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

Should you visit Arlington or Chicago?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Chicago, 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.

Arlington

Arlington is a educational, international, and historical city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant, multicultural, and edgey city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and theater.

Arlington and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arlington or Chicago?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chicago than Arlington. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Arlington is famous for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Chicago is famous for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also well known for The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower).

How is Arlington different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arlington or Chicago?

Chicago is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Chicago has many famous sights for visitors. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Arlington. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Is Arlington or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is terrific for its shows and theatre. However, Arlington is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Chicago. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Arlington is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Arlington or Chicago? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chicago is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chicago is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arlington makes for a great culinary experience. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

Is Arlington or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Chicago is a must-see party destination. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

The people in Arlington know how to have a good time. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

Is Arlington or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is terrific for its music scene. However, Arlington is not a live music destination.

Chicago has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Arlington is not a live music destination.

Is Arlington or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Chicago is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

Chicago has a beach worth visiting. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Chicago?

Chicago is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Chicago specifically to go shopping. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

Arlington is a great destination for shopping. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Is Arlington or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is an excellent place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Arlington does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Chicago is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Arlington does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Arlington or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a nice place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Arlington does not offer Christmas markets.

Chicago has Christmas markets worth visiting. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Arlington does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Arlington or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Chicago is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Arlington or Chicago Better for Couples?

Arlington and Chicago are both nice to visit as a couple.

Arlington is a good city for couples to visit. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Chicago is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

Is Arlington or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Arlington is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

It's common for backpackers to visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Is Arlington or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Chicago is a great destination for students. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

Students come from all over to stay in Arlington. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Is Arlington or Chicago Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find terrific public transit in both Arlington and Chicago.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Arlington can take you anywhere. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Chicago has a great public transit system. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

Is Arlington or Chicago a more walkable city?

Arlington and Chicago are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Arlington is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

Chicago is very walkable. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Arlington Worth Visiting? and Is Chicago Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Chicago?

In either Arlington or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Arlington because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Arlington, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chicago than Arlington 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 Chicago.

One day in Arlington or Chicago?

In Arlington, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Chicago because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arlington or Chicago?

In Arlington, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Arlington has to offer.

People visit Chicago because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Chicago?

Arlington 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.

People visit Chicago because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Arlington or Chicago?

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

Chicago 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.

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 comparing the travel costs between Arlington and Chicago, we can see that Chicago 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 Arlington Expensive? and Is Chicago Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Arlington or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Arlington. When comparing the sizes of Arlington and Chicago, 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 Arlington or Chicago?

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 Arlington or Chicago in the Summer?

Both Chicago and Arlington during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Arlington is around the same temperature as Chicago in the summer. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arlington. In the summer, Arlington often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Arlington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Arlington usually gets less rain in July than Chicago. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arlington or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Chicago. The autumn months attract visitors to Arlington because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

In the autumn, Arlington is a little warmer than Chicago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arlington in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Chicago averages at about 56°F (14°C).

Arlington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago during autumn. Arlington gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Arlington usually receives more rain than Chicago. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Arlington or Chicago in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Chicago. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Arlington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chicago. It's quite cold in Arlington in the winter. In January, Arlington is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 35°F (1°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Arlington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago. Arlington gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arlington or Chicago in the Spring?

Both Chicago and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Chicago in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Arlington is a little warmer than Chicago in the spring. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Chicago. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arlington. Arlington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago during spring. Arlington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. In April, Arlington usually receives less rain than Chicago. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Arlington