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

Should you visit Arlington or Vail?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Vail, 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 historical, educational, and international city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Vail

Vail is a resort-filled, charming, and picturesque ski town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Arlington and Vail: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arlington or Vail?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vail. Although Arlington and Vail are both popular with visitors, Vail has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Vail is more popular for its skiing, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Arlington is known for its museums and food. Vail is more touristy than Arlington and is known for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. It is also home to The Vail Ski Resort. Arlington is popular for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon.

How is Arlington different from Vail?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vail and Arlington. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Arlington or Vail Better for Skiing?

Vail is terrific for skiing and snowboarding. However, Arlington is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Vail is among the best in the world. This ski town has produced its share of Olympians. Vail is the third largest ski resort in the US and it has 31 lifts and 195 runs. There are five different bowls that offer beautiful views.

Arlington is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arlington or Vail?

Arlington is a great city for its historical sights. However, Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

Arlington offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Arlington has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Vail area. The town has a diverse sampling of restaurants that include different ethnic options as well as taverns with comfort food. It's easy to find mountain-friendly restaurants where you can refuel during your ski vacation.

Is Arlington or Vail Better for Nightlife?

Both Arlington and Vail have very good vibes after the sun sets.

Arlington has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in Vail know how to have a good time. Happy Hours start early, and then the partying can go late into the night. There are bars, lounges, breweries and live music that keep the atmosphere light and offer entertainment after your long day on the slopes. Do keep in mind that many places close or dramatically reduce their hours during the off-peak fall and spring months.

Is Arlington or Vail Better for Music?

Vail is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Arlington is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Vail active and fun. You can often find live music at Shakedown Bar, Bridge Street Bar, and the Red Lion.

Arlington is not a live music destination.

Is Arlington or Vail Better for Resorts?

Vail is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington is not a resort destination.

Vail is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Designed as a resort town, Vail offers great accommodation. Nice resorts include Four Seasons Resort and Residences, the Ritz Carlton Club, and the Grand Hyatt.

Arlington is not a resort destination.

Is Arlington or Vail Better for Hiking?

Vail is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Vail. During the warmer months, this resort town is surrounded by world-class hiking trails. You can enjoy the wildflowers, search for wildlife, or take in the sweeping mountain views. Popular hikes near Vail include Booth Falls, Davos Trail, and Shrine Ridge.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Vail?

Vail is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Vail. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques and ski shops that sell everything from evening dresses to outdoor gear. It's easy to pop into the many shops around downtown Vail and find anything you might need.

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 Vail Better for Christmas?

Vail is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Arlington does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Vail draws large crowds. The town is a winter wonderland during the holidays. Check out the iconic Christmas tree lighting and wander through the fairytale streets.

Arlington does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Arlington or Vail Better for Christmas Markets?

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

Vail has plenty of Christmas markets during the holiday season. The town's Christmas Market is picturesque, and the perfect place to pick up some unique gifts.

Arlington does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Arlington or Vail Better for Families?

Vail is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Vail is an amazing family-friendly ski town to visit. With its world class skiing, rock climbing, ice skating, and ice cream, kids love this ski resort. The resort town has two terrain parks - Golden Peak and Avanti. Avanti is perfect for kids. It has small jumps, wide rails, and kid-friendly amenities. Golden Peak is designed for more advanced athletes. Vail also has nice beginner slopes that are great for kids.

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 Vail Better for Couples?

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

Vail has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy skiing and outdoor adventure will appreciate everything that this ski town has to offer. There are nice restaurants, beautiful gardens, and plenty of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Vail Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vail is not as popular, but is still a nice ski town for backpackers.

Many 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.

Vail is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This ski town isn't completely closed off to budget travelers as there are a couple of hostels around town.

Is Arlington or Vail Better for Students?

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

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

Vail is not popular with students.

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

Arlington is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Vail is not as popular, but is still a nice ski town for its public transit.

Arlington has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Vail has a few public transit options. There is a free bus service through the area.

Is Arlington or Vail a more walkable city?

Vail 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 Vail. The main downtown is pedestrian-only and perfect for popping in shops and restaurants.

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 Vail Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vail or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Vail?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington than Vail 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 Vail?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Arlington. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Even though Vail is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Vail?

Arlington is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Vail is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This ski town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Vail?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the educational destination of Arlington. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Vail is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this ski town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the skiing. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this ski town has to offer.

A week in Arlington or Vail?

The historical city of Arlington offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Vail is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vail, 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 comparing the travel costs between Arlington and Vail, we can see that Vail is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Arlington or Vail?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Vail. When comparing the sizes of Arlington and Vail, 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.