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

Should you visit Naples or Arlington?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Naples and Arlington can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Naples

Naples is a nature-filled, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Arlington

Arlington is a educational, international, and historical city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Naples and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • 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 Naples or Arlington?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples. Although Naples and Arlington are popular destinations, Naples has more sights and attractions for tourists. Naples is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Arlington attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Naples is famous for its white sand, blue water, water sports, and golf resorts. It is also well known for Naples Pier and the miles of sandy beach. Arlington is famous for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon.

How is Naples different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Naples
Arlington

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Naples is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most visitors spend most of their time at the beach, on a rainy day you can check out the town's art museums, history museums, or local spots such as the Palm Cottage.


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

Naples
Arlington

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Naples and Arlington.

Naples has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood is a favorite around town, but you'll also find plenty of Italian food. Everything from casual to fine dining is available with many local favorites to choose from.

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.

Is Naples or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

Naples
Arlington

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Arlington has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Naples has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are live music venues, cocktail bars, and dance clubs around town.

Is Naples or Arlington Better for Resorts?

Naples
Arlington

Naples is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington is not a resort destination.

Naples is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels, and a range of prices to choose from. Most have pools and many have oceanfront views with golf facilities available. Many of the major brands such as Marriott are found here.

Arlington is not a resort destination.


Is Naples or Arlington Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Naples
Arlington

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

Naples has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Snorkeling and scuba diving are both available in the area, in part because of the impressive artificial reefs that have been constructed. Snorkeling is available at Tigertail Beach, Clam Pass, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.

Arlington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Naples or Arlington Better for Beaches?

Naples
Arlington

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

The beaches in Naples are among the best in the world. White sand beaches and calm Gulf waters make this an ideal beach destination. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a favorite beach spot in the area, but you should also check out Naples Municipal Beach which is where you'll find the Naples Pier. If you want a more natural setting, head to Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is Naples or Arlington Better for Hiking?

Naples
Arlington

Naples is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Naples has hiking trails worth exploring. The area is filled with state parks and nature reserves where you can explore and enjoy a scenic hike. There are also greenways and coastal paths nearby.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Naples or Arlington?

Naples
Arlington

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Naples and Arlington.

Naples has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shopping centers, outlet malls, and plenty of retail space around town. Some of the favorite shopping spots are the Mercato, Coastland Center, and Waterside Shops. For souvenirs and beach items head to Tin City Waterfront Shops.

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 Naples or Arlington Better for Families?

Naples
Arlington

Naples 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 Naples. You'll find relaxing beaches, nice parks, plenty of playgrounds, and even the Golisano Childrens Museum for rainy days. There are also nature centers with great walks as well as gardens and wildlife viewpoints.

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 Naples or Arlington Better for Couples?

Naples
Arlington

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

Naples makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches and relaxing spas make this a favorite couples destination. Golf, high end restaurants and plenty of romantic activities will ensure you have the anniversary trip or honeymoon to remember.

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 Naples or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples
Arlington

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Naples. There's a hostel or two in the area as well as cheaper accommodation than other parts of Florida.

Is Naples or Arlington Better for Students?

Naples
Arlington

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Naples is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Arlington. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Naples is not popular with students.

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

Naples
Arlington

Arlington is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, Naples is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Naples. There's a trolley system as well as a public bus system.


Is Naples or Arlington a more walkable city?

Naples
Arlington

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Naples is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is relatively walkable, but to fully explore the region you'll need your own car.

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

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Naples?

How long in Naples or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either Naples or Arlington. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Naples due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Naples, and 2-4 days is enough time in Arlington.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington than Naples 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 Naples or Arlington? Ideal Length of Stay
    Naples 2-5 
    Arlington 2-4

One day in Naples or Arlington?

You'll find nightlife and food around the beach town of Naples. 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.

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 Naples or Arlington?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxing destination of Naples. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer. This beach town 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 Naples or Arlington?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the peaceful beach town of Naples. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town 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 beach town has to offer.

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 Naples or Arlington?

Naples is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 international 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 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 Naples?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Naples is $226, 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 Naples and Arlington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Naples $119
    Arlington $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Naples $238
    Arlington $262
Compare Hotels in Naples and Arlington

Looking for a hotel in Naples 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 Naples


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: Naples Hotel Prices and Arlington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Naples $62
    Arlington $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Naples

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

  • Naples to Southwest Florida Airport (RSW) - Departure Private Transfer: $101

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 Naples or Arlington?

Prices for flights to both Arlington and Naples 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
    Naples $70
    Arlington $81

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Naples

For Naples, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class in Naples Florida: $224

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

Tours and Activities in Naples

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

  • 10,000 Islands Boat Excursion - 3.5-Hour Dolphins & Shelling Tour: $170
  • 10,000 Islands Excursion Small-Group 3.5 hour Dolphin & Shelling Boat Tour : $160
  • 10000 Islands Everglades Boat Tour : $59
  • 2 Hour Dolphin, Birding and Shelling Tour: $100
  • 2 Hours Cycle Boat Sunset Tour in Marco Island : $59
  • 3 Hour Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco Tour: $120
  • 3 Hour Hobie Kayak Adventure In Bonita Springs: $70
  • 4-Hour Guided Kayak Adventure in Bonita Springs: $110
  • 90 Minute Guided Moped Tour in Naples Florida: $62
  • 90 Minute Segway Tour - Explore Naples Florida - Family Fun: $55
  • Avi's Premium Dolphin Tour by Jet Ski: $275
  • Backwater Adventure's CraigCat Tours of the 10,000 Islands: $130

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Naples $38
    Arlington $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Naples

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Naples:

  • Epic Naples Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12


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

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


Which is Bigger, Naples or Arlington?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Naples. When comparing the sizes of Naples 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.