A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Arlington for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a energetic, fun-filled, and festive city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, nightlife, and live music.

Arlington

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

New Orleans and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Arlington?

You'll generally find more things to do in New Orleans than Arlington. New Orleans is bigger than Arlington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. New Orleans is better known for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Arlington is more popular for its museums and shopping. New Orleans is more touristy than Arlington and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Arlington is well known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Orleans or Arlington?

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have 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.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New Orleans is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

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 New Orleans or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

New Orleans is a must-see party destination. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

The people in Arlington know how to have a good time. 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 New Orleans or Arlington Better for Music?

New Orleans is terrific for its music scene. However, Arlington is not a live music destination.

New Orleans has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Arlington is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Arlington Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Arlington does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to New Orleans to see the historical old town. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Arlington does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Arlington?

Arlington is a city with good options for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is New Orleans or Arlington Better for Families?

Arlington is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Arlington is a family-friendly city. 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.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is New Orleans or Arlington Better for Couples?

Both New Orleans and Arlington are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

New Orleans is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Arlington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 New Orleans or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in 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.

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is New Orleans or Arlington Better for Students?

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

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

Arlington is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in 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 New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

Is New Orleans or Arlington a more walkable city?

Arlington is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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

Should I spend more time in Arlington or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Arlington?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington than New Orleans 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 New Orleans or Arlington?

You'll find live music and food around the city of New Orleans. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Arlington. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in New Orleans or Arlington?

You'll find food and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the educational destination of Arlington. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in New Orleans or Arlington?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the fun-filled city of New Orleans. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The historical city of Arlington offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in New Orleans or Arlington?

New Orleans is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arlington. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

When comparing the travel costs between New Orleans and Arlington, we can see that Arlington is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Arlington?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Arlington. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans or Arlington in the Summer?

Both Arlington and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Arlington because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New Orleans is generally around the same temperature as Arlington. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 82°F (28°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 New Orleans. New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arlington during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Arlington. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New Orleans or Arlington in the Autumn?

Both Arlington and New Orleans during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Arlington this time of year.

New Orleans is a little warmer than Arlington in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Arlington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the autumn, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Arlington. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 197 hours of full sun.

New Orleans usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Arlington. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Arlington in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Arlington. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arlington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Arlington. In the winter, New Orleans is much warmer than Arlington. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Orleans in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Arlington averages at about 35°F (1°C).

New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Arlington. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New Orleans or Arlington in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Arlington. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the activities around the city.

In April, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 68°F (20°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arlington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In the spring, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Arlington. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 228 hours of full sun.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Arlington. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arlington and New Orleans