily cost (per person) in Detroit is $112, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $161. 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 San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDetroit $56San Diego $91
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDetroit $112San Diego $182
Compare Hotels in Detroit and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Detroit or San Diego? 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.
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 San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Detroit $30San Diego $19
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 San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from San Diego International Airport to San Diego: $62
- Tijuana Border Crossing Private Transfer To Los Angeles.: $398
- SAN Airport Private Transfer: $77
- San Diego to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Departure Private Transfer: $357
- San Diego to Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) - Departure Private Transfer: $342
- San Diego hotel/address to San Diego Airport (SAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- San Diego Private Transfer To Palm Springs.: $398
- San Diego Private Transfer To N. Hollywood/Burbank area.: $398
- San Diego Private Transfer To Los Angeles.: $389
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego hotel/address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $119
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
- Private transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport (SAN): $622
Is it cheaper to fly into Detroit or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego 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
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Food Meals for one dayDetroit $36San Diego $36
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 San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- San Diego North Park Food Tour: $49
- Liberty Station Food Tour: $49
- Market and Guacamole Cooking Class in Tijuana Mexico: $89
- Private Cooking Demonstration of Indian Fusion Cuisine in San Diego: $96
- Farmers Market Tour & Social Cooking With A Chef: $100
- San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise: $111
- Private Tour: Secret Food Tours San Diego: $129
- Secret Food Tours San Diego w/ Private Tour Option: $277
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Detroit $17San Diego $38
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
Typical Entertainment prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- 1-Hour Voodoo Escape Room Experience in San Diego: $35
- 1Hr GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $63
- 2 Hour Whale Watching Kayak Tour for Two: $77
- 4 Hour Whale Watching/Eco Adventure: $163
- Affordable, Luxury Sailing Tour of San Diego's Bay and Coastal Waterways: $112
- All Day San Diego City and Shopping Tour: $95
- All Inclusive Beer Tour-Party bus: $169
- Behind-the-Scenes at Petco Park Tour: $23
- Brothels, Bites and Booze: A Culinary Tour of San Diego's Questionable Past: $69
- Catamaran Sailing Cruise on San Diego Bay for up to 12 Guests: $1,200
- Catamaran Sailing Cruise on San Diego Bay for up to 6 Guests: $600
- Coastal Beauty - Private Sunset & Night Photography Tour: $455
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDetroit $16San Diego $17
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $12
- Wine Tasting Or Beer Tasting: $15
- San Diego Brewery Tour: $85
- San Diego Micro Brewery Tour: $91
- The San Diego Downtown Craft Brewery Tour: $95
- The San Diego Downtown Craft Brewery Tour: $101
- Private San Diego Brewery Tour: $107
- All inclusive brewery tour-Fire Truck: $189
- Luxury Private Wine Tasting Tour to Guadalupe Valley from San Diego.: $249
- Private Wine Tour of Temecula from San Diego: $475
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Detroit and San Diego, we can see that San Diego 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego than you might in Detroit.
When is the best time to visit Detroit or San Diego?
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 San Diego in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and San Diego. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Detroit is around the same temperature as San Diego in the summer. The temperature in Detroit is usually 74°F (24°C) in July, and San Diego stays around 71°F (22°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego 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 San Diego during summer. Detroit gets 319 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Detroit usually receives more rain than San Diego. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDetroit 74°F (24°C)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Detroit or San Diego in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Detroit as well as San Diego. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Detroit is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Detroit in October are around 54°F (12°C), and San Diego is about 68°F (20°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the autumn, Detroit often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Detroit gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.
Detroit usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDetroit 54°F (12°C)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Detroit or San Diego in the Winter?
Both San Diego and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Detroit can be very cold during winter. In January, Detroit is generally much colder than San Diego. Temperatures in Detroit average around 25°F (-4°C), and San Diego stays around 57°F (14°C).
It's quite sunny in San Diego. Detroit usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Detroit gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Detroit usually receives more rain than San Diego. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDetroit 25°F (-4°C)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Detroit or San Diego in the Spring?
Both San Diego and Detroit during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.
Detroit is much colder than San Diego in the spring. The temperature in Detroit is usually 49°F (9°C) in April, and San Diego stays around 62°F (17°C).
In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Detroit. In the spring, Detroit often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Detroit gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.
Detroit usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDetroit 49°F (9°C)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Detroit
| Detroit | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°F (-4°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 27°F (-3°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 37°F (3°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 49°F (9°C) | 3.2 inches (80 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 60°F (16°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 70°F (21°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 73°F (23°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 65°F (19°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 54°F (12°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 43°F (6°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
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