Should you visit Detroit or Tucson?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Tucson, 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.
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona is the second largest city in the state and sits at an elevation of 2,400 feet. It's temperature is slightly milder than Phoenix and it is a pleasant place to visit. Most people arrive in the city by car, but Amtrak does travel through Tucson, as does Greyhound. The area is also served by the Tucson International Airport. Once in the city, you'll likely want to have access to a car, as the city is not very pedestrian friendly and public transportation is very much lacking. Many popular and beautiful sights are also outside of town in the surrounding desert, so having access to a vehicle is paramount if you hope to visit any of the places.
Which city is cheaper, Tucson or Detroit?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Detroit is $107, while the average daily cost in Tucson is $122. 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 Tucson 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 $51, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $102.
Double occupancy rooms typically run around $142 in Tucson For nicer amenities and a premiere location, you can expect to pay a bit more.
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.
While meal prices in Tucson can vary, the average travelers spends about $29 per day on food. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out, an average meal in Tucson should cost around $12 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Tucson is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
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Food
Meals for one day
Detroit $36
Tucson $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Detroit
For Detroit, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Fresh Mediterranean Inspired Cooking Class in a Unique Detroit Home:
$94
-
Detroit Revival Food Tours:
$139
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.
To get around in Tucson, the average visitor spends $22 per day, per person. This includes the costs of taxi rides and private drivers as well as public transportation, which tends to be much more affordable.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit
Also for Detroit, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Transfer from Detroit Metropolitan Airport to Detroit:
$100
-
Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW):
$622
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Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport:
$122
-
Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City:
$122
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Private Transfer From Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Detroit City: One Way Arrival Transfer:
$149
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Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW:
$43
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Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer:
$106
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Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$212
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Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer:
$106
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Detroit - Wayne County Airport One Way Transfer:
$80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tucson
Also for Tucson, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Tucson Intl Airport (TUS) to Tucson Downtown area - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$129
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Tucson Intl Airport (TUS) to Tucson Downtown area - Arrival Private Transfer:
$65
-
Tucson International Airport One Way Transfer:
$53
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Tucson Downtown area to Tucson Intl Airport (TUS) - Departure Private Transfer:
$65
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Private transfer: Tucson to Tucson Airport (TUS):
$622
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Private transfer: Tucson Airport (TUS) to Tucson:
$622
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Private Tucson Transfer: Hotel to Airport:
$96
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Private Tucson Transfer: Airport to Hotel:
$96
Is it cheaper to fly into Detroit or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson 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.
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.
In Tucson, the costs for things to do, activities, admission tickets, and other sightseeing expenses are on average $13 per person, per day.
Tours and Activities in Detroit
For Detroit, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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2020 Preservation Detroit Saturday Eastern Market Tour:
$18
-
90 minute Segway Experience:
$64
-
Detroit Beer History Walking Tour:
$39
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Detroit Like a Local: Customized Private Tour:
$30
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Detroit Walking Tour Including Rides on the People Mover:
$29
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Corktown is Popping! Small Group Walking Tour:
$29
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Downtown Detroit Walking Tour with a Local:
$29
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Foods and Flavors of Detroit Private Tour:
$130
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Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Entry & Guided Tour:
$15
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The Rise, Fall & Renewal Walking Tour:
$29
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Pre Mother's Day Detroit Shopping Tour:
$49
Tours and Activities in Tucson
For Tucson, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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Historic Bike Tour in Tucson:
$60
-
Mural Bike Tour:
$60
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Oasis Tour of Tucson:
$50
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Taco Bike Tour:
$85
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Tucson Scavenger Hunt Adventure:
$21
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Detroit spend on average $16 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
Typically, people visiting Tucson spend on average $13 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
When comparing the travel costs between Detroit and Tucson, we can see that Tucson is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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