A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Houston vs. Detroit for Music, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Houston or Detroit?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Houston 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.

Houston

Houston is a southern, one-of-a-kind, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

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. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Houston and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Houston or Detroit?

You'll generally find more things to do in Houston than Detroit. Houston is bigger than Detroit, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Houston is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Detroit is more popular for its music. Houston is well known for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. Also, Houston is famous for The Space Center Houston. Detroit is well known for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry.

How is Houston different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Houston or Detroit?

Houston 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 Houston can be an interesting and educational experience. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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 Houston or Detroit? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Houston and Detroit both to be notable destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Houston. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Detroit is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is Houston or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Houston and Detroit.

Houston is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Many people head to Detroit for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Houston or Detroit Better for Music?

Detroit is a world-class destination for its live music scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Detroit?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Detroit and Houston.

Houston offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Detroit has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Houston or Detroit Better for Families?

Houston 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, Houston is very family-friendly. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

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 Houston or Detroit Better for Couples?

Houston is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Houston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

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 Houston or Detroit Better for Students?

Houston is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Detroit is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Detroit is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Houston and Detroit.

Public transit is generally limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Public transit is mostly limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Is Houston or Detroit a more walkable city?

Detroit is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Houston?

How long in Houston or Detroit?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Houston and Detroit. In our opinion, Houston has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Houston than Detroit. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Houston, and 1-3 days is enough time in Detroit.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Detroit than Houston 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.

One day in Houston or Detroit?

Because Houston is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Detroit, you'll find shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Houston or Detroit?

Because Houston is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Houston has to offer.

In Detroit, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Detroit has to offer.

Five days in Houston or Detroit?

Houston is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Detroit is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Houston or Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Houston. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Houston. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Detroit. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Detroit. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Houston and Detroit, we can see that Houston 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Houston Expensive? and Is Detroit Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Houston or Detroit?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Detroit. When comparing the sizes of Houston 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.

When is the best time to visit Houston or Detroit?

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.

Should I visit Houston or Detroit in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Houston as well as Detroit. Many visitors come to Houston in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Houston is a little warmer than Detroit in the summer. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Detroit fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Houston usually gets more rain in July than Detroit. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Detroit in the Autumn?

Both Detroit and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene 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 the autumn, Houston is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Houston in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Detroit averages at about 54°F (12°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. In October, Houston usually receives more rain than Detroit. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Houston or Detroit in the Winter?

Both Detroit and Houston during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Houston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. In January, Houston is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 52°F (11°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

Houston usually gets more rain in January than Detroit. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Detroit in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Detroit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Houston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Detroit for the activities around the city.

Houston is much warmer than Detroit in the spring. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In April, Houston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Detroit. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Detroit and Houston