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

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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.

Where Should I go: Columbus or Arlington?

Columbus

The capital city of Ohio, Columbus sits at the meeting point of America's Rust Belt, Bible Belt, Appalachia, and the Plains. It is also home of Ohio State University, which is a major financial and economic force in the city. You'll likely need a car to navigate the city, although there is a bus system, COTA, which can take you to some of Columbus' highlights.

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.

Which city 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 $126, while the average daily cost in Arlington is $211. 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 city. 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 $58
    Arlington $105
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbus $116
    Arlington $210
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 $40
    Arlington $39

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: $87
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $174
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arlington

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

  • Washington, DC: Private Airport Transfer: To or From: (DCA) Reagan National: $127
  • Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $122
  • Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
  • Washington Airport Transfers: National Airport DCA to Washington in Luxury Van: $82
  • Washington Airport Transfers: National Airport DCA to Washington in Luxury SUV: $82
  • Washington Airport Transfers: National Airport DCA to Washington in Luxury Car: $106
  • Washington Airport Transfers: National Airport DCA to Washington in Business Car: $68
  • Washington - Ronald Reagan National Airport One Way Transfer: $48
  • Transfer in private minivan from Washington Ronald Reagan Airport to City: $80
  • Transfer in private car from Washington Ronald Reagan Airport to Washington City: $64
  • Round trip transfer in private minivan from-to Ronald R Airport in Washington DC: $160
  • Round trip transfer in private car from-to Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington: $128

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 $39
    Arlington $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Columbus $37
    Arlington $8.50

Tours and Activities in Columbus

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

  • Central Park Bike Tour: $53
  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $21
  • New York City: 3-Hour City Highlights Guided Bike Tour: $60
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus: $11

Tours and Activities in Arlington

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

  • 4 Hours Private Chauffeured DC Sight Seeing Tour / SUV & Sedan: $428
  • Arlington Cemetery & American History Museum Guided Combo Tour - Private Tour: $143
  • Arlington Cemetery & American History Museum Guided Tour - 8ppl Max: $143
  • Arlington Cemetery Private Tour: $359
  • Arlington National Cemetery Guided Walking Tour: $36
  • Arlington National Cemetery Guided Walking Tour - 8ppl Max: $73
  • Arlington National Cemetery Guided Walking Tour - Private Tour: $73
  • Arlington National Cemetery Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $15
  • Arlington National Cemetery Private Walking Tour: $360
  • DC: Monuments Tour with Optional Arlington National Cemetery: $49
  • Stuck at the Airport Washington DC Tour: $450
  • Tasting & Tour: $8.78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbus $16
    Arlington $13

About these numbers

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.


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.

In July, Columbus is generally around the same temperature as Arlington. Temperatures in Columbus average around 77°F (25°C), and Arlington stays 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.

Columbus is around the same temperature as Arlington in the autumn. The temperature in Columbus is usually 57°F (14°C) in October, and Arlington stays 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.

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 are around 30°F (-1°C), and Arlington is 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. Temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and Arlington stays 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)


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Columbus vs. Arlington Travel Comparison

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