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

Should you visit Columbus or Arlington?

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

Should I visit Columbus 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Arlington

Arlington is a international, historical, and educational city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Columbus and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • 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 Columbus or Arlington?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Arlington than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Arlington, Arlington has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Arlington is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Also, Arlington is famous for Arlington National Cemetery. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Columbus
Arlington

Arlington is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Columbus offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.


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

Columbus
Arlington

Arlington is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

Columbus
Arlington

Arlington is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Arlington has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Arlington?

Columbus
Arlington

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Columbus and Arlington.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Columbus. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Arlington offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Columbus or Arlington Better for Families?

Columbus
Arlington

Columbus is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Columbus. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

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 Columbus or Arlington Better for Couples?

Columbus
Arlington

Arlington is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Columbus or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbus
Arlington

Arlington is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.


Is Columbus or Arlington Better for Students?

Columbus
Arlington

Arlington is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not popular with students.

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

Columbus
Arlington

Arlington is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Columbus or Arlington a more walkable city?

Columbus
Arlington

Arlington is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Arlington is very walkable. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either Columbus 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 Columbus, and 2-4 days is enough time in Arlington.

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

Couples should spend more time in Arlington than Columbus. 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Arlington? Ideal Length of Stay
    Columbus 1-2 
    Arlington 2-4

One day in Columbus or Arlington?

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

The city of Arlington offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Columbus or Arlington?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the down-to-earth destination of Columbus. 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.

Arlington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Arlington, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbus or Arlington?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Columbus. 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 is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Columbus or Arlington?

Columbus 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


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 Columbus?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Columbus is $158, while the average daily cost in Arlington is $264. 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 Columbus and Arlington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbus $72
    Arlington $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbus $144
    Arlington $262
Compare Hotels in Columbus and Arlington

Looking for a hotel in Columbus 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 Columbus


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: Columbus Hotel Prices and Arlington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbus $50
    Arlington $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus

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

  • Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $132
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $66

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 Columbus or Arlington?

Prices for flights to both Arlington and Columbus 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
    Columbus $49
    Arlington $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Columbus $46
    Arlington $11

Tours and Activities in Columbus

For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Columbus Blue Jackets Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Nationwide Arena: $21
  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $21
  • 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative: $41
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $28
  • The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $41
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus by Crazy Dash: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbus $20
    Arlington $17


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

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


Which is Bigger, Columbus or Arlington?

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

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 Columbus or Arlington in the Summer?

Both Arlington and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Arlington in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Columbus is generally around the same temperature as Arlington. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 77°F (25°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Arlington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbus. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Arlington during summer. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Columbus. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than Arlington. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Columbus 77°F (25°C) 
    Arlington 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Arlington in the Autumn?

Both Arlington and Columbus during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Columbus in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Arlington for the shopping scene during these months.

Columbus is around the same temperature as Arlington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Arlington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In the autumn, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Arlington. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 197 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets less rain in October than Arlington. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbus 57°F (14°C) 
    Arlington 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Arlington in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Arlington. Most visitors come to Columbus 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. Columbus can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Columbus is much colder than Arlington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbus in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Arlington averages at about 35°F (1°C).

Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Arlington during winter. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Columbus usually receives less rain than Arlington. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C) 
    Arlington 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Arlington in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Arlington.

In April, Columbus is generally cooler than Arlington. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arlington. In the spring, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Arlington. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 228 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets more rain in April than Arlington. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbus 54°F (12°C) 
    Arlington 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Arlington and Columbus

Columbus Arlington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)