A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Detroit vs. Vancouver for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Detroit or Vancouver?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Vancouver, 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. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping. See Detroit travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a outdoorsy, scenic, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Vancouver travel costs.

Detroit and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Detroit or Vancouver?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vancouver than Detroit. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Vancouver is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Detroit attracts visitors for its music. Vancouver is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. It is also well known for Stanley Park. Detroit is famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry.

How is Detroit different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Vancouver are world-renowned. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

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 Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Vancouver has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

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 Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Vancouver is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Is Detroit or Vancouver Better for Music?

Detroit is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Vancouver is not a live music destination.

Detroit is known as a music capital 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.

Vancouver is not a live music destination.

Is Detroit or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Vancouver draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Vancouver?

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Vancouver draws large crowds to its stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

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 Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Detroit or Vancouver Better for Families?

Vancouver 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, Vancouver is very family-friendly. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

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 Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Vancouver has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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 Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Vancouver. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

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 Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Detroit is not popular with students.

Vancouver is a great city to visit as a student. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Detroit is not popular with students.

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

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Visitors in Vancouver can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

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 Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Vancouver. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore 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 Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Vancouver?

In either Detroit or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver than Detroit because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Detroit, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

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

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

One day in Detroit or Vancouver?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Detroit. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Detroit has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Vancouver is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Vancouver?

You'll find live music and food around the overlooked destination of Detroit. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Because Vancouver is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Detroit or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the under-rated city of Detroit. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Vancouver is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vancouver has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Detroit or Vancouver?

Detroit is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vancouver. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Vancouver. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Detroit and Vancouver, we can see that Detroit is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Detroit Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Detroit or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Detroit. When comparing the sizes of Detroit and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?

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 Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Vancouver. Many travelers come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vancouver in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Detroit is generally a little warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 74°F (24°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vancouver this time of the year. In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. Detroit usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver during summer. Detroit gets 319 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Detroit usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Detroit or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Vancouver. 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 Vancouver for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Detroit is a little warmer than Vancouver in the autumn. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 54°F (12°C) in October, and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Detroit often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Detroit gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Detroit usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Vancouver in the Winter?

Both Vancouver and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Detroit for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vancouver can be very cold. Detroit can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Detroit is much colder than Vancouver. Typically, the winter temperatures in Detroit in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and Vancouver averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Detroit usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Detroit gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In January, Detroit usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Detroit or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver and Detroit during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Detroit because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

In April, Detroit is generally around the same temperature as Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 49°F (9°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Detroit. In the spring, Detroit often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Detroit gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Detroit usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Detroit