A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Martha's Vineyard vs. Detroit for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Attractions

Should you visit Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a affluent, coastal, and peaceful island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Detroit

Detroit is a overlooked , under-rated, and hardworking city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Martha's Vineyard and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Martha's Vineyard or Detroit?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Detroit. Although Martha's Vineyard and Detroit are both popular with visitors, Detroit has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Detroit is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Martha's Vineyard is known for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Martha's Vineyard is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Detroit is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also home to the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Martha's Vineyard different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Martha's Vineyard or Detroit?

Martha's Vineyard
Detroit

Detroit is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.


Is the Food Better in Martha's Vineyard or Detroit? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Martha's Vineyard
Detroit

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Martha's Vineyard has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Detroit area. 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 Martha's Vineyard or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Martha's Vineyard
Detroit

Detroit is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Detroit Better for Music?

Martha's Vineyard
Detroit

Detroit is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not a live music destination.

Detroit has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.

Martha's Vineyard is not a live music destination.


Is Martha's Vineyard or Detroit Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard
Detroit

Martha's Vineyard is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit is not a resort destination.

Martha's Vineyard offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Detroit Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard
Detroit

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place for the beache. However, Detroit is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Martha's Vineyard. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Detroit Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard
Detroit

Martha's Vineyard is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard has hiking trails worth exploring. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Martha's Vineyard or Detroit?

Martha's Vineyard
Detroit

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Martha's Vineyard is well-known for its shopping. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

Many visitors go to Detroit to go shopping. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Detroit Better for Families?

Martha's Vineyard
Detroit

Both Martha's Vineyard and Detroit are good family-friendly destinations.

Martha's Vineyard offers lots of family activities. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Detroit is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Martha's Vineyard or Detroit Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard
Detroit

Martha's Vineyard is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Martha's Vineyard has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Detroit Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Martha's Vineyard
Detroit

Martha's Vineyard and Detroit both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

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

Is Martha's Vineyard or Detroit a more walkable city?

Martha's Vineyard
Detroit

Martha's Vineyard and Detroit are good when it comes to walkability.

Martha's Vineyard is a somewhat walkable island. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

Detroit is somewhat walkable. 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 Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting? and Is Detroit Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Martha's Vineyard?

How long in Martha's Vineyard or Detroit?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Martha's Vineyard and Detroit. In our opinion, Martha's Vineyard has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Martha's Vineyard than Detroit. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Detroit than Martha's Vineyard 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.


  • How many days in Martha's Vineyard or Detroit? Ideal Length of Stay
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3 
    Detroit 1-3

One day in Martha's Vineyard or Detroit?

Martha's Vineyard is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Detroit, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.


A weekend in Martha's Vineyard or Detroit?

Martha's Vineyard might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Martha's Vineyard has to offer.

With museums and nightlife around the under-rated city of Detroit, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Martha's Vineyard or Detroit?

Martha's Vineyard is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the hardworking destination of Detroit. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Martha's Vineyard or Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Martha's Vineyard. Since Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Detroit is a popular choice for travelers. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 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.


Which place is cheaper, Detroit or Martha's Vineyard?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Martha's Vineyard is $241, 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 Martha's Vineyard and Detroit in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Martha's Vineyard $132
    Detroit $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Martha's Vineyard $264
    Detroit $128
Compare Hotels in Martha's Vineyard and Detroit

Looking for a hotel in Martha's Vineyard 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.

Hotels in Marthas Vineyard


Hotels in Detroit


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: Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices and Detroit Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Martha's Vineyard $83
    Detroit $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

Also for Detroit, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187
  • Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $142
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $142
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $130
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $99
  • Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $94
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $94
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Martha's Vineyard or Detroit?

Prices for flights to both Detroit and Martha's Vineyard 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 day
    Martha's Vineyard $60
    Detroit $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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Martha's Vineyard $30
    Detroit $21

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $65
  • All Island Bus Tour: $65
  • Martha's Vinyard Driving & Walking GPS-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (APP/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13

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 Tigers Baseball Game Ticket at Comerica Park: $9.31
  • 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
  • SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Martha's Vineyard $22
    Detroit $20


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



When is the best time to visit Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard or Detroit in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Martha's Vineyard and Detroit. Many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, 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 July, Martha's Vineyard is generally around the same temperature as Detroit. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 73°F (23°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. Martha's Vineyard usually receives less sunshine than Detroit during summer. Martha's Vineyard gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Martha's Vineyard usually receives less rain than Detroit. Martha's Vineyard gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C) 
    Detroit 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Detroit in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Martha's Vineyard as well as Detroit. Most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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.

Martha's Vineyard is around the same temperature as Detroit in the autumn. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In the autumn, Martha's Vineyard often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Martha's Vineyard gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun.

Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in October than Detroit. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C) 
    Detroit 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Detroit in the Winter?

Both Detroit and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard 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. The weather in Martha's Vineyard can be very cold. In the winter, Martha's Vineyard is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the winter temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Detroit averages at about 25°F (-4°C).

Martha's Vineyard usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during winter. Martha's Vineyard gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Detroit. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C) 
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Detroit in the Spring?

Both Detroit and Martha's Vineyard during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Detroit for the activities around the city.

In April, Martha's Vineyard is generally around the same temperature as Detroit. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 48°F (9°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. In the spring, Martha's Vineyard often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Detroit. Martha's Vineyard gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun.

Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in April than Detroit. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C) 
    Detroit 49°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Detroit and Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard Detroit
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)