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

Should you visit Raleigh or Detroit?

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

Should I visit Raleigh 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.

Raleigh

Raleigh is a friendly, southern, and student-friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

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. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Raleigh and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Raleigh or Detroit?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Detroit than Raleigh, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Raleigh is popular for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University. 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 Raleigh different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Raleigh or Detroit.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Raleigh. As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids Museum.

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.

Is the Food Better in Raleigh or Detroit? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Raleigh and Detroit offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Raleigh area. In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Detroit. 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 Raleigh or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Detroit is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Detroit is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Raleigh has a few options to choose from. Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.

Is Raleigh or Detroit Better for Music?

Detroit is very popular for its music scene. However, Raleigh is not a live music destination.

In Detroit you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Raleigh is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Raleigh or Detroit?

Detroit is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Raleigh or Detroit Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Raleigh or Detroit.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Raleigh. For such a small city, Raleigh has a number of unique kid-friendly activities like the popular Pullen Park and Marbles Kids' Museum. Pullen Park has small rides and a playground that are perfect for young kids. There's also the NC Museum of Natural History which is free and fun to explore with kids.

Detroit offers lots of family activities. 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 Raleigh or Detroit Better for Couples?

Most people don't think of either Raleigh or Detroit as a couple's destination.

Raleigh is not always the best place to visit for a couple. While it's often overlooked by couples who want a weekend away, there are a number of museums and some nice restaurants to explore.

Detroit is not the best destination for a couple to visit. 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 Raleigh or Detroit Better for Students?

Raleigh is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Detroit is not popular with students.

Raleigh is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.

Detroit is not popular with students.

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

Detroit is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Raleigh. The city's public transportation options are limited to a few bus lines that are mostly used by students.

Is Raleigh or Detroit a more walkable city?

Detroit is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Raleigh is generally not a very walkable city. The city is somewhat walkable in the downtown area, but everywhere else you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Raleigh?

How long in Raleigh or Detroit?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Detroit than Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Detroit?

In Raleigh, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Raleigh or Detroit?

In Raleigh, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Detroit?

Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Raleigh. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Raleigh. 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 Raleigh and Detroit, we can see that Raleigh 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 Raleigh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Raleigh 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 Raleigh Expensive? and Is Detroit Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Raleigh or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Raleigh. When comparing the sizes of Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Detroit in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Raleigh as well as Detroit. Many travelers come to Raleigh for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Detroit in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Raleigh is generally a little warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 79°F (26°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 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 Raleigh this time of the year. In the summer, Raleigh often gets less sunshine than Detroit. Raleigh gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun.

Raleigh receives a lot of rain in the summer. Raleigh usually gets more rain in July than Detroit. Raleigh gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Raleigh or Detroit in the Autumn?

Both Detroit and Raleigh are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Raleigh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions. Also, most visitors come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Raleigh is a little warmer than Detroit in the autumn. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 61°F (16°C) in October, and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. Raleigh usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during autumn. Raleigh gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Detroit. Raleigh gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Raleigh or Detroit in the Winter?

Both Detroit and Raleigh during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Raleigh for the museums and the cuisine during these months. 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. Raleigh can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Raleigh is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the winter temperatures in Raleigh in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Detroit averages at about 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Raleigh often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Raleigh gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun.

Raleigh usually gets more rain in January than Detroit. Raleigh gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Raleigh or Detroit in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Raleigh and Detroit. The spring months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

In April, Raleigh is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 60°F (16°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Raleigh, it's very sunny this time of the year. Raleigh usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during spring. Raleigh gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Raleigh usually receives around the same amount of rain as Detroit. Raleigh 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 Raleigh