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

Should you visit Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a lively, vibrant, and youthful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Arlington

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

Tallahassee and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Home to Arlington National Cemetery


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Arlington?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Arlington than Tallahassee. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Arlington is more touristy than Tallahassee and is known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. It is also well known for Arlington National Cemetery. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities.

How is Tallahassee different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tallahassee
Arlington

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Arlington and Tallahassee.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Tallahassee. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

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.


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

Tallahassee
Arlington

Arlington is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Tallahassee or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Arlington

Arlington is great for its evening party scene. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Arlington for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Arlington?

Tallahassee
Arlington

If you're looking to go shopping, Tallahassee and Arlington both offer plenty of nice spots.

Tallahassee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

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 Tallahassee or Arlington Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Arlington

Both Tallahassee and Arlington are nice to visit with kids.

Tallahassee offers lots of family activities. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Arlington is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Tallahassee or Arlington Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Arlington

Arlington is a city with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Arlington is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Tallahassee or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Arlington

Arlington is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.


Is Tallahassee or Arlington Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Arlington

For students, both Tallahassee and Arlington are high quality places to visit.

Students come from all over to stay in Tallahassee. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

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.

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

Tallahassee
Arlington

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

Is Tallahassee or Arlington a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Arlington

Arlington is great for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination 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.

Tallahassee is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.


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

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Arlington?

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

Families should spend more time in Arlington than Tallahassee. 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.

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

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

One day in Tallahassee or Arlington?

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the educational 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 Tallahassee or Arlington?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively destination of Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee or Arlington?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the vibrant city of Tallahassee. 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.

The international 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 Tallahassee or Arlington?

Tallahassee 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.

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 Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Arlington or Tallahassee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tallahassee is $156, 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 Tallahassee and Arlington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Arlington $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Arlington $262
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Arlington

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee


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: Tallahassee Hotel Prices and Arlington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Arlington $49

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 Tallahassee or Arlington?

Prices for flights to both Arlington and Tallahassee 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
    Tallahassee $47
    Arlington $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    Arlington $11

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tallahassee.

  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $249
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $491
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $194
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $382

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Arlington $17


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Arlington?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Tallahassee. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee or Arlington in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Arlington. Most visitors come to Tallahassee for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Arlington because of the family-friendly experiences.

Tallahassee is around the same temperature as Arlington in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Arlington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arlington this time of the year. In Tallahassee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallahassee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arlington during summer. Tallahassee gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tallahassee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Arlington. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Tallahassee or Arlington in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Arlington. The autumn months attract visitors to Tallahassee because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Arlington this time of year.

In the autumn, Tallahassee is a little warmer than Arlington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallahassee in October average around 69°F (20°C), and Arlington averages at about 60°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallahassee this time of the year. In the autumn, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Arlington. Tallahassee gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 197 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Arlington. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Arlington 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Arlington in the Winter?

Both Arlington and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tallahassee 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 January, Tallahassee is generally much warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 51°F (11°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during winter. Tallahassee gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Arlington. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Arlington 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Arlington in the Spring?

Both Arlington and Tallahassee during the spring are popular places to visit.

Tallahassee is a little warmer than Arlington in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Arlington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In Arlington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. In the spring, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Arlington. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 228 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in April than Arlington. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Arlington 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Arlington and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Arlington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)