A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Detroit for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Detroit?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Blue Ridge and Detroit. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a quaint, charming, and outdoorsy town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Blue Ridge is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Detroit

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 live music, food, and shopping. See Detroit travel costs.

Blue Ridge and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
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 Blue Ridge or Detroit?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Detroit. Although Blue Ridge and Detroit are popular destinations, Detroit has more sights and attractions for tourists. Detroit is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Blue Ridge attracts visitors for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Blue Ridge is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. 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 Blue Ridge different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Detroit?

Blue Ridge
Detroit

Detroit is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.


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

Blue Ridge
Detroit

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

Blue Ridge has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

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 Blue Ridge or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge
Detroit

Detroit is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Detroit has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Blue Ridge or Detroit Better for Music?

Blue Ridge
Detroit

Detroit is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Blue Ridge is not a live music destination.

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.

Blue Ridge is not a live music destination.


Is Blue Ridge or Detroit Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge
Detroit

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Detroit?

Blue Ridge
Detroit

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

Blue Ridge is well-known for its shopping. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

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 Blue Ridge or Detroit More Beautiful?

Blue Ridge
Detroit

Blue Ridge is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

Blue Ridge is a beautiful place to visit, too. There are plenty of hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There's also a scenic railroad as well as places to kayak or go horseback riding.

Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Blue Ridge or Detroit Better for Families?

Blue Ridge
Detroit

Blue Ridge 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, Blue Ridge is very family-friendly. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

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 Blue Ridge or Detroit Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge
Detroit

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

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

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 Blue Ridge or Detroit Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge
Detroit

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Blue Ridge. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Detroit is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but this is still an often overlooked city.


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

Blue Ridge
Detroit

Detroit is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Detroit a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge
Detroit

Blue Ridge and Detroit are nice when it comes to walkability.

Blue Ridge is somewhat walkable. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

Detroit is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Detroit Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Detroit?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Detroit. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Detroit. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 1-3 days is enough time in Detroit.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.


  • How many days in Blue Ridge or Detroit? Ideal Length of Stay
    Blue Ridge 2-5 
    Detroit 1-3

One day in Blue Ridge or Detroit?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 hardworking 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.


A weekend in Blue Ridge or Detroit?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Blue Ridge has to offer.

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.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Detroit?

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Blue Ridge 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.

A week in Blue Ridge or Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Blue Ridge. Since Blue Ridge is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Detroit or Blue Ridge?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Blue Ridge Prices
    USA Prices
    Detroit Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Blue Ridge $150
    Detroit $165

The average daily cost (per person) in Blue Ridge is $150, while the average daily cost in Detroit is $165. 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 Blue Ridge and Detroit in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Blue Ridge $67
    Detroit $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Blue Ridge $134
    Detroit $128
Compare Hotels in Blue Ridge and Detroit

Looking for a hotel in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge


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: Blue Ridge Hotel Prices and Detroit Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Blue Ridge $34
    Detroit $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

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

  • Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $155
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $155
  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $92
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $183
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $92
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $142
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Blue Ridge or Detroit?

Prices for flights to both Detroit and Blue Ridge 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
    Blue Ridge $61
    Detroit $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Detroit

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

  • Secret Food Tour with Tastings: $80
  • Detroit Downtown Food Tour: 6+ Iconic Tastings in Motor City: $95
  • Detroit Flavors Food Tour: $150
  • Delicious in Detroit Food Tour: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Blue Ridge $18
    Detroit $21

Tours and Activities in Blue Ridge

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

  • 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen: $29
  • 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour: $29
  • Helen Haunts, Murder, Mystery Tour With Paranormal Investigation: $20
  • Helen’s Ghosts of Christmas Past Walking Tour: $26

Tours and Activities in Detroit

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

  • Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt Interactive Walking Tour: $35
  • Best Detroit Walking Tour: $105
  • Best Downtown Detroit Historical Walking Tour: $100
  • Chauffeured Historic Tour of Detroit with Flexibility : $65
  • Detroit Drunks of Antiquity Historic Bar Tour : $65
  • Detroit Food Walking Tour: $159
  • Detroit Guided Pedicab Tour Explore the City in Comfort: $125
  • Detroit Pistons Basketball Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $23
  • Detroit Private Sightseeing Tour with Daily Chauffeur: $3,000
  • Detroit Red Wings Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $11
  • Detroit's Hidden History Guided Walking Tour: $35
  • Architectural Beauty and Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Blue Ridge $20
    Detroit $20


When comparing the travel costs between Blue Ridge and Detroit, we can see that Detroit is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Blue Ridge Expensive? and Is Detroit Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 810 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Detroit in the Summer?

Both Detroit and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the summer temperatures in Blue Ridge in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Detroit averages at about 74°F (24°C).

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

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Detroit. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Blue Ridge 81°F (27°C) 
    Detroit 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Detroit in the Autumn?

Both Detroit and Blue Ridge during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Blue Ridge is generally a little warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 63°F (17°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the autumn, Blue Ridge often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in October than Detroit. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Blue Ridge 63°F (17°C) 
    Detroit 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Detroit in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Detroit. The winter months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

It's quite cold in Detroit in the winter. The weather in Blue Ridge can be very cold. Blue Ridge is much warmer than Detroit in the winter. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

Blue Ridge usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during winter. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun in the winter.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Detroit. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Blue Ridge 40°F (5°C) 
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Detroit in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Detroit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Detroit for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Blue Ridge is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the spring temperatures in Blue Ridge in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Detroit averages at about 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 Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the spring, Blue Ridge often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the spring. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in April than Detroit. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Blue Ridge 62°F (17°C) 
    Detroit 49°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Detroit and Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Detroit
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)