Which place is cheaper, Detroit or Kansas City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kansas City or Detroit?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kansas City or Detroit? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Kansas City or Detroit?
Kansas City
A large, mid western city that sits on the border between Missouri and Kansa, Kansas City has a population of about 450,000. It's not exactly a tourist destination, but it is a surprisingly beautiful city with more boulevards than Paris and more fountains than any other city in the world with the exception of Rome. Most of the city's suburbs are concentrated in the south but the city is beginning to grow to the north as well. The climate in Kansas City can vary dramatically, in large part because it is so far from any form of water. Winters can range from mild to extremely cold and snow is not uncommon. Spring and fall and quite comfortable but summer months can be incredibly hot and humid.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKansas City $161Detroit $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Kansas City is $161, 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 Kansas City and Detroit in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKansas City $88Detroit $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKansas City $176Detroit $128
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Detroit
Looking for a hotel in Kansas City 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kansas City Hotel Prices and Detroit Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kansas City $44Detroit $37
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 Kansas City or Detroit?
Prices for flights to both Detroit and Kansas City 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 dayKansas City $47Detroit $44
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kansas City $11Detroit $21
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKansas City $12Detroit $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kansas City and Detroit, we can see that Kansas City 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 Kansas City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kansas City 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 Kansas City Expensive? and Is Detroit Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Detroit?
Detroit has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kansas City. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City 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 Kansas City or Detroit?
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 Kansas City or Detroit in the Summer?
Both Detroit and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Detroit in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Kansas City is generally a little warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 82°F (28°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Detroit. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kansas City. Kansas City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Detroit during summer. Kansas City gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Kansas City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Detroit. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKansas City 82°F (28°C)Detroit 74°F (24°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Detroit in the Autumn?
Both Detroit and Kansas City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
Kansas City is a little warmer than Detroit in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
It's quite sunny in Kansas City. In the autumn, Kansas City often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Kansas City gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun.
Kansas City usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Detroit. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKansas City 60°F (15°C)Detroit 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Detroit in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Detroit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Detroit because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Detroit can be very cold. Kansas City can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Kansas City is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kansas City in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Detroit averages at about 25°F (-4°C).
Kansas City usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during winter. Kansas City gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Kansas City usually receives less rain than Detroit. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKansas City 30°F (-1°C)Detroit 25°F (-4°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Detroit in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Detroit. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.
In April, Kansas City is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 58°F (15°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Detroit. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kansas City this time of the year. In the spring, Kansas City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Detroit. Kansas City gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun.
Kansas City usually gets less rain in April than Detroit. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKansas City 58°F (15°C)Detroit 49°F (9°C)
Typical Weather for Detroit and Kansas City
| Kansas City | Detroit | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) | 25°F (-4°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 27°F (-3°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Apr | 58°F (15°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.2 inches (80 mm) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 65°F (19°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 43°F (6°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Dec | 34°F (1°C) | 1.2 inches (30 mm) | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
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.