Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Detroit?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Detroit or Toronto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Toronto, 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 Toronto?
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.
Toronto
The capital of Ontario and the most populated city in Canada, Toronto is a very popular travel destination for any number of reasons. It's positioned along the coast of Lake Ontario and has a population of more than 2.6 million with 6.2 million in the Greater Toronto Area. It's a very international and diverse city, with a very rich cultural history. More than half of the city's population was not born in Canada, and there are more than eighty different ethnic neighborhoods sprinkled throughout the city. The city is a center for music, theater, film, and television. It has countless museums, festivals, and sights that attract more than 25 million tourists every year.
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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDetroit $133Toronto $203
The average daily cost (per person) in Detroit is $133, while the average daily cost in Toronto is $203. 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 Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDetroit $64Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDetroit $128Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Detroit and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Detroit or Toronto? 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 Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Detroit $37Toronto $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit
Also for Detroit, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $142
- Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $142
- Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61
- Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
- Private Arrival Transfer - from Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
- Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $94
- Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187
- Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $94
- Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $130
- Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:
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Airport Shuttle$26
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Train: 2 Day Passes$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto
Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara on the Lake,Canada: $178
- Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara Falls, Canada: $178
- Transfer Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ to Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada: $160
- Transfer Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls, Canada: $160
- Transfer Private Vehicle from Toronto Pearson Airport to Niagara Falls (Ontario): $145
- Transfer Private Minivan from Toronto Pearson Airport to Niagara Falls (Ontario): $159
- Shuttle Transfer Between Downtown and Niagara Falls: $111
- Private Transfer to Niagara Falls: $158
- Private Transfer for 1-10 Passengers to Downtown: $175
- Niagara Falls Day Trip with Wine Tasting & Transfer: $75
- Express Train Transfer to/from Pearson Airport: $9.03
- Toronto Private Pearson Airport Transfers to Niagara Falls: $141
Is it cheaper to fly into Detroit or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto 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 $44Toronto $65
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
Typical Food Prices in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two$23
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Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)$56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Must Do Toronto Food Tour: $66
- Toronto Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market: $66
- 3–Hour Secret Food Tour: $72
- Toronto Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $74
- Scenic Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $76
- Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
- Kensington Market -Toronto's Neighborhood International Food Tour: $80
- Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
- Father's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
- Mother's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
- Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $109
- Toronto Food Tour with Local Foodie, Personalized & Private: $151
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Detroit $21Toronto $31
Tours and Activities in Detroit
For Detroit, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
- Detroit Tigers Baseball Game Ticket at Comerica Park: $9.31
- Architectural Beauty and Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $115
- Ghosts and Spirits Haunted Walking Tour: $26
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
- Segway Tour Strait to the Point: $99
- Spirit and History Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.50
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Ann Arbor with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan Admission Ticket: $26
- Motor City Ghosts Tour: $33
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience Ann Arbor, MI: $15
- SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Gallery of Ontario for Two$15
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CN Tower at night for Two$36
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Harbour Dinner Cruise$26
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Bata Shoe Museum (2)$7.26
Tours and Activities in Toronto
For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Hour Private Guided Photography Tour in Toronto: $186
- 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto: $200
- 2 Hour Toronto City Tour: $48
- 3-day Eastern Canada Tour from Toronto: $259
- 60-Minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour: $28
- 7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $111
- Admission Ticket: Explore Canada in Miniature Scale: $34
- Algonquin Park Hiking: Adventure Tour from Toronto: $139
- Best of Niagara Falls Tour with Optional Boat and Helicopter Ride: $66
- Best of Toronto Small Group Tour with CN Tower and Harbour Cruise: $140
- Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.21
- Bus to Grotto - Tobermory Flowerpot Island Cruise Bruce Peninsula: $148
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDetroit $20Toronto $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:
- Distillery District Outdoor Escape Game: $8.01
- Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $17
- Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $27
- Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
- Toronto Distillery District self-guided walking tour & hunt: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $39
- Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $40
- Craft Brewery Tour: $75
- From Niagara Wine Tours: $111
- Canadian Wine Tasting Experience: $128
- Toronto to Niagara Wine Tour : $133
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Detroit and Toronto, we can see that Toronto 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto 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 Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Detroit or Toronto?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Detroit. When comparing the sizes of Detroit and Toronto, 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 Toronto?
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 Toronto in the Summer?
Both Toronto and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.
In July, Detroit is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 74°F (24°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Toronto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Detroit. Detroit usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during summer. Detroit gets 319 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Detroit usually receives more rain than Toronto. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDetroit 74°F (24°C)Toronto 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Detroit or Toronto in the Autumn?
Both Toronto and Detroit during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
Detroit is a little warmer than Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 54°F (12°C) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Detroit often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Detroit gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.
Detroit usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Toronto. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDetroit 54°F (12°C)Toronto 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Detroit or Toronto in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Toronto. Many visitors come to Detroit in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Toronto can be very cold during winter. Detroit can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Detroit is around the same temperature as Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Detroit in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).
Detroit usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Detroit gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Detroit usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toronto. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDetroit 25°F (-4°C)Toronto -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Detroit or Toronto in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Toronto. Most visitors come to Detroit for the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Detroit is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 49°F (9°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In the spring, Detroit often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Detroit gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.
Detroit usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDetroit 49°F (9°C)Toronto 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Toronto and Detroit
| Detroit | Toronto | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°F (-4°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | -4°C (25°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 27°F (-3°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 37°F (3°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 1°C (34°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 49°F (9°C) | 3.2 inches (80 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 60°F (16°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 70°F (21°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) | 21°C (70°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 73°F (23°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 21°C (69°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 65°F (19°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 54°F (12°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 43°F (6°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | -1°C (30°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.