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

Should you visit Arlington or Ketchikan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Ketchikan, 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Arlington and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arlington or Ketchikan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ketchikan than Arlington, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ketchikan is better known for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Arlington is more popular for its museums & sights and nightlife. Arlington is well known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Ketchikan is well known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Also, Ketchikan is famous for the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.

How is Arlington different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Arlington is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Arlington specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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

Ketchikan 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, Ketchikan is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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 Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Arlington is notable for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Arlington has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Arlington or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Ketchikan draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Ketchikan?

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

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.

Ketchikan is a great destination for shopping. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Arlington or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

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 Ketchikan Better for Couples?

Ketchikan is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Ketchikan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

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.

Is Arlington or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is notable for backpackers. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Is Arlington or Ketchikan Better for Students?

Arlington is notable for students. However, Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Arlington is very popular with students. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Ketchikan is not popular with students.

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

Arlington is renowned for its public transit. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Arlington has a great public transit system. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Arlington or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Arlington and Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is very walkable. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Ketchikan?

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

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

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

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

One day in Arlington or Ketchikan?

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 town of Ketchikan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ketchikan has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arlington or Ketchikan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical 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 food around the local destination of Ketchikan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the international 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 food and shopping when visiting the quaint town of Ketchikan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Arlington or Ketchikan?

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.

Ketchikan is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Arlington or Ketchikan?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Arlington and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?

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 Ketchikan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Ketchikan. Most visitors come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Arlington is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Arlington in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 58°F (15°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Arlington usually gets less rain in July than Ketchikan. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arlington or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

Both Ketchikan and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Arlington because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

In October, Arlington is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 60°F (15°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In October, Arlington usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Arlington or Ketchikan in the Winter?

Both Ketchikan and Arlington during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Arlington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ketchikan. It's quite cold in Arlington in the winter. Arlington is a little warmer than Ketchikan in the winter. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Arlington usually gets less rain in January than Ketchikan. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arlington or Ketchikan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Ketchikan. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Arlington is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Arlington in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 44°F (6°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Arlington usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Arlington