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

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Detroit?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a notable, colonial, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Detroit

Detroit is a under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Saint Augustine and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Detroit?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Detroit. Although Saint Augustine and Detroit are popular destinations, Detroit has more sights and attractions for tourists. Detroit is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Saint Augustine attracts visitors for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Detroit is famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also well known for the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Saint Augustine different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Detroit?

Saint Augustine
Detroit

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine can be an interesting and educational experience. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime 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 Saint Augustine or Detroit? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Detroit

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Saint Augustine has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Detroit

Detroit is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Saint Augustine or Detroit Better for Music?

Saint Augustine
Detroit

Detroit is very popular for live music. However, Saint Augustine is not a live music destination.

Detroit is a world class music destination. 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.

Saint Augustine is not a live music destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Detroit Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Detroit

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for the beache. However, Detroit is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Augustine. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Detroit Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Detroit

Saint Augustine is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Detroit does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Saint Augustine offers plenty to see. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Detroit does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Detroit?

Saint Augustine
Detroit

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Saint Augustine is well-known for its shopping. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la ConstituciĆ³n is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine or Detroit Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Detroit

Saint Augustine 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, Saint Augustine is very family-friendly. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or Detroit Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Detroit

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Saint Augustine makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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

Saint Augustine
Detroit

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

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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


Is Saint Augustine or Detroit a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Detroit

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable city. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Detroit Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Detroit?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Augustine and Detroit. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Augustine than in Detroit. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 1-3 days is enough time in Detroit.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.


  • How many days in Saint Augustine or Detroit? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Detroit 1-3

One day in Saint Augustine or Detroit?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The under-rated destination of Detroit offers live music and food. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Detroit?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Detroit offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in Saint Augustine or Detroit?

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Augustine. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Augustine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Detroit. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Detroit or Saint Augustine?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $159, 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 Saint Augustine and Detroit in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Detroit $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Detroit $128
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Detroit

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine


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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices and Detroit Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Detroit $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Detroit?

Prices for flights to both Detroit and Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine $49
    Detroit $44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Augustine.

  • Feast of Saint Augustine Walking Food Tour: $139

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.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Detroit $21

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

Here are a few actual costs in Saint Augustine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Arcimoto Electric Vehicle Adventure Rental in St. Augustine: $96
  • 1-Hour Your Studiyo Admission Ticket: $34
  • : Step back in time with pastime private historical tours: $38
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $20
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Ghost Boat - Boo Cruise: $40
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Sunset Water Tour in St. Augustine: $38
  • Adventure Meets History Tour in St Augustine: $89
  • Afterlife Tours- Beyond the Grave Tour: $25
  • Airboat Adventure in Saint Augustine with a Guide: $80
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Bay to City Nights of Lights Tour by Boat and Cart: $150
  • Best of St. Augustine with Scenic Cruise: $193

Tours and Activities in Detroit

For Detroit, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Spirit and History Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.50
  • Self Guided "Detroit's Spirit and History" Solo Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Detroit Tigers Baseball Game Ticket at Comerica Park: $9.31
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Windsor by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Ann Arbor, MI: $15
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Ann Arbor with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25
  • Ghosts and Spirits Haunted Walking Tour: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Augustine $25
    Detroit $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • The Original Haunted Pub Tour: $24
  • Ghosts and Spirits of St Augustine Pub Crawl Tour: $39
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Detroit in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Detroit. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the beaches 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.

In the summer, Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Augustine in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Detroit averages at about 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 Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets less sunshine than Detroit. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in July than Detroit. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Augustine 82°F (28°C) 
    Detroit 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Detroit in the Autumn?

Both Detroit and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 70°F (21°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Detroit. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Augustine 70°F (21°C) 
    Detroit 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Detroit in the Winter?

Both Detroit and Saint Augustine during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the museums, the shopping scene, 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. Saint Augustine is much warmer than Detroit in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in January than Detroit. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C) 
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Detroit in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Detroit. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Detroit for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Augustine in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Detroit averages at about 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Detroit. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Augustine 68°F (20°C) 
    Detroit 49°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Detroit and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine Detroit
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)