A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Arlington vs. New York City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Arlington or New York City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or New York City, 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.

New York City

New York City is a one-of-a-kind, vibrant, and energetic 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 theater, nightlife, and live music.

Arlington and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arlington or New York City?

You'll generally find more things to do in New York City than Arlington. New York City is bigger than Arlington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. New York City is more touristy than Arlington and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. Also, New York City is famous for The Statue of Liberty. Arlington is well known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon.

How is Arlington different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

New York City 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, New York City has many famous sights for visitors. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

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 New York City Better for Theater?

New York City 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 New York City. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Arlington is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Arlington or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City 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, New York City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 New York City Better for Nightlife?

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

New York City is a must-see party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

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 New York City Better for Music?

New York City is terrific for its music scene. However, Arlington is not a live music destination.

New York City has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Arlington is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or New York City?

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

Many people travel to New York City specifically to go shopping. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

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 New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Arlington does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, New York City draws large crowds. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Arlington does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Arlington or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is an excellent place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Arlington does not offer Christmas markets.

New York City has plenty of Christmas markets during the holiday season. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Arlington does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Arlington or New York City Better for Families?

New York City 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 New York City. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class 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 New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is terrific for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

New York City has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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 New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington and New York City are both great destinations 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Is Arlington or New York City Better for Students?

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

New York City is a great destination for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

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 New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find world-class public transit in both Arlington and New York City.

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.

New York City has a great public transit system. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Is Arlington or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in New York City. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Arlington Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or New York City?

Both Arlington and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Arlington. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Arlington, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City 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 New York City.

One day in Arlington or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Arlington. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

People visit New York City 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 New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arlington. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

People visit New York City 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 New York City?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the international destination of Arlington. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

People visit New York City 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 New York City?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Arlington. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New York City, one week is sufficent for most. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arlington and New York City, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Arlington much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Arlington would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Arlington 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Arlington.

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

Which is Bigger, Arlington or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Arlington. When comparing the sizes of Arlington and New York City, 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 New York City?

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 New York City in the Summer?

Both New York City and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to New York City in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Arlington is around the same temperature as New York City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Arlington in July average around 79°F (26°C), and New York City averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New York City. In July, Arlington usually receives less rain than New York City. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Arlington or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City and Arlington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Arlington in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Arlington is generally around the same temperature as New York City. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 60°F (15°C), and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Arlington usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as New York City. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arlington or New York City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and New York City. Most visitors come to Arlington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to New York City because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in New York City can be very cold. Arlington can be very cold during winter. Arlington is much warmer than New York City in the winter. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

In January, Arlington usually receives less rain than New York City. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Arlington or New York City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Arlington as well as New York City. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

In the spring, Arlington is a little warmer than New York City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Arlington in April average around 56°F (14°C), and New York City averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Arlington usually gets less rain in April than New York City. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New York City and Arlington