Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Detroit?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Detroit or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Kailua-Kona, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Detroit or Kailua-Kona?
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.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona, often simply called Kona, is a vibrant seaside town located on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Kona offers travelers an appealing mix of natural beauty and Hawaiian culture. The town is famous for its historic waterfront, local coffee farms, and as the gateway to many of the island’s unique adventures. Despite its popularity, Kailua-Kona remains more relaxed and less crowded than some of Hawaii’s other tourist hubs. Beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies will all find plenty to enjoy here. With a mix of affordable accommodations, local eateries, and free or inexpensive attractions, it’s a great destination for budget travelers. The nearby volcanic landscapes, snorkeling spots, and lively marketplaces make it an excellent base for exploring the west side of the Big Island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.
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Detroit Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDetroit $165Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Detroit is $165, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $274. 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 Detroit and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDetroit $64Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDetroit $128Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Detroit and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Detroit or Kailua-Kona? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Detroit Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Detroit $37Kailua-Kona $45
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Detroit or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Detroit 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
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Food Meals for one dayDetroit $76Kailua-Kona $100
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
Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Detroit $21Kailua-Kona $40
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
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Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
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1 Day Kayak Rental$47
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2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive$115
Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:
- From Kona: Volcano & Waterfall Tour, Small Group: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDetroit $20Kailua-Kona $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Detroit and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kailua-Kona 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 Detroit Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Detroit or Kailua-Kona?
Detroit has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Detroit and Kailua-Kona, 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 Detroit or Kailua-Kona?
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 Detroit or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Kailua-Kona. The summer months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Detroit is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 74°F (24°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In the summer, Detroit often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Detroit gets 319 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun.
Detroit usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDetroit 74°F (24°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Detroit or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.
Detroit is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 54°F (12°C) in October, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
Detroit usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. Detroit gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Detroit usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDetroit 54°F (12°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Detroit or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
Both Kailua-Kona and Detroit during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Detroit for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Detroit. In the winter, Detroit is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Detroit in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (23°C).
In the winter, Detroit often gets less sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Detroit gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.
Kailua-Kona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Detroit usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDetroit 25°F (-4°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Detroit or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Detroit in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Detroit is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 49°F (9°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. Detroit usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. Detroit gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Detroit usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kailua-Kona. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDetroit 49°F (9°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Detroit
| Detroit | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°F (-4°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 27°F (-3°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 37°F (3°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 49°F (9°C) | 3.2 inches (80 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 60°F (16°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 70°F (21°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 73°F (23°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 65°F (19°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 54°F (12°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 43°F (6°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.