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

Should you visit Arlington or Cleveland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Cleveland, 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 international, historical, and educational city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a authentic, under-rated, and diverse city. It's also popular because of the live music, shopping, and museums.

Arlington and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Home to Arlington National Cemetery
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Arlington or Cleveland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Arlington than Cleveland. While Cleveland is larger than Arlington, Arlington has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Arlington is better known for its food and nightlife, while Cleveland is more popular for its music. Arlington is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Also, Arlington is famous for Arlington National Cemetery. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Arlington different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Arlington
Cleveland

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Cleveland and Arlington.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Arlington can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cleveland. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.


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

Arlington
Cleveland

Arlington is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Arlington. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cleveland. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

Is Arlington or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Arlington
Cleveland

Arlington is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Arlington has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Cleveland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Is Arlington or Cleveland Better for Music?

Arlington
Cleveland

Cleveland is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Arlington is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Cleveland has diverse options. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Arlington is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Cleveland?

Arlington
Cleveland

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Arlington and Cleveland.

Arlington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Cleveland is a great destination for shopping. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

Is Arlington or Cleveland Better for Families?

Arlington
Cleveland

Arlington and Cleveland are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Arlington is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cleveland. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

Is Arlington or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Arlington
Cleveland

Arlington is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.


Is Arlington or Cleveland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington
Cleveland

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

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

Cleveland is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There's little in the area that attracts the backpacker crowd.

Is Arlington or Cleveland Better for Students?

Arlington
Cleveland

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

Arlington is a great city to visit as a student. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Cleveland is not popular with students.

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

Arlington
Cleveland

Arlington is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Arlington is top-notch. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Public transit is generally limited in Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.


Is Arlington or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Arlington
Cleveland

Arlington is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Cleveland is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.

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

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Cleveland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Arlington and Cleveland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Arlington than in Cleveland. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Arlington, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cleveland.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Arlington or Cleveland? Ideal Length of Stay
    Arlington 2-4 
    Cleveland 1-3

One day in Arlington or Cleveland?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Arlington. 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.

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

A weekend in Arlington or Cleveland?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the educational destination of Arlington. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Cleveland. 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.


Five days in Arlington or Cleveland?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the educational city of Arlington. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the under-rated city of Cleveland. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Arlington or Cleveland?

Arlington 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.

Cleveland 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.


Which place is cheaper, Cleveland or Arlington?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Arlington is $264, while the average daily cost in Cleveland is $132. 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 Arlington and Cleveland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arlington $131
    Cleveland $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arlington $262
    Cleveland $150
Compare Hotels in Arlington and Cleveland

Looking for a hotel in Arlington or Cleveland? 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.

Hotels in Arlington


Hotels in Cleveland


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: Arlington Hotel Prices and Cleveland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arlington $49
    Cleveland $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arlington

Also for Arlington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ronald Reagan DCA Airport Transfers: $160

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cleveland are as follows:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland

Also for Cleveland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $89
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $178
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer : $89
  • CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland: $135

Is it cheaper to fly into Arlington or Cleveland?

Prices for flights to both Cleveland and Arlington 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Arlington $81
    Cleveland $36

Typical Food Prices in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $1.79
  • Sandwich
    $9.75
  • Large Pizza
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • West Side Market Food Tour: $49
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $74
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $91

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arlington $11
    Cleveland $40

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • CLE Mini Bus Group Tour: $55
  • Cleveland Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Game Ticket: $77
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Cleveland Ghosts Tour: $32
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $27
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $469
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $239
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Eerie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Escape Room Game Entry Ticket with Host: $39
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arlington $17
    Cleveland $45

Typical Alcohol Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:


  • A Night of Shots
    $36


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arlington and Cleveland, we can see that Arlington is more expensive. And not only is Cleveland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cleveland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cleveland 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 Arlington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arlington than you might in Cleveland.

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


Which is Bigger, Arlington or Cleveland?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Arlington. When comparing the sizes of Arlington and Cleveland, 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 Cleveland?

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 Arlington or Cleveland in the Summer?

Both Cleveland and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Arlington because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year.

In the summer, Arlington is around the same temperature as Cleveland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Arlington in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Cleveland averages at about 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Cleveland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arlington. Arlington usually receives less sunshine than Cleveland during summer. Arlington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. In July, Arlington usually receives less rain than Cleveland. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arlington 79°F (26°C) 
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Cleveland in the Autumn?

Both Cleveland and Arlington during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Arlington this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene.

In October, Arlington is generally a little warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 60°F (15°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Arlington often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Arlington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets more rain in October than Cleveland. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arlington 60°F (15°C) 
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Cleveland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Cleveland. Many travelers come to Arlington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cleveland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cleveland can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Arlington. Arlington is much warmer than Cleveland in the winter. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Arlington usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during winter. Arlington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Arlington usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arlington 35°F (1°C) 
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Cleveland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Cleveland.

In the spring, Arlington is a little warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Arlington in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Cleveland averages at about 51°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arlington this time of the year. In the spring, Arlington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland. Arlington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cleveland. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arlington 56°F (14°C) 
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Arlington

Arlington Cleveland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)