A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Detroit for Nightlife, Music, Food, and Families

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Detroit?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach 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.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a party-hard, energetic, and lively beach city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the live music, beaches, and nightlife. See Daytona Beach travel costs.

Detroit

Detroit is a overlooked , under-rated, and hardworking city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Detroit travel costs.

Daytona Beach and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less active music scene
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Detroit?

Both Detroit and Daytona Beach have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Daytona Beach is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Detroit is known for its museums and attractions, food, music, and shopping. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Detroit is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry.

How is Daytona Beach different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Daytona Beach or Detroit?

Daytona Beach
Detroit

Detroit is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Daytona Beach or Detroit? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Daytona Beach
Detroit

Detroit is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

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.

Daytona Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Is Daytona Beach or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Detroit

Daytona Beach is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Daytona Beach is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

Detroit is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Daytona Beach or Detroit Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Detroit

Detroit is a must-visit destination for its music scene. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for live music.

In Detroit you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.


Is Daytona Beach or Detroit Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Detroit

Daytona Beach is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Daytona Beach offers a few options. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Detroit Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Detroit

Daytona Beach is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Detroit is not a beach destination.

Daytona Beach has a beach worth visiting. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Detroit?

Daytona Beach
Detroit

Detroit is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

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.

Daytona Beach is a good destination for shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.


Is Daytona Beach or Detroit Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Detroit

Detroit is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

Detroit is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Daytona Beach is not always a place people visit with their families. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.

Is Daytona Beach or Detroit Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Detroit

Daytona Beach is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Daytona Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.

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 Daytona Beach or Detroit Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Detroit

Daytona Beach is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Detroit is not popular with students.

Daytona Beach is a great destination for students. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

Detroit is not popular with students.


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

Daytona Beach
Detroit

Detroit is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.

Is Daytona Beach or Detroit a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Detroit

Detroit is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Detroit is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

For even more information, also check out Is Daytona Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Detroit Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Detroit?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Daytona Beach and Detroit. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Detroit than in Daytona Beach. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 1-3 days is enough time in Detroit.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Detroit than Daytona Beach 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 Detroit.


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Detroit? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Detroit 1-3

One day in Daytona Beach or Detroit?

In Daytona Beach, you'll find nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This beach city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the hardworking destination of Detroit. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A weekend in Daytona Beach or Detroit?

You'll find live music and nightlife around the lively destination of Daytona Beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Detroit. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Daytona Beach or Detroit?

Daytona Beach is a great place to explore. 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.

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the overlooked destination of Detroit. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Daytona Beach or Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Daytona Beach. Many people enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting Daytona Beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Detroit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Detroit or Daytona Beach?

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

  • Daytona Beach Prices
    USA Prices
    Detroit Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Daytona Beach $269
    Detroit $165

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $269, 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 Daytona Beach and Detroit in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Detroit $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Detroit $128
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Detroit

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach


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: Daytona Beach Hotel Prices and Detroit Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Detroit $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Detroit?

Prices for flights to both Detroit and Daytona Beach 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
    Daytona Beach $138
    Detroit $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Daytona Beach.

  • Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53

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.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Detroit $21

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Daytona Beach are as follows:

  • St. Johns River Cruise - Blue Spring State Park : $38
  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Eco Tour in Flagler County-Small-group: $85
  • 3 Hour Coastal Fun Cruise : $150
  • 3 Hour Social Sip N Dip Party Cruise: $70
  • Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75
  • Daytona Beach Champagne Sunset Cruise: $89
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Paddle Pub Experience: $45
  • Discovery Dolphin Boat Tour: $35
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Dolphin and Wildlife Tour at Indian River Shores: $65

Tours and Activities in Detroit

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

  • Self Guided Detroit's Spirit and History Solo Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Windsor by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Detroit Red Wings Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $11
  • Self-Guided Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Ann Arbor MI: $15
  • SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Admission Ticket: $20
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Ann Arbor with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • French History Tour of Detroit A Self-Guided Audio Tour App: $20
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan Admission Ticket: $22
  • Detroit Pistons Basketball Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $23
  • Macabre, Murder, & Mayhem in Motor City: Detroit Ghost Tour: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Detroit $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach

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

  • Karaoke Party Bus Dive Bar Crawl: $40
  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $50


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


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach or Detroit in the Summer?

Both Detroit and Daytona Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Detroit in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Daytona Beach is generally a little warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in July than Detroit. Daytona Beach 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
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Detroit 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Detroit in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Detroit. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Daytona Beach is much warmer than Detroit in the autumn. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in October, and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Detroit. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Detroit 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Detroit in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Detroit. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Detroit because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Detroit can be very cold. In the winter, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the winter temperatures in Daytona Beach in January average around 58°F (14°C), and Detroit averages at about 25°F (-4°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in January than Detroit. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Detroit in the Spring?

Both Detroit and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

In April, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 69°F (21°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In April, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Detroit. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Detroit 49°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Detroit and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Detroit
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)