A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Savannah vs. Arlington for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Savannah or Arlington?

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

Should I visit Savannah 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.

Savannah

Savannah is a beautiful, charming, and scenic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Arlington

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

Savannah and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • 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 public transit
  • Home to Arlington National Cemetery


Is there more to do in Savannah or Arlington?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Savannah than Arlington. While Arlington is larger than Savannah, Savannah has more sights and attractions for tourists. Savannah is better known for its beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Arlington is more popular for its nightlife. Arlington is more touristy than Savannah and is popular for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Savannah is well known for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District. Also, Savannah is famous for Forsyth Park.

How is Savannah different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Savannah
Arlington

Both Savannah and Arlington have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Savannah offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

Many visitors head to Arlington specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Savannah or Arlington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Savannah
Arlington

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Savannah and Arlington can be difficult as they are each very good in their own way.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Savannah makes for a great culinary experience. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

Arlington has a huge number of terrific 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 Savannah or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

Savannah
Arlington

Arlington is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Arlington offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

Is Savannah or Arlington Better for Beaches?

Savannah
Arlington

Savannah is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

Savannah has a beach worth visiting. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Arlington is not a beach destination.


Is Savannah or Arlington Better for its Old Town?

Savannah
Arlington

Savannah 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 Savannah to see the historical old town. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Arlington does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Savannah or Arlington?

Savannah
Arlington

Savannah 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 Savannah. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

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 Savannah or Arlington Better for Families?

Savannah
Arlington

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Savannah or Arlington.

Savannah is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

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.


Is Savannah or Arlington Better for Couples?

Savannah
Arlington

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

Savannah makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

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 Savannah or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Savannah
Arlington

Arlington is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Savannah is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Is Savannah or Arlington Better for Students?

Savannah
Arlington

Arlington is a well-known place for students. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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

Plenty of students visit Savannah. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.


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

Savannah
Arlington

Arlington is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Savannah is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Arlington is top-notch. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Public transit is mostly limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

Is Savannah or Arlington a more walkable city?

Savannah
Arlington

Savannah and Arlington both are very good when exploring on foot.

Savannah is very walkable. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

Arlington is a very walkable 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 Savannah Worth Visiting? and Is Arlington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Savannah?

How long in Savannah or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either Savannah or Arlington. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Arlington due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Savannah, and 2-4 days is enough time in Arlington.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington than Savannah 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 Savannah or Arlington? Ideal Length of Stay
    Savannah 1-3 
    Arlington 2-4

One day in Savannah or Arlington?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Savannah. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Savannah has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The city of Arlington offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Savannah or Arlington?

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful destination of Savannah. 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.

Arlington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Arlington, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Savannah or Arlington?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful city of Savannah. 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.

Arlington is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Savannah or Arlington?

Savannah 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.

Arlington is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Arlington or Savannah?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Savannah is $160, 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 Savannah and Arlington in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Savannah 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 Savannah


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: Savannah Hotel Prices and Arlington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Savannah $27
    Arlington $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Savannah

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Savannah:

  • Grave Encounters Tour with Guide and Transfers: $32
  • African American History Walking Tour w/ Transfer: $64
  • Savannah to Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) - Departure Private Transfer: $102
  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV): Private Transfer to Savannah: $430
  • Private Transfer from Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah : $255
  • Private Transfer from Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Hilton Head Island, SC: $221
  • Private Transfer from SAV to Savannah: $204
  • Private Transfer from SAV to Hilton Head Island, SC : $220

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 Savannah or Arlington?

Prices for flights to both Arlington and Savannah 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
    Savannah $58
    Arlington $81

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Savannah

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

  • Grave Encounters Ghost Tour with Cellar and Dinner: $55
  • 2-Hour Southern Food Tour: $63
  • Savannah Ghost Trolley Tour with Dinner at the Pirate's House: $72
  • Monday Gospel Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Savannah First Squares Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Savannah's Port City Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Famous and Secret East Side/Port City Food Tour: $82
  • 2 HR Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise with Onboard Entertainment: $91
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $91
  • Southern Traditions Dinner Tour: $106
  • True South Lunch Food Tour: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Savannah $17
    Arlington $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Savannah

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Savannah are as follows:


  • Pub Crawl
    $10

Tours and Activities in Savannah

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

  • "Savannah for Morons" Comedy Trolley Tour: $59
  • 1-Hour Bonaventure Cemetery Golf Cart Guided Tour in Savannah : $30
  • 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Savannah: $35
  • 2-Hour Explore Savannah Bike Tour: $45
  • 2-Hour Savannah Sunset Riverboat Cruise: $54
  • 5 Hours Tybee Island Exclusive Bus and Bike Combo Tour: $75
  • 60-Minute Guided Segway History Tour of Savannah: $55
  • 90-Minute Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise: $41
  • Best of Savannah Small Group Tour w/ Wormsloe Historic Site: $139
  • Best of Savannah Small Group Walking Tour: $114
  • Bonaventure Cemetery Dark History Experience By Junket: $30
  • Bonaventure Cemetery Segway Tour: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Savannah $34
    Arlington $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Savannah

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Savannah:

  • Epic Savannah Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • 90 Minute Historic Savannah Walking Haunted Bar Pub Crawl: $19
  • Captain Stoner Joe's Haunted Pub Crawl: $20
  • Spanish Moss Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl: $20
  • Captain Stoner Dive Bar Crawl Ticket: $25
  • Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl-Walking Tour Historic District: $25
  • The Savannah Pub Crawler with Captain Stoner Joe: $27
  • Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Bloody Murder Savannah Pub Crawl: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Conjuring Cocktails Pub Crawl: $30
  • Savannah Bar Crawl by the Bridge: $32


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

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


Which is Bigger, Savannah or Arlington?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Savannah. When comparing the sizes of Savannah 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 Savannah 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 Savannah or Arlington in the Summer?

Both Arlington and Savannah during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Savannah for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Arlington in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Savannah is generally around the same temperature as Arlington. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 82°F (28°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Arlington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Savannah. In the summer, Savannah often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arlington. Savannah gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 278 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Savannah. Savannah usually gets more rain in July than Arlington. Savannah gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Savannah 82°F (28°C) 
    Arlington 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Savannah or Arlington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Savannah and Arlington. Many visitors come to Savannah in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Arlington for the shopping scene during these months.

Savannah is a little warmer than Arlington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Arlington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In Savannah, it's very sunny this time of the year. Savannah usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during autumn. Savannah gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Savannah usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arlington. Savannah gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Savannah 68°F (20°C) 
    Arlington 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Savannah or Arlington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Savannah as well as Arlington. Most visitors come to Savannah for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Arlington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Arlington can be very cold. In the winter, Savannah is much warmer than Arlington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Savannah in January average around 49°F (9°C), and Arlington averages at about 35°F (1°C).

In the winter, Savannah often gets more sunshine than Arlington. Savannah gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 139 hours of full sun.

Savannah usually gets more rain in January than Arlington. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Savannah 49°F (9°C) 
    Arlington 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Savannah or Arlington in the Spring?

Both Arlington and Savannah are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Savannah because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Savannah is generally a little warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 66°F (19°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Arlington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Savannah. Savannah usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during spring. Savannah gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Savannah usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arlington. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Savannah 66°F (19°C) 
    Arlington 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Arlington and Savannah

Savannah Arlington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 49°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 59°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 66°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)