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

Should you visit Arlington or Moncton?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Moncton, 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Arlington travel costs.

Moncton

Moncton is a cultural, quaint, and compact city. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Moncton travel costs.

Arlington and Moncton: 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
  • Home to Arlington National Cemetery
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Arlington or Moncton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Arlington than Moncton. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Arlington is more touristy than Moncton and is known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. It is also well known for Arlington National Cemetery. Moncton is famous for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Arlington different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Arlington
Moncton

Arlington is great for its historical sights. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Moncton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has a zoo at Magnetic Hill as well as several great museums and historic sites like Fort Beauséjour and the Acadian Museum.


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

Arlington
Moncton

Arlington is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Arlington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Moncton offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a range of casual eateries around town as well as wine tasting and a few upscales places. Poutine is the local favorite, but you can also try fried seafood or a local stew.

Is Arlington or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Arlington
Moncton

Arlington is great for its evening party scene. However, Moncton is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Arlington for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Moncton specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Moncton?

Arlington
Moncton

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Arlington and Moncton.

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.

Moncton is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of independent shops and larger big box stores. Some of the largest shopping areas include Mapleton Plaza and Wheeler Park Power Centre.


Is Arlington or Moncton Better for Families?

Arlington
Moncton

Arlington and Moncton are both nice 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 Moncton. It's a family-friendly town with indoor play spaces and outdoor parks. Highlights for families include a visit to Magnetic Hill Zoo and a stop at Butterfly World and the Boardwalk.

Is Arlington or Moncton Better for Couples?

Arlington
Moncton

Arlington and Moncton 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.

Moncton is a nice destination for couples. There are some great date night ideas like wine tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery or seeing a show at the theater.

Is Arlington or Moncton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington
Moncton

Arlington is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Moncton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Moncton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in town, this is little more than a stopover for most backpackers.


Is Arlington or Moncton Better for Students?

Arlington
Moncton

Arlington is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Moncton is not popular with students.

Many students visit Arlington. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Moncton is not popular with students.

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

Arlington
Moncton

Arlington is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Moncton is not a good destination for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Arlington can get you around easily. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Public transit is generally limited in Moncton. There is a bus system but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Arlington or Moncton a more walkable city?

Arlington
Moncton

Arlington is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its 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.

Moncton is somewhat walkable. It's relatively compact and dense enough to get around on foot in many parts.


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

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Arlington or Moncton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Arlington than Moncton 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 Moncton.

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

One day in Arlington or Moncton?

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.

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

A weekend in Arlington or Moncton?

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.

You'll find museums and food around the quaint destination of Moncton. 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 Moncton?

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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural city of Moncton. 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 Moncton?

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.

Moncton 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Moncton or Arlington?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Arlington Prices
    USA Prices
    Moncton Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Arlington $323
    Moncton $146

The average daily cost (per person) in Arlington is $323, while the average daily cost in Moncton is $146. 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 Moncton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arlington $131
    Moncton $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arlington $262
    Moncton $58
Compare Hotels in Arlington and Moncton

Looking for a hotel in Arlington or Moncton? 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 Moncton


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 Moncton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arlington $49
    Moncton -

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 Moncton?

Prices for flights to both Moncton 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 $139
    Moncton $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arlington $11
    Moncton $77

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arlington $17
    Moncton $4.47


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

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


Which is Bigger, Arlington or Moncton?

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

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 Moncton in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Moncton. Many travelers come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Moncton in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Arlington is a little warmer than Moncton in the summer. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Moncton fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Arlington usually receives less rain than Moncton. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arlington 79°F (26°C) 
    Moncton 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Arlington or Moncton in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Moncton. Many visitors come to Arlington in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Moncton for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Arlington is much warmer than Moncton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arlington in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Moncton averages at about 8°C (46°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Arlington usually gets less rain in October than Moncton. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arlington 60°F (15°C) 
    Moncton 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Arlington or Moncton in the Winter?

Both Moncton and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Arlington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Moncton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Moncton can be very cold. Arlington can be very cold during winter. In January, Arlington is generally much warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 35°F (1°C), and Moncton fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. In January, Arlington usually receives less rain than Moncton. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arlington 35°F (1°C) 
    Moncton -8°C (17°F)

Should I visit Arlington or Moncton in the Spring?

Both Moncton and Arlington during the spring are popular places to visit.

It's quite cold in Moncton in the spring. Arlington is much warmer than Moncton in the spring. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Moncton fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Arlington usually gets less rain in April than Moncton. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arlington 56°F (14°C) 
    Moncton 3°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Moncton and Arlington

Arlington Moncton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) -8°C (17°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) -8°C (18°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) -3°C (27°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 3°C (38°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 10°C (50°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 16°C (60°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 19°C (66°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 8°C (46°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 2°C (36°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) -5°C (23°F) 126 mm (5 in)