A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Arlington for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Arlington?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Arlington. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a spirited, luxury, and high energy coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Arlington

Arlington is a international, historical, and educational city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Fort Lauderdale and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Arlington?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Arlington, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Arlington is more popular for its museums and food. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Arlington and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Arlington is well known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Arlington?

Arlington is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Arlington. 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.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Arlington is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arlington makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Fort Lauderdale has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Arlington has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

The nightlife in Arlington has something for everybody. 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 Fort Lauderdale or Arlington Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington is not a resort destination.

Fort Lauderdale offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Arlington is not a resort destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Arlington Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Arlington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Arlington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Arlington Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is terrific for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Fort Lauderdale are among the best in the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Arlington?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Arlington and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Arlington. 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 Fort Lauderdale or Arlington Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Arlington Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is terrific for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is a great destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Arlington Better for Students?

Arlington is a great destination for students. However, Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

Many students visit Arlington. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

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

Arlington is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Arlington has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Public transit is mostly limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Arlington a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale and Arlington both are great when exploring on foot.

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Arlington is a very walkable coastal city. 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 Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Arlington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either Fort Lauderdale or Arlington. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 2-4 days is enough time in Arlington.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington than Fort Lauderdale 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.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Arlington?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

The international destination of Arlington offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Arlington?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the spirited destination of Fort Lauderdale. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The city of Arlington offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Arlington?

You'll find nightlife and food around the bustling coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Arlington is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Arlington?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fort Lauderdale, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arlington. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Arlington?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Arlington in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Arlington. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Fort Lauderdale is generally around the same temperature as Arlington. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 83°F (28°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 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 Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the summer, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Arlington. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 278 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in July than Arlington. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Arlington in the Autumn?

Both Arlington and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Arlington because of the shopping scene.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Arlington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Arlington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Arlington. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Arlington in the Winter?

Both Arlington and Fort Lauderdale during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Arlington this time of year.

It's quite cold in Arlington in the winter. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Arlington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Arlington averages at about 35°F (1°C).

It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Arlington. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 139 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in January than Arlington. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Arlington in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Arlington. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year.

In April, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 75°F (24°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arlington this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Arlington. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Arlington and Fort Lauderdale