Which place is cheaper, Detroit or Saint John?
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 Saint John or Detroit?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint John and Detroit. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Saint John or Detroit?
Saint John
With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.
This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.
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Saint John Prices
USVI PricesDetroit Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint John $233Detroit $165
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John is $233, while the average daily cost in Detroit is $165. 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 Saint John and Detroit in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint John $106Detroit $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint John $212Detroit $128
Compare Hotels in Saint John and Detroit
Looking for a hotel in Saint John or Detroit? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint John $49Detroit $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit
Also for Detroit, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $108
- Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $142
- Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $92
- Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $183
- Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $92
- Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
- Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61
- Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $155
- Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $155
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint John or Detroit?
Prices for flights to both Detroit and Saint John 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 daySaint John $97Detroit $76
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint John $23Detroit $21
Tours and Activities in Saint John
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint John $44Detroit $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint John and Detroit, we can see that Saint John is more expensive. And not only is Detroit much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint John is in Caribbean Islands and Detroit is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Saint John would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John 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 Saint John Expensive? and Is Detroit Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Saint John or Detroit?
Detroit has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Saint John or Detroit in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Saint John as well as Detroit. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Saint John is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint John in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Detroit averages at about 74°F (24°C).
Saint John usually gets less rain in July than Detroit. Saint John gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint John 29°C (83°F)Detroit 74°F (24°C)
Should I visit Saint John or Detroit in the Autumn?
Both Detroit and Saint John are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In October, Saint John is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Saint John average around 28°C (82°F), and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
It's quite rainy in Saint John. In October, Saint John usually receives more rain than Detroit. Saint John gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint John 28°C (82°F)Detroit 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Saint John or Detroit in the Winter?
Both Detroit and Saint John during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.
It's quite cold in Detroit in the winter. Saint John is much warmer than Detroit in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint John averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).
Saint John usually gets less rain in January than Detroit. Saint John gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint John 26°C (78°F)Detroit 25°F (-4°C)
Should I visit Saint John or Detroit in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John and Detroit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Detroit for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Saint John is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint John in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Detroit averages at about 49°F (9°C).
In April, Saint John usually receives less rain than Detroit. Saint John gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint John 27°C (80°F)Detroit 49°F (9°C)
Typical Weather for Detroit and Saint John
| Saint John | Detroit | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 25°F (-4°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 27°F (-3°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.2 inches (80 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 60°F (16°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 65°F (19°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 43°F (6°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.2 inches (82 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.