Which place is cheaper, Detroit or Philadelphia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Detroit, 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.
Philadelphia is a historic, cultural, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.
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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.
You'll generally find more things to do in Philadelphia than Detroit. Philadelphia is bigger than Detroit, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Philadelphia is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Detroit is more popular for its music. Philadelphia is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. Also, Philadelphia is famous for The Liberty Bell. Detroit is well known for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Detroit and Philadelphia. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Philadelphia is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.
The museums and tourist attractions in Philadelphia are world-renowned. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.
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.
Philadelphia is a very popular place for its theatre productions. However, Detroit is not a theatre destination.
Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Philadelphia. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.
Detroit is not a theatre destination.
Philadelphia is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Philadelphia has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.
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.
Both Philadelphia and Detroit have superb vibes after the sun sets.
Philadelphia has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.
The people in Detroit know how to have a good time. 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 its live music scene. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its music scene.
With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.
Philadelphia has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.
Philadelphia is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Detroit does not have a historic old town.
Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Philadelphia. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.
Detroit does not have a historic old town.
Philadelphia is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.
Philadelphia is well-known for its shopping. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.
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.
Philadelphia is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Detroit does not offer Christmas activities.
Since it has plenty to do, Philadelphia is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.
Detroit does not offer Christmas activities.
Philadelphia is a nice place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Detroit does not offer Christmas markets.
Philadelphia has Christmas markets worth visiting. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.
Detroit does not offer Christmas markets.
Philadelphia 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, Philadelphia is very family-friendly. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.
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.
Philadelphia is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.
Philadelphia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.
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.
Philadelphia is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for backpackers.
It's common for backpackers to visit Philadelphia. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.
Detroit is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but this is still an often overlooked city.
Philadelphia is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Detroit is not popular with students.
Philadelphia is a great city to visit as a student. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.
Detroit is not popular with students.
Philadelphia is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for its public transit.
Public transit in Philadelphia can get you to some places easily. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.
Public transit is generally limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.
Philadelphia is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Philadelphia. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.
Detroit is a somewhat walkable 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 Philadelphia Worth Visiting? and Is Detroit Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Philadelphia and Detroit. In our opinion, Philadelphia has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Philadelphia than Detroit. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Philadelphia, and 1-3 days is enough time in Detroit.
Families should spend more time in Philadelphia than Detroit. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Philadelphia, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Philadelphia than Detroit. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Philadelphia that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Philadelphia than Detroit 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 Philadelphia.
Because Philadelphia is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this under-rated city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.
Because Philadelphia 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. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Philadelphia has to offer.
Detroit is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the live music. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.
Philadelphia 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.
You'll find nightlife and live music around the hardworking destination of Detroit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Philadelphia. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Philadelphia. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
Detroit is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Philadelphia is $188, 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 Philadelphia and Detroit in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Philadelphia 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.
Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Also for Detroit, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Detroit and Philadelphia 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.
For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Philadelphia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Detroit, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Philadelphia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
For Detroit, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Philadelphia and Detroit, we can see that Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Expensive? and Is Detroit Expensive?.
Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Detroit. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia 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 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.
Both Detroit and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.
Philadelphia is around the same temperature as Detroit in the summer. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, 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 Philadelphia. Philadelphia usually receives less sunshine than Detroit during summer. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. In July, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Detroit. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Detroit and Philadelphia during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In the autumn, Philadelphia is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Philadelphia in October average around 56°F (14°C), and Detroit averages at about 54°F (12°C).
It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. In the autumn, Philadelphia often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun.
Philadelphia usually gets less rain in October than Detroit. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Detroit. Many travelers come to Philadelphia for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Detroit in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Detroit can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Philadelphia. In January, Philadelphia is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 30°F (-1°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).
Philadelphia usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during winter. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Detroit. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Detroit. Many visitors come to Philadelphia in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Detroit for the activities around the city during these months.
Philadelphia is a little warmer than Detroit in the spring. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 52°F (11°C) in April, 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 Philadelphia this time of the year. In the spring, Philadelphia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Detroit. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun.
Philadelphia usually gets less rain in April than Detroit. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Philadelphia | Detroit | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 25°F (-4°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 27°F (-3°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
Mar | 42°F (6°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
Apr | 52°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.2 inches (80 mm) |
May | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
Jun | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) |
Aug | 76°F (24°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
Sep | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 65°F (19°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Oct | 56°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 43°F (6°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
Dec | 36°F (2°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |