Which place is cheaper, Richmond or Arlington?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Virginia Arlington vs. Richmond for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Arlington or Richmond?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Richmond, 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.
Where Should I go: Arlington or Richmond?
Arlington
Located just across the Potomac River from Washington DC, capital of the United States, Arlington is a city that also has many government sites and monuments that commemorate the nation's past. Two of its most famous features include Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon-the largest office building in the world.
Richmond
One of the oldest American cities, Richmond was established in 1607 by English settlers led by Captain Christopher Newport and Captain John Smith. During the Civil War it existed as the capital of the Confederacy, and today it remains the capital of the U.S. state of Virginia. There are many historic sights to see and museums to explore, as well as plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayArlington $264Richmond $161
The average daily cost (per person) in Arlington is $264, while the average daily cost in Richmond is $161. 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 Richmond in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personArlington $131Richmond $101
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomArlington $262Richmond $202
Compare Hotels in Arlington and Richmond
Looking for a hotel in Arlington or Richmond? 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.
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 Richmond Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Arlington $49Richmond $72
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 Richmond?
Prices for flights to both Richmond 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
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Food Meals for one dayArlington $81Richmond $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Richmond
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Richmond.
- The Carytown Food Tour in Richmond: $80
- Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA: $80
- Church Hill Food Tour: $80
- Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $80
- Arts District Food Tour in Richmond: $85
- Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Arlington $11Richmond $13
Tours and Activities in Richmond
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Richmond are as follows:
- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond: $44
- Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $25
- Discover Downtown Richmond Bike Tour: $125
- Electric Bike Tour to Upper Shirley Vineyards: $155
- Guided Walking Tour of Richmond: $38
- Hollywood Cemetery Electric Car Tour in Richmond: $50
- Hollywood Cemetery Tour Richmond Lore and Civil War: $24
- RVA Ghosts Shockoe Bottom Sinister Scares by US Ghost Adventures : $30
- RVATukTuk Sightseeing Tour of Richmond: $186
- Richmond Downtown Walking Tour: $38
- Richmond Ghosts: Sinister Scares of Shockoe Bottom Tour: $32
- Richmond Landmark Segway Tour: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayArlington $17Richmond -
Sample the Local Flavors in Richmond
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Richmond:
- Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arlington and Richmond, we can see that Arlington is more expensive. And not only is Richmond much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Richmond would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Richmond 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 Richmond.
Which is Bigger, Arlington or Richmond?
Richmond is bigger, and its population is about 3% larger than the population of Arlington. When comparing the population of Arlington vs. Richmond, 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 and the activities that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Arlington or Richmond?
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 Richmond in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Richmond.
Arlington is around the same temperature as Richmond in the summer. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Richmond fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Richmond. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arlington this time of the year. In the summer, Arlington often gets less sunshine than Richmond. Arlington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Richmond. Arlington usually gets less rain in July than Richmond. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyArlington 79°F (26°C)Richmond 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Arlington or Richmond in the Autumn?
Both Richmond and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In the autumn, Arlington is around the same temperature as Richmond. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arlington in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Richmond averages at about 59°F (15°C).
It's quite sunny in Richmond. Arlington usually receives less sunshine than Richmond during autumn. Arlington gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Arlington usually receives less rain than Richmond. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberArlington 60°F (15°C)Richmond 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Arlington or Richmond in the Winter?
Both Richmond and Arlington during the winter are popular places to visit.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Richmond. It's quite cold in Arlington in the winter. In January, Arlington is generally much colder than Richmond. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 35°F (1°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).
In the winter, Arlington often gets less sunshine than Richmond. Arlington gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun.
Arlington usually gets less rain in January than Richmond. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryArlington 35°F (1°C)Richmond 36°F (2°C)
Should I visit Arlington or Richmond in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Richmond.
Arlington is around the same temperature as Richmond in the spring. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Richmond fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Richmond this time of the year. In Arlington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arlington usually receives less sunshine than Richmond during spring. Arlington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Arlington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Richmond. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilArlington 56°F (14°C)Richmond 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Richmond and Arlington
| Arlington | Richmond | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 3.2 inches (83 mm) |
| Feb | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (80 mm) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Apr | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 58°F (14°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 3.8 inches (98 mm) |
| Jun | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 5 inches (128 mm) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 71°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Nov | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) |
| Dec | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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