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

Should you visit Arlington or Vernon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Vernon, 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Arlington travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a quiet, peaceful, and relaxing town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Vernon travel costs.

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


Is there more to do in Arlington or Vernon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arlington. Although Arlington and Vernon are popular destinations, Arlington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arlington is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, and nightlife, while Vernon attracts visitors for its hiking. Arlington is more touristy than Vernon and is popular 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. Vernon is famous for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Arlington different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Arlington
Vernon

Arlington is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Arlington can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.


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

Arlington
Vernon

Arlington is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Arlington is an experience not to be missed. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Arlington or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Arlington
Vernon

Arlington is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

Arlington offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Arlington or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Arlington
Vernon

Vernon 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 Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Vernon?

Arlington
Vernon

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

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.

Vernon is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Arlington or Vernon Better for Families?

Arlington
Vernon

Arlington and Vernon 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 Vernon. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Arlington or Vernon Better for Couples?

Arlington
Vernon

Arlington and Vernon 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.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.


Is Arlington or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington
Vernon

Arlington is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Arlington is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

Is Arlington or Vernon Better for Students?

Arlington
Vernon

Arlington is a well-known place for students. However, Vernon is not popular with students.

Arlington is a great city to visit as a student. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Vernon is not popular with students.

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

Arlington
Vernon

Arlington is terrific for its public transit. However, Vernon is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.


Is Arlington or Vernon a more walkable city?

Arlington
Vernon

Arlington is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town 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.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable city. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Arlington and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Arlington than in Vernon. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Arlington, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

Families should spend more time in Arlington than Vernon. 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 Vernon. 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 Vernon 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 Vernon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Arlington 2-4 
    Vernon 1-3

One day in Arlington or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Arlington. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Vernon. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vernon has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arlington or Vernon?

Arlington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the quiet destination of Vernon. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Arlington or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arlington. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quiet town of Vernon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Arlington or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the educational destination of Arlington. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Vernon is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vernon 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
    Vernon Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Arlington $323
    Vernon $49

The average daily cost (per person) in Arlington is $323, while the average daily cost in Vernon is $49. 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 Vernon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arlington $131
    Vernon $4.84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arlington $262
    Vernon $9.68
Compare Hotels in Arlington and Vernon

Looking for a hotel in Arlington or Vernon? 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 Vernon


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 Vernon Hotel Prices.

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

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 Vernon?

Prices for flights to both Vernon 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
    Vernon $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arlington $11
    Vernon -

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arlington $17
    Vernon $13


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

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


Which is Bigger, Arlington or Vernon?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Arlington and Vernon, 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 Vernon?

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 Vernon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Vernon. The summer months attract visitors to Arlington because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vernon this time of year.

Arlington is a little warmer than Vernon in the summer. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Arlington usually gets more rain in July than Vernon. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arlington 79°F (26°C) 
    Vernon 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Arlington or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Arlington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vernon for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Arlington is a little warmer than Vernon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arlington in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Vernon averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, Arlington usually receives more rain than Vernon. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arlington 60°F (15°C) 
    Vernon 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Arlington or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Arlington during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Arlington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vernon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Vernon can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Arlington. In January, Arlington is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 35°F (1°C), and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Arlington usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arlington 35°F (1°C) 
    Vernon -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Arlington or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Vernon.

Arlington is a little warmer than Vernon in the spring. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Arlington usually receives more rain than Vernon. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arlington 56°F (14°C) 
    Vernon 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Vernon and Arlington

Arlington Vernon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)