Which place is cheaper, Detroit or Fort Lauderdale?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Detroit. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Fort Lauderdale is a spirited, luxury, and high energy coastal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.
Detroit is a under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Fort Lauderdale than Detroit. While Detroit is larger than Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Detroit attracts visitors for its museums, music, and big city activities. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also well known for The Local Beaches. Detroit is famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Detroit and Fort Lauderdale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Detroit is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.
Detroit is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.
Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.
Both Fort Lauderdale and Detroit offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.
Fort Lauderdale offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.
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.
It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Detroit has a better nightlife scene.
The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.
The nightlife in Detroit has something for everybody. 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.
Detroit is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.
Detroit is a world class music destination. 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.
Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.
Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit is not a resort destination.
Fort Lauderdale offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.
Detroit is not a resort destination.
Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Detroit is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Fort Lauderdale has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.
Detroit is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Detroit is not a beach destination.
The beaches in Fort Lauderdale are among the best in the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.
Detroit is not a beach destination.
Shopping is a popular activity in both Detroit and Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.
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.
Fort Lauderdale is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Fort Lauderdale is very family-friendly. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.
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.
Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.
Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.
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.
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Detroit.
Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.
Public transit is mostly limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.
Fort Lauderdale is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.
Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable coastal city. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.
Detroit is a somewhat walkable coastal city. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.
For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Detroit Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fort Lauderdale and Detroit. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than in Detroit. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 1-3 days is enough time in Detroit.
Families should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Detroit. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Fort Lauderdale, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Detroit. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Detroit than Fort Lauderdale 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 Detroit.
In Fort Lauderdale, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.
The hardworking destination of Detroit offers live music and food. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.
In Fort Lauderdale, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. 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.
The city of Detroit offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.
Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fort Lauderdale has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Detroit is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fort Lauderdale. In Fort Lauderdale, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Detroit. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $182, while the average daily cost in Detroit is $133. 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 Fort Lauderdale and Detroit in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale or Detroit? 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:
Also for Detroit, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Detroit and Fort Lauderdale 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Fort Lauderdale.
For Detroit, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few actual costs in Fort Lauderdale for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
For Detroit, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fort Lauderdale and Detroit, we can see that Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Detroit Expensive?.
Detroit has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Detroit, 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.
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
The summer brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Detroit. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in July average around 83°F (28°C), and Detroit averages at about 74°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Detroit. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the summer, Fort Lauderdale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Detroit. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun.
Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in July than Detroit. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Detroit and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In October, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 78°F (26°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Detroit. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Detroit and Fort Lauderdale during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.
It's quite cold in Detroit in the winter. Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Detroit in the winter. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 67°F (20°C) in January, and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).
It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun.
Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in January than Detroit. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Detroit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Detroit for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in April average around 75°F (24°C), and Detroit averages at about 49°F (9°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives around the same amount of rain as Detroit. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
Fort Lauderdale | Detroit | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 25°F (-4°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
Feb | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 27°F (-3°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
Mar | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
Apr | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.2 inches (80 mm) |
May | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) |
Aug | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
Sep | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) | 65°F (19°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Oct | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
Nov | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 43°F (6°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
Dec | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |