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

Should you visit Detroit or Palm Springs?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Palm Springs, 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 under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Detroit travel costs.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a ritzy, chic, and outdoorsy city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Palm Springs travel costs.

Detroit and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Detroit or Palm Springs?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Detroit. Although Detroit and Palm Springs are popular destinations, Detroit has more sights and attractions for tourists. Detroit is very popular for its music and big city activities, while Palm Springs attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping. Palm Springs is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. 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 Detroit different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Detroit and Palm Springs.

Detroit offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Palm Springs. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

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

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

Palm Springs has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

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 Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

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 Detroit or Palm Springs Better for Music?

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

Detroit is a world class music destination. 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.

Palm Springs is not a live music destination.

Is Detroit or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit is not a resort destination.

Palm Springs offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Detroit or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Palm Springs?

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

Palm Springs is well-known for its shopping. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

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 Palm Springs Better for Families?

Palm Springs 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, Palm Springs is very family-friendly. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

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 Palm Springs Better for Couples?

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

Palm Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

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 Palm Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Detroit and Palm Springs.

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 Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

Is Detroit or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Detroit and Palm Springs are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Palm Springs is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

For even more information, also check out Is Detroit Worth Visiting? and Is Palm Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Detroit or Palm Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Palm Springs due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Detroit, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs.

One day in Detroit or Palm Springs?

In Detroit, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this hardworking city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Palm Springs, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Detroit or Palm Springs?

Detroit is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the live music. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Palm Springs, you'll find food and shopping. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Palm Springs has to offer.

Five days in Detroit or Palm Springs?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the overlooked destination of Detroit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Palm Springs is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Palm Springs?

Detroit is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palm Springs. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Palm Springs. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Palm Springs, we can see that Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Detroit or Palm Springs?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Detroit and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs?

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 Palm Springs in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Palm Springs. Most visitors come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Detroit is generally around the same temperature as Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 74°F (24°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Detroit usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

Both Palm Springs and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.

Detroit is much colder than Palm Springs in the autumn. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 54°F (12°C) in October, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

In October, Detroit usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Detroit or Palm Springs in the Winter?

Both Palm Springs and Detroit during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Detroit this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Palm Springs for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Detroit in the winter. In the winter, Detroit is much colder than Palm Springs. Typically, the winter temperatures in Detroit in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Detroit usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Palm Springs. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Palm Springs in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Palm Springs. Many travelers come to Detroit for the activities around the city.

In April, Detroit is generally much colder than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 49°F (9°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Detroit usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Detroit