A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Arlington vs. Kamloops for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Arlington or Kamloops?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Kamloops, 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 historical, educational, and international city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a laid-back, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Arlington and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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 for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Arlington or Kamloops?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Kamloops than Arlington. While Arlington is larger than Kamloops, Kamloops has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Kamloops is more popular for its skiing and hiking, while Arlington is known for its museums & sights, food, and nightlife. Arlington is more touristy than Kamloops and is known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Kamloops is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses. It is also home to Sun Peaks Resort.

How is Arlington different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Arlington or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Arlington
Kamloops

Kamloops is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Arlington is not a skiing destination.

Kamloops draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There's a long ski season that runs from mid-November to mid-April. The region has two major ski resorts - Sun Peaks Resorts and Harper Mountain.

Arlington is not a skiing destination.


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

Arlington
Kamloops

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Kamloops offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that highlight the local culture and the region's heritage.

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

Arlington
Kamloops

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Arlington has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kamloops area. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Is Arlington or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Arlington
Kamloops

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Arlington has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Kamloops has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.


Is Arlington or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Arlington
Kamloops

Kamloops is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Kamloops has hiking trails worth exploring. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Kamloops?

Arlington
Kamloops

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Arlington and Kamloops.

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.

Kamloops is a great destination for shopping. Downtown you'll find local boutiques and eclectic shops. You could also head to Aberdeen Mall for all of the major brands and recognizable stores.

Is Arlington or Kamloops Better for Families?

Arlington
Kamloops

Kamloops is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kamloops. There are great parks and outdoor spaces for kids as well as the Deep Creek Tool Museum, Westsyde Centennial Park and Petting Zoo, and Hells Gate Air Tram. You can also take a ride on the Kettle Valley Railway Steam Engine. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to either Kamloops Wildlife Park or Kangaroo Creek Farm.

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 Kamloops Better for Couples?

Arlington
Kamloops

Arlington and Kamloops are both good 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.

Kamloops is a nice destination for couples. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Arlington or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington
Kamloops

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Kamloops is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's often overlooked by backpackers, but there is a hostel in town.

Is Arlington or Kamloops Better for Students?

Arlington
Kamloops

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Kamloops is not popular with students.

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.

Kamloops is not popular with students.


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

Arlington
Kamloops

Arlington is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Kamloops is lacking in 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 Kamloops. There is a bus system through the city.

Is Arlington or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Arlington
Kamloops

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

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

Kamloops is generally not very walkable. The downtown is the most walkable part of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Arlington or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Arlington than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Arlington, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

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

Couples should spend more time in Arlington than Kamloops. 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 Kamloops 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 Kamloops? Ideal Length of Stay
    Arlington 2-4 
    Kamloops 1-2

One day in Arlington or Kamloops?

The city of Arlington offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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


A weekend in Arlington or Kamloops?

Arlington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Arlington, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the laid-back destination of Kamloops. 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 Kamloops?

Arlington is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the nature-filled city of Kamloops. 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 Kamloops?

Arlington is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Kamloops 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 The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Kamloops 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 Kamloops is $83. 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 Kamloops in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arlington $131
    Kamloops $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arlington $262
    Kamloops $90
Compare Hotels in Arlington and Kamloops

Looking for a hotel in Arlington or Kamloops? 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 Kamloops


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 Kamloops Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arlington $49
    Kamloops $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arlington

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

  • Ronald Reagan DCA Airport Transfers: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Arlington or Kamloops?

Prices for flights to both Kamloops 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
    Kamloops $24

Typical Food Prices in Kamloops

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


  • Pastries
    $5.89
  • Lunch for Two
    $26
  • Coffee and Gelato
    $12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arlington $11
    Kamloops $13

Tours and Activities in Kamloops

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

  • Kamloops to Banff: Ultimate Mountain Self-Guided Drive Tour: $20
  • BC Wildlife Park Entry Ticket: $15
  • Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $14
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops & Revelstoke: $6.76
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops and Vancouver: $6.77
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Kamloops by Zombie Scavengers: $21
  • Vancouver and Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arlington $17
    Kamloops $6.87


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arlington and Kamloops, we can see that Arlington is more expensive. And not only is Kamloops much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kamloops would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kamloops 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 Kamloops.

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


Which is Bigger, Arlington or Kamloops?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kamloops. When comparing the sizes of Arlington and Kamloops, 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 Kamloops?

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 Kamloops in the Summer?

Both Kamloops and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arlington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kamloops for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Arlington is generally a little warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 79°F (26°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Arlington usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arlington 79°F (26°C) 
    Kamloops 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Arlington or Kamloops in the Autumn?

Both Kamloops and Arlington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Arlington for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Kamloops in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Arlington is a little warmer than Kamloops in the autumn. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Arlington usually gets more rain in October than Kamloops. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arlington 60°F (15°C) 
    Kamloops 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Arlington or Kamloops in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Kamloops. Many visitors come to Arlington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kamloops for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kamloops can be very cold during winter. Arlington can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Arlington is much warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the winter temperatures in Arlington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Kamloops averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In January, Arlington usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arlington 35°F (1°C) 
    Kamloops -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Arlington or Kamloops in the Spring?

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

In April, Arlington is generally a little warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 56°F (14°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Arlington usually gets more rain in April than Kamloops. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arlington 56°F (14°C) 
    Kamloops 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Arlington

Arlington Kamloops
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)