Which place is cheaper, Detroit or Washington?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Detroit can help you decide which place is right for you.
Washington is a diverse, active, and monument-filled city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.
Detroit is a under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Visitors will generally find more to do in Washington than Detroit. While Detroit is larger than Washington, Washington has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Washington is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Detroit attracts visitors for its music. Washington is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. It is also well known for The Washington Monument and the White House. Detroit is famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Detroit and Washington. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Washington 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 Washington are world-renowned. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.
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.
Washington 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 Washington. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.
Detroit is not a theatre destination.
Washington is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Washington is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.
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.
The vibe at night is excellent in both Washington and Detroit.
Many people head to Washington for the nightlife scene. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.
Detroit has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 world-class destination for live music. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its live music scene.
Detroit is known as a music capital 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.
The music scene helps keep Washington active and fun. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.
Washington is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Detroit is not a hiking destination.
Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.
Detroit is not a hiking destination.
Washington is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.
Washington is well-known for its shopping. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.
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.
Washington is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Detroit does not offer Christmas activities.
Washington offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.
Detroit does not offer Christmas activities.
Washington 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, Washington is very family-friendly. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.
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.
Washington is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.
Washington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.
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.
Washington is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Detroit is not popular with students.
Washington is a great destination for students. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.
Detroit is not popular with students.
Washington is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for its public transit.
Visitors in Washington can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.
Public transit is generally limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.
Washington 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 Washington. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.
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 Washington Worth Visiting? and Is Detroit Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Washington and Detroit. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than in Detroit. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Washington, and 1-3 days is enough time in Detroit.
Families should spend more time in Washington than Detroit. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Washington, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Washington than Detroit. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Washington that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Washington 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 Washington.
Because Washington is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
With live music and food around the overlooked city of Detroit, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Detroit, one day is sufficent for most.
Because Washington 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
With food and shopping around the destination of Detroit, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.
Washington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Washington has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Detroit, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Washington. Because Washington is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
Detroit is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $198, 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 Washington and Detroit in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Washington 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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
Also for Washington, 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 Washington 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
For Washington, 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:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
For Detroit, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Washington and Detroit, we can see that Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive? and Is Detroit Expensive?.
Detroit has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Washington 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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Detroit. The hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Washington this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Washington is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the summer temperatures in Washington in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Detroit averages at about 74°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Detroit during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Washington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Detroit. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Washington as well as Detroit. Many travelers come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Detroit in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In October, Washington is generally a little warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 60°F (15°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
In the autumn, Washington often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun.
Washington usually gets more rain in October than Detroit. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Detroit and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Detroit for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Detroit can be very cold during winter. Washington can get quite cold in the winter. Washington is much warmer than Detroit in the winter. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).
Washington usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Washington usually receives more rain than Detroit. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Detroit and Washington during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Detroit because of the activities around the city.
In the spring, Washington is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the spring temperatures in Washington in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Detroit averages at about 49°F (9°C).
In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Washington. In the spring, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Detroit. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun.
Washington usually gets less rain in April than Detroit. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Washington | Detroit | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 25°F (-4°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
Feb | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 27°F (-3°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
Apr | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.2 inches (80 mm) |
May | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
Jun | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) |
Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 65°F (19°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
Nov | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 43°F (6°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
Dec | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |