A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cincinnati vs. Arlington for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cincinnati or Arlington?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Arlington? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a authentic, hard-working, and blue collar city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Cincinnati travel costs.

Arlington

Arlington is a historical, educational, and international city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Arlington travel costs.

Cincinnati and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
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
  • Home to Arlington National Cemetery


Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Arlington?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Arlington than Cincinnati. While Cincinnati is larger than Arlington, Arlington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arlington is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. It is also home to Arlington National Cemetery. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cincinnati
Arlington

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Cincinnati and Arlington.

Cincinnati offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

Many visitors head to Arlington specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 the Food Better in Cincinnati or Arlington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cincinnati
Arlington

Arlington is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Arlington. 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.

Cincinnati is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Mixed in with the standard chain and fast food options, you'll find some local restaurants that serve up the iconic Midwestern favorites. For a taste of the town, try Cincinnati chili, barbecue ribs, and a corned beef Reuben.

Is Cincinnati or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Arlington

Arlington is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Arlington is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Cincinnati has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Arlington?

Cincinnati
Arlington

Shopping is a popular activity in both Arlington and Cincinnati.

Cincinnati offers some nice shopping areas. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

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.


Is Cincinnati or Arlington Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Arlington

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cincinnati or Arlington.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cincinnati. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

Arlington offers lots of family activities. 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 Cincinnati or Arlington Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Arlington

Arlington is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Arlington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

Is Cincinnati or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
Arlington

Arlington is well known for backpackers. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Cincinnati is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.


Is Cincinnati or Arlington Better for Students?

Cincinnati
Arlington

Arlington is well known for students. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not popular with students.

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

Cincinnati
Arlington

Arlington is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Arlington can get you around easily. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

While Cincinnati offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

Is Cincinnati or Arlington a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Arlington

Cincinnati and Arlington both are very good when exploring on foot.

Cincinnati is a very walkable city. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

Arlington is a very walkable destination. 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 Cincinnati Worth Visiting? and Is Arlington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either Cincinnati or Arlington. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Arlington due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 2-4 days is enough time in Arlington.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington than Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati or Arlington? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cincinnati 1-2 
    Arlington 2-4

One day in Cincinnati or Arlington?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Cincinnati. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cincinnati has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and nightlife around the educational city of Arlington, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cincinnati or Arlington?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the blue collar destination of Cincinnati. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Arlington, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Cincinnati or Arlington?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the blue collar city of Cincinnati. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Arlington, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Cincinnati or Arlington?

Cincinnati is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Arlington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Arlington or Cincinnati?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cincinnati Prices
    USA Prices
    Arlington Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cincinnati $223
    Arlington $323

The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $223, while the average daily cost in Arlington is $323. 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 Cincinnati and Arlington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Arlington $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Arlington $262
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Arlington

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati or Arlington? 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 Cincinnati


Hotels in Arlington


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: Cincinnati Hotel Prices and Arlington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Arlington $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:

  • Private Airport Transfer: $135
  • Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $105

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 Cincinnati or Arlington?

Prices for flights to both Arlington and Cincinnati 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
    Cincinnati $95
    Arlington $139

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cincinnati

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cincinnati.

  • Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $63
  • Cincinnati Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $68
  • Mainstrasse Village Food Tour in Covington KY: $79
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour with Vegan Options: $85
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market : $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cincinnati $26
    Arlington $11

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

Here are a few actual costs in Cincinnati for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cincinnati Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $25
  • Haunted Cincinnati Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $36
  • Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery: $20
  • 1919: The year that changed baseball tour: $31
  • Brewers & Barons Trail Tour: $45
  • Built on Beer Tour: $45
  • Cellars and Saloons Sunday Brunch Tour in Cincinnati: $75
  • Cincinnati Ballparks & Breweries Bus Tour: $69
  • Cincinnati Bengals Football Game Ticket at Paul Brown Stadium: $68
  • Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour: $59
  • Cincinnati Ethnic Food and Culture Tour in Over the Rhine: $85
  • Cincinnati Ghosts: Poltergeists Haunted Walking Tour: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Arlington $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati

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

  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Cin-sational Cincinnati Bar Crawl: $12
  • Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting: $49
  • Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop: $64


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Arlington?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Arlington. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati and Arlington, 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 Cincinnati or Arlington?

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 Cincinnati or Arlington in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Arlington. Many travelers come to Cincinnati for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Arlington in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arlington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cincinnati this time of the year. In the summer, Cincinnati often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arlington. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 278 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Arlington. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Arlington 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Arlington in the Autumn?

Both Arlington and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cincinnati in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Arlington for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Cincinnati is generally around the same temperature as Arlington. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 58°F (15°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

Cincinnati usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arlington during autumn. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Arlington. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Arlington 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Arlington in the Winter?

Both Arlington and Cincinnati during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cincinnati for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Arlington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Arlington can be very cold. Cincinnati can be very cold during winter. Cincinnati is much colder than Arlington in the winter. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Arlington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

In the winter, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Arlington. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 139 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets less rain in January than Arlington. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Arlington 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Arlington in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Arlington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cincinnati in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Arlington averages at about 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arlington this time of the year. In Cincinnati, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cincinnati usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arlington during spring. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Arlington. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Arlington 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Arlington and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Arlington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)