A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tampa vs. Detroit for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Tampa or Detroit?

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

Should I visit Tampa 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: Tampa or Detroit?

Tampa

On the north shore of Tampa Bay, across the water from Saint Peterburg, is the city of Tampa. The city has a population of almost 350,000. The metropolitan area includes Tampa, St. Peterburg, and Clearwater. It has about 2.9 million residents and is the second largest metropolitan area in the state. The city is a popular destination for outdoor activities and in 2008 it was ranked the 5th best outdoor city by Forbes.

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.

Which city is cheaper, Detroit or Tampa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $136, while the average daily cost in Detroit is $112. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tampa and Detroit in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $68
    Detroit $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $136
    Detroit $112
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Detroit

Looking for a hotel in Tampa 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 Tampa


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: Tampa Hotel Prices and Detroit Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $58
    Detroit $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

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

  • Transfer from Tampa International Airport to Tampa: $75
  • Tampa hotel or address to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $164
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $82
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Port Canaveral: $526
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $457
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $393
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Sarasota: $120

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

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

  • Transfer from Detroit Metropolitan Airport to Detroit: $100
  • Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW): $622
  • Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $122
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $122
  • Private Transfer From Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Detroit City: One Way Arrival Transfer: $149
  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $43
  • Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $106
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $106
  • Detroit - Wayne County Airport One Way Transfer: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or Detroit?

Prices for flights to both Detroit and Tampa 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
    Tampa $34
    Detroit $36

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: $94
  • Detroit Revival Food Tours: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampa $15
    Detroit $17

Tours and Activities in Tampa

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

  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
  • 2-hour Tiki Boat BYOB Cruise in Tampa: $60
  • Adventure Island Water Park Ticket: $63
  • Bayshore Drive Motorbike Tour: $199
  • Bicycle Tour Orlando, Over Tampa Bay Ride: $150
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket: $110
  • Historic Ybor City Food and Drink Walking Tour: $59
  • Motorcycle Tour of Sunshine Skyway Bridge: $299
  • Nature Coast Private Day Tour From Tampa with Photographer , Max Group of 4: $250
  • Orlando: Aquatica Water Park Admission Ticket: $128
  • Skip the Line: The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay Ticket: $26
  • Skip the Line: ZooTampa at Lowry Park Admission Ticket: $45

Tours and Activities in Detroit

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

  • 2020 Preservation Detroit Saturday Eastern Market Tour: $18
  • 90 minute Segway Experience: $64
  • Detroit Beer History Walking Tour: $39
  • Detroit Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $30
  • Detroit Walking Tour Including Rides on the People Mover: $29
  • Pre Mother's Day Detroit Shopping Tour: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampa $20
    Detroit $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:

  • Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
  • Haunted Tampa Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - Ybor City: $26
  • Private Tampa Brewery Tour - Party Bus: $600

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Tampa 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 Tampa or Detroit in the Summer?

Both Detroit and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tampa is generally a little warmer than Detroit. Temperatures in Tampa average around 82°F (28°C), and Detroit stays around 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Detroit. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives less sunshine than Detroit during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Tampa. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Detroit. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Tampa or Detroit in the Autumn?

Both Detroit and Tampa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tampa in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

Tampa is much warmer than Detroit in the autumn. The temperature in Tampa is usually 75°F (24°C) in October, and Detroit stays around 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the autumn, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets more rain in October than Detroit. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampa 75°F (24°C) 
    Detroit 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Detroit in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Detroit. Most visitors come to Tampa for the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Detroit can be very cold. In the winter, Tampa is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tampa in January are around 60°F (15°C), and Detroit is about 25°F (-4°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tampa usually receives more rain than Detroit. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampa 60°F (15°C) 
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Detroit in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Detroit. The spring months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Tampa is generally much warmer than Detroit. Temperatures in Tampa average around 71°F (22°C), and Detroit stays 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 Tampa this time of the year. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Detroit. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampa 71°F (22°C) 
    Detroit 49°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Detroit and Tampa

Tampa Detroit
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)


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Tampa vs. Detroit Travel Comparison

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