A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Arlington vs. San Diego for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Arlington or San Diego?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or San Diego, 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 San Diego?

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.

San Diego

For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.

Which place is cheaper, San Diego 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 San Diego is $202. 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 San Diego in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arlington $131
    San Diego $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arlington $262
    San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Arlington and San Diego

Looking for a hotel in Arlington or San Diego? 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 San Diego


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 San Diego Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arlington $49
    San Diego $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arlington

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

  • Ronald Reagan DCA Airport Transfers: $160

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego

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

  • Transfer in private vehicle from San Diego Downtown to San Diego Airport (SAN): $47
  • Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Downtown to San Diego Airport (SAN): $68
  • Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $68
  • Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
  • Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130
  • Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tijuana hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $54
  • Private Airport SUV Transfer: $120
  • San Diego International Airport (SAN) Private Arrival Transfer: $38
  • San Diego Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Diego: $70
  • San Diego Airport - Private Round Trip Transfer: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Arlington or San Diego?

Prices for flights to both San Diego 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
    San Diego $45

Typical Food prices in San Diego

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:


  • Mexican Lunch for Two
    $27
  • Breakfast at Starbucks
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego

For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $75
  • Pizza, Pasta and Piazzas: Little Italy Food Tour: $85
  • Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
  • San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $92
  • Guided Secret Food Tour: $100
  • San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise: $118
  • Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $133
  • San Diego Signature Dinner Cruise: $153
  • San Diego Plated Dinner Cruise: $156
  • Private Cooking Demonstration of Indian Fusion Cuisine in San Diego: $160
  • Premium Valle de Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour : $259

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arlington $11
    San Diego $48

Typical Entertainment prices in San Diego

For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • San Diego Zoo
    $15
  • Sea World Parking
    $12

Tours and Activities in San Diego

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.

  • Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $20
  • "Drink, Mingle, & Dance!" Club Tour (4 clubs included): $35
  • 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
  • 1-Hour Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour in San Diego: $99
  • 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
  • 1Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $63
  • 2 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Downtown & Balboa Park: $82
  • 2 Hour Private Pink Boat Charter in San Diego. Sightseeing tour: $428
  • 2 Hour Whale Watching Kayak Tour for Two: $92
  • 2 hr. Downtown and Balboa Tour in the GPS Guided Vanderhall GoCar: $288
  • 2.5 Hour, Small-Group Sailing Catamaran Adventure: $124
  • A La Jolla Stroll: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of California's Riviera: $9.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arlington $17
    San Diego $21

Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego

Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
  • San Diego Brewery Tour: $95
  • Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tour: $125
  • Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
  • Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $129
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $131
  • Wine Tasting Sidecar 3-Hour Private Tour in San Diego: $165
  • Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
  • Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
  • California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
  • Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tour: $249
  • Guided Temecula Wine Tour from San Diego: $259

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Arlington or San Diego?

San Diego is bigger, and its population is about 6.6 times larger than the population of Arlington. When comparing the population of Arlington vs. San Diego, 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 San Diego?

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 San Diego in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and San Diego. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Arlington is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 79°F (26°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Arlington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arlington usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during summer. Arlington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arlington usually receives more rain than San Diego. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arlington 79°F (26°C) 
    San Diego 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Arlington or San Diego in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Arlington as well as San Diego. Additionally, most visitors come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Arlington is cooler than San Diego in the autumn. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the autumn, Arlington often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Arlington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arlington 60°F (15°C) 
    San Diego 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Arlington or San Diego in the Winter?

Both San Diego and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Arlington can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Arlington is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the winter temperatures in Arlington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and San Diego averages at about 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. Arlington usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Arlington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Arlington usually receives more rain than San Diego. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arlington 35°F (1°C) 
    San Diego 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Arlington or San Diego in the Spring?

Both San Diego and Arlington during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

In April, Arlington is generally cooler than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 56°F (14°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arlington. In the spring, Arlington often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Arlington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arlington 56°F (14°C) 
    San Diego 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for San Diego and Arlington

Arlington San Diego
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (46 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 67°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 71°F (22°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)


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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Arlington vs. San Diego Travel Comparison

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