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

Should you visit Detroit or Santa Monica?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Santa Monica, 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 hardworking, overlooked , and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums. See Detroit travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a lively, funfilled, and energetic town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Detroit and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Detroit or Santa Monica?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Monica than Detroit. While Detroit is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is better known for its food, beaches, and shopping, while Detroit is more popular for its music and big city activities. Santa Monica is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. Also, Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica Pier. Detroit is well known for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry.

How is Detroit different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Detroit and Santa Monica.

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 Santa Monica. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

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

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

Santa Monica has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Detroit and Santa Monica.

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.

Santa Monica is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

Is Detroit or Santa Monica Better for Music?

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

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Detroit 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.

Santa Monica is not a live music destination.

Is Detroit or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Detroit is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Santa Monica are among the best in the world. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Santa Monica?

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

Santa Monica is well-known for its shopping. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best 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.

Is Detroit or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

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 Santa Monica Better for Couples?

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

Santa Monica makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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 Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and 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 Santa Monica Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Santa Monica can get you to some places easily. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

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

Is Detroit or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is a very walkable town. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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 Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Santa Monica?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica.

One day in Detroit or Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This town 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 Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Monica has to offer.

Five days in Detroit or Santa Monica?

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.

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Monica. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Detroit or Santa Monica?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Detroit and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Santa Monica. Many visitors come to Detroit in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Detroit is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the summer. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 74°F (24°C) in July, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

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

Should I visit Detroit or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

Both Santa Monica and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Detroit is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Detroit in October average around 54°F (12°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 67°F (20°C).

In October, Detroit usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Detroit or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica and Detroit during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Detroit because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

The weather in Detroit can be very cold. In January, Detroit is generally much colder than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 25°F (-4°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Detroit usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Santa Monica in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Santa Monica. The activities around the city are the main draw to Detroit this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches.

Detroit is much colder than Santa Monica in the spring. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 49°F (9°C) in April, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Detroit usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Detroit