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

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Should you visit Washington or Detroit?

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

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.

Where Should I go: Washington or Detroit?

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

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 Washington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $155, 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 Washington and Detroit in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $91
    Detroit $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $182
    Detroit $112
Compare Hotels in Washington and Detroit

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.

Hotels in Washington


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: Washington Hotel Prices and Detroit Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $37
    Detroit $30
Typical Local Transportation prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

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

  • Washington, DC: Private Airport Transfer(SUV): To or From: (DCA) Reagan National: $180
  • Washington, DC: Potomac Mills Outlet Private Transfer: $357
  • Washington to Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
  • Washington to Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) - Departure Private Transfer: $97
  • Washington to Newark International Airport (EWR) - Departure Private Transfer: $491
  • Washington to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - Departure Private Transfer: $535
  • Washington to New York J.F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) - Departure Private Transfer: $535
  • Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • Washington Reagan Airport Transfer to Baltimore & D. C.: $15
  • Washington City to Philadelphia City - Private Car Transfer: $392
  • Washington City to New York City - Private Car Transfer: $516
  • Washington City to Baltimore City - Private Car Transfer: $168

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Detroit?

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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Washington $30
    Detroit $36
Typical Food prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Seattle: Pike Place Market Plant-Based Food Tour: $64
  • Washington D.C.: 3.5-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC: 3-Hour Italian Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC Food Tour: Italian Cuisine in Dupont Circle: $65
  • Washington, DC: The Original Brew Tour with Tasting & Dinner: $70
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $76
  • Washington DC: Private Food Tour Experience: $79
  • Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $79
  • U Street Neighborhood Food Tour: $99
  • Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise: $100
  • Private French Cooking Class with an Expert in the Heart of Washington DC: $108
  • Washington, DC 3-Hour Dinner Buffet Cruise: $122

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.
    Washington $19
    Detroit $17

Tours and Activities in Washington

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.

  • "HEROES OF FREEDOM" PRIVATE TOUR (4 Hour Military Tribute): $658
  • "SHINING CITY" PRIVATE TOUR (3 Hour Evening Tour): $658
  • 2 Day Grand Tour with George Washington's Mount Vernon: $95
  • 2-Day Colonial Williamsburg Guided Tour from Washington DC: $330
  • 24/48-Hour Washington, D.C. Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour "DC After Dark" Night-Time Guided Bus Tour with Stops at Top Attractions: $35
  • 3-Hour Private Jeep Tour of Washington D.C.: $495
  • 3-Hour Washington DC "Monuments By Night" Guided Night-Time Sightseeing Bus Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour Washington DC "Morning Monuments" Guided Sightseeing Walking & Bus Tour: $64
  • 3-Hour Washington, D.C Urban Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $44
  • 30-Minutes Supercar Driving Pilot Experience in Washington DC: $275
  • Advance Tickets to Washington, D.C.'s Newseum: $24

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
    Washington $15
    Detroit $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Washington DC: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • DC: 'New York Times Journeys' Walking Tour with Beer, Cheese and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Seattle All-Inclusive: Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting: $278
  • NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV: $645
  • 6 Hours Northern VA Wine Tour: $920

About these numbers

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.


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

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.

In the summer, Washington is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the summer temperatures in Washington in July are around 79°F (26°C), and Detroit is 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Washington 79°F (26°C) 
    Detroit 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Washington or Detroit in the Autumn?

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.

In October, Washington is generally a little warmer than Detroit. Temperatures in Washington average around 60°F (15°C), and Detroit stays 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Washington 60°F (15°C) 
    Detroit 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Washington or Detroit in the Winter?

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.

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 temperature in Washington is usually 35°F (1°C) in January, and Detroit stays 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Washington 35°F (1°C) 
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Washington or Detroit in the Spring?

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.

In the spring, Washington is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the spring temperatures in Washington in April are around 56°F (14°C), and Detroit is 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Washington 56°F (14°C) 
    Detroit 49°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Detroit and Washington

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)


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Washington vs. Detroit Travel Comparison

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