A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Detroit vs. Monterey for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Detroit or Monterey?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Monterey, 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.

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. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping. See Detroit travel costs.

Monterey

Monterey is a relaxing, nature-oriented, and laid back city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Monterey travel costs.

Detroit and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Detroit or Monterey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Detroit. Although Detroit and Monterey are both popular with visitors, Detroit has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Detroit is more popular for its music and big city activities, while Monterey is known for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Monterey is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Detroit is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also home to the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Detroit different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Detroit or Monterey?

Monterey is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Monterey can be an interesting and educational experience. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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.

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

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

Monterey has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Detroit or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Detroit and Monterey.

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.

Monterey is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

Is Detroit or Monterey Better for Music?

Detroit is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Monterey is not a live music destination.

Detroit has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Monterey is not a live music destination.

Is Detroit or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Detroit is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Detroit is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Detroit or Monterey Better for Beaches?

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

Monterey has a beach worth visiting. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Monterey?

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

Monterey is well-known for its shopping. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Detroit or Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Monterey is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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 Detroit or Monterey Better for Couples?

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

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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 Detroit or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Detroit and Monterey.

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 generally limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Detroit or Monterey a more walkable city?

Monterey is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Monterey is a very walkable city. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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 Detroit Worth Visiting? and Is Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Monterey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Detroit and Monterey. In our opinion, Monterey has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Monterey than Detroit. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Monterey 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 Monterey.

One day in Detroit or Monterey?

The city of Detroit offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Monterey, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Detroit or Monterey?

Detroit is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Detroit, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Monterey, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Monterey has to offer.

Five days in Detroit or Monterey?

Detroit is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Monterey 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.

A week in Detroit or Monterey?

Detroit is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monterey. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Monterey. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Detroit or Monterey?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Detroit and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Detroit or Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Detroit is a little warmer than Monterey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Detroit in July average around 74°F (24°C), and Monterey averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In July, Detroit usually receives more rain than Monterey. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Detroit or Monterey in the Autumn?

Both Monterey and Detroit during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Detroit in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Detroit is generally cooler than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 54°F (12°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Detroit usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Monterey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Monterey. Most visitors come to Detroit for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Monterey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Detroit can be very cold during winter. Detroit is much colder than Monterey in the winter. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 25°F (-4°C) in January, and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Detroit usually receives less rain than Monterey. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Detroit or Monterey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Monterey. The spring months attract visitors to Detroit because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

In the spring, Detroit is cooler than Monterey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Detroit in April average around 49°F (9°C), and Monterey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Detroit usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Detroit