Which place is cheaper, Tucson or Detroit?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Detroit or Tucson?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Tucson, 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 Tucson?
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.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDetroit $133Tucson $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Detroit is $133, while the average daily cost in Tucson is $157. 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 Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDetroit $64Tucson $93
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDetroit $128Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Detroit and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Detroit or Tucson? 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 Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Detroit $37Tucson $27
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: $141
- Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $141
- 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: $93
- Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187
- Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
- Detroit - Wayne County Airport One Way Transfer : $80
- Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $129
- Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $99
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.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayDetroit $44Tucson $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: $104
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Detroit $21Tucson $16
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 Red Wings Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $222
- Detroit Tigers Baseball Game Ticket at Comerica Park: $6.52
- 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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDetroit $20Tucson $16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Detroit and Tucson, we can see that Tucson 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 Tucson would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tucson 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 Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Detroit or Tucson?
Detroit has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Tucson. When comparing the sizes of Detroit and Tucson, 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.
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.