A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Detroit vs. San Diego for Music, Families, Couples, and Attractions

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.

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. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

San Diego

San Diego is a fun-filled, hip, and dynamic coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Detroit and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Detroit or San Diego?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Diego than Detroit. San Diego is bigger than Detroit, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Diego is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Detroit is more popular for its music. San Diego is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. Also, San Diego is famous for The San Diego Zoo. Detroit is well known for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry.

How is Detroit different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Detroit or San Diego?

San Diego is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to San Diego can be an interesting and educational experience. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Detroit. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

Is the Food Better in Detroit or San Diego? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Detroit and San Diego 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 San Diego area. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Is Detroit or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Detroit and San Diego.

Detroit has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

San Diego is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

Is Detroit or San Diego Better for Music?

Detroit is renowned for its live music scene. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its music scene.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in San Diego. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Is Detroit or San Diego Better for Resorts?

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

With a selection of resorts, San Diego makes a nice vacation spot. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Detroit or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Detroit is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

San Diego has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Detroit is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Detroit or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Detroit is not a beach destination.

The beaches in San Diego are among the best in the world. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is Detroit or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego 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 San Diego. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or San Diego?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Detroit and San Diego.

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 San Diego to go shopping. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Detroit or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

San Diego is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

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 San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

San Diego has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

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 San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Diego is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

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 San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Detroit is not popular with students.

San Diego is a great destination for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Detroit is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Detroit and San Diego.

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 San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is Detroit or San Diego a more walkable city?

Detroit and San Diego are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

San Diego is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Detroit Worth Visiting? and Is San Diego Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or San Diego?

In either Detroit or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in San Diego than Detroit because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Detroit, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Diego 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 San Diego.

One day in Detroit or San Diego?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Detroit. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Detroit has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In San Diego, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city 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 San Diego?

You'll find live music and food around the hardworking destination of Detroit. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In San Diego, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling 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. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 San Diego?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the overlooked city of Detroit. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

San Diego is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Diego has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Detroit or San Diego?

Detroit is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Diego. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting San Diego. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Detroit Expensive? and Is San Diego Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Detroit or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Detroit. When comparing the sizes of Detroit and San Diego, 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 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. Many travelers come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. 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 daily temperature in Detroit averages around 74°F (24°C) in July, and San Diego fluctuates 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.

Should I visit Detroit or San Diego in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Detroit as well as San Diego. Many visitors come to Detroit in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. 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 average around 54°F (12°C), and San Diego averages at 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.

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. Most visitors come to Detroit for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. 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. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 25°F (-4°C), and San Diego fluctuates 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.

Should I visit Detroit or San Diego in the Spring?

Both San Diego and Detroit during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Detroit because of the activities around the city. 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 daily temperature in Detroit averages around 49°F (9°C) in April, and San Diego fluctuates 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.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Detroit