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

Should you visit Dallas or Arlington?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dallas and Arlington can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dallas

Dallas is a chic, active, and upscale city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Arlington

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

Dallas and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
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


Is there more to do in Dallas or Arlington?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dallas than Arlington, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Arlington is more touristy than Dallas and is popular for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Dallas is popular for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also home to the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Dallas different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dallas
Arlington

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Dallas and Arlington.

Many visitors head to Dallas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

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.


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

Dallas
Arlington

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Dallas and Arlington.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Dallas. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Arlington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is Dallas or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

Dallas
Arlington

Both Dallas and Arlington are excellent when it comes to partying.

Dallas offers plenty to do in the evening. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Arlington?

Dallas
Arlington

Dallas 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 Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

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 Dallas or Arlington Better for Families?

Dallas
Arlington

Dallas 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 Dallas. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

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 Dallas or Arlington Better for Couples?

Dallas
Arlington

Dallas is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Dallas makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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 Dallas or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dallas
Arlington

Arlington is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city 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.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.


Is Dallas or Arlington Better for Students?

Dallas
Arlington

Arlington is a well-known place for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

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

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.

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

Dallas
Arlington

Arlington is renowned for its public transit. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Arlington has a great public transit system. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Dallas has some public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Is Dallas or Arlington a more walkable city?

Dallas
Arlington

Arlington is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.


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

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either Dallas or Arlington. In our opinion, Arlington has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Arlington than Dallas. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Dallas or Arlington?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Dallas. 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.

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.

A weekend in Dallas or Arlington?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the upscale destination of Dallas. 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 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.

Five days in Dallas or Arlington?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the upscale city of Dallas. 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.

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.


A week in Dallas or Arlington?

Dallas 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Arlington or Dallas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dallas is $141, 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 Dallas and Arlington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dallas $84
    Arlington $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dallas $168
    Arlington $262
Compare Hotels in Dallas and Arlington

Looking for a hotel in Dallas 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 Dallas


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: Dallas Hotel Prices and Arlington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dallas $28
    Arlington $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Transfer private car from Dallas Airport (DAL) - City Center: $71
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DFW): $69
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas Airport (DFW) - City Center: $69
  • Transfer in executive private car from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DAL): $71
  • RoundtripTransfer Executive Private Car Dallas Airport (DFW) -Dallas City Center: $120
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Dallas Airport (DAL) - Dallas City Center: $181
  • Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $127
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury SUV: $127
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $105
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $92
  • Private Transfer Downtown Dallas to Fort Worth Airport DFW Luxury Vehicle: $92
  • Departure Private Transfer: Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $127

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 Dallas or Arlington?

Prices for flights to both Arlington and Dallas 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
    Dallas $35
    Arlington $81
Typical Food Prices in Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Deep Ellum Foodie Lovers Tour with Food Tours of America: $85
  • Discover Downtown Dallas Food Tour with Food Tours of America: $89
  • JFK Food & Culture Walking Tour with Food Tours of America: $89
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $98
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dallas $13
    Arlington $11

Tours and Activities in Dallas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dallas are as follows:

  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour: $28
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour : $28
  • 2 Hour Festive Walk Tour in Dallas: $249
  • 2-Hour Historic Dallas Segway Tour: $79
  • 2hr Dallas Mural tour on Talking E-Bike - Ride it yourself : $60
  • 3-Hour Ropes Course & Zip Line Adventure : $60
  • 3hr Dallas Cowboys Stadium Small Group Tour with Transportation: $108
  • Combination Southfork Ranch and Dallas/JFK Highlights Tour: $145
  • Create Your Own Dallas and Fort Worth Combination Tour: $146
  • Dallas Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $114
  • Dallas Stars Ice Hockey Game Ticket at American Airlines Center: $35
  • Dallas Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dallas $12
    Arlington $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

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

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dallas or Arlington?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Arlington. When comparing the sizes of Dallas 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 Dallas 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 Dallas or Arlington in the Summer?

Both Arlington and Dallas during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dallas this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dallas is a little warmer than Arlington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dallas in July average around 88°F (31°C), and Arlington averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Arlington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dallas. In the summer, Dallas often gets more sunshine than Arlington. Dallas gets 337 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 278 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets less rain in July than Arlington. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dallas 88°F (31°C) 
    Arlington 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Arlington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and Arlington. Many travelers come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Arlington in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Dallas is generally a little warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 69°F (21°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dallas usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during autumn. Dallas gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dallas usually receives more rain than Arlington. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dallas 69°F (21°C) 
    Arlington 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Arlington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dallas as well as Arlington. Many visitors come to Dallas in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Arlington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Arlington can be very cold during winter. Dallas is much warmer than Arlington in the winter. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 46°F (8°C) in January, and Arlington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

In the winter, Dallas often gets more sunshine than Arlington. Dallas gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 139 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets less rain in January than Arlington. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dallas 46°F (8°C) 
    Arlington 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Arlington in the Spring?

Both Arlington and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dallas for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Dallas is a little warmer than Arlington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dallas in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Arlington averages at about 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Arlington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. Dallas usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during spring. Dallas gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dallas usually receives more rain than Arlington. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dallas 68°F (20°C) 
    Arlington 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Arlington and Dallas

Dallas Arlington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)