A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Arlington for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Washington or Arlington?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Arlington can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Washington or Arlington?

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

Arlington

Located just across the Potomac River from Washington DC, capital of the United States, Arlington is a city that also has many government sites and monuments that commemorate the nation's past. Two of its most famous features include Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon-the largest office building in the world.

Which city is cheaper, Arlington or Washington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $155, while the average daily cost in Arlington is $211. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Washington and Arlington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $91
    Arlington $105
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $182
    Arlington $210
Compare Hotels in Washington and Arlington

Looking for a hotel in Washington 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 Washington


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: Washington Hotel Prices and Arlington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $37
    Arlington $39
Typical Local Transportation prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

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

  • Washington, DC: Private Airport Transfer(SUV): To or From: (DCA) Reagan National: $180
  • Washington, DC: Potomac Mills Outlet Private Transfer: $357
  • Washington to Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
  • Washington to Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) - Departure Private Transfer: $97
  • Washington to Newark International Airport (EWR) - Departure Private Transfer: $491
  • Washington to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - Departure Private Transfer: $535
  • Washington to New York J.F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) - Departure Private Transfer: $535
  • Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • Washington Reagan Airport Transfer to Baltimore & D. C.: $15
  • Washington City to Philadelphia City - Private Car Transfer: $392
  • Washington City to New York City - Private Car Transfer: $516
  • Washington City to Baltimore City - Private Car Transfer: $168

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arlington

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

  • Private transfer from or to IAD, DCA, JFK, LGA, EWR airports, MD, WDC, and NY: $700
  • Private transfer from DCA airport to Washington DC: $250
  • Round trip transfer in private minivan from-to Ronald R Airport in Washington DC: $160
  • Private Transfer from Washington Reagan Airport to Washington DC by Luxury SUV: $154
  • Round trip transfer in private car from-to Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington: $128
  • Washington, DC: Private Airport Transfer: To or From: (DCA) Reagan National: $127
  • Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $122
  • Washington Airport Transfers: National Airport DCA to Washington in Luxury Car: $106
  • Arrival Private Transfer Ronald Reagan Airport DCA to Washington DC by SUV: $104
  • Private Washington DC Transfer: DCA Airport to Hotel: $103
  • Washington Airport Transfers: National Airport DCA to Washington in Luxury SUV: $82
  • Washington Airport Transfers: National Airport DCA to Washington in Luxury Van: $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Arlington?

Prices for flights to both Arlington and Washington 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
    Washington $30
    Arlington $64
Typical Food prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

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

  • Seattle: Pike Place Market Plant-Based Food Tour: $64
  • Washington D.C.: 3.5-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC: 3-Hour Italian Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC Food Tour: Italian Cuisine in Dupont Circle: $65
  • Washington, DC: The Original Brew Tour with Tasting & Dinner: $70
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $76
  • Washington DC: Private Food Tour Experience: $79
  • Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $79
  • U Street Neighborhood Food Tour: $99
  • Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise: $100
  • Private French Cooking Class with an Expert in the Heart of Washington DC: $108
  • Washington, DC 3-Hour Dinner Buffet Cruise: $122

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Washington $19
    Arlington $8.50

Tours and Activities in Washington

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

  • "HEROES OF FREEDOM" PRIVATE TOUR (4 Hour Military Tribute): $658
  • "SHINING CITY" PRIVATE TOUR (3 Hour Evening Tour): $658
  • 2 Day Grand Tour with George Washington's Mount Vernon: $95
  • 2-Day Colonial Williamsburg Guided Tour from Washington DC: $330
  • 24/48-Hour Washington, D.C. Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour "DC After Dark" Night-Time Guided Bus Tour with Stops at Top Attractions: $35
  • 3-Hour Private Jeep Tour of Washington D.C.: $495
  • 3-Hour Washington DC "Monuments By Night" Guided Night-Time Sightseeing Bus Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour Washington DC "Morning Monuments" Guided Sightseeing Walking & Bus Tour: $64
  • 3-Hour Washington, D.C Urban Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $44
  • 30-Minutes Supercar Driving Pilot Experience in Washington DC: $275
  • Advance Tickets to Washington, D.C.'s Newseum: $24

Tours and Activities in Arlington

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

  • 4 Hours Private Chauffeured DC Sight Seeing Tour / SUV & Sedan: $428
  • Arlington Cemetery & American History Museum Guided Combo Tour - Private Tour: $143
  • Arlington Cemetery & American History Museum Guided Tour - 8ppl Max: $143
  • Arlington Cemetery Private Tour: $359
  • Arlington National Cemetery Guided Walking Tour: $36
  • Arlington National Cemetery Guided Walking Tour - 8ppl Max: $73
  • Arlington National Cemetery Guided Walking Tour - Private Tour: $73
  • Arlington National Cemetery Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $15
  • Arlington National Cemetery Private Walking Tour: $360
  • DC: Monuments Tour with Optional Arlington National Cemetery: $49
  • Stuck at the Airport Washington DC Tour: $450
  • Tasting & Tour: $8.78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Washington $15
    Arlington $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Washington DC: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • DC: 'New York Times Journeys' Walking Tour with Beer, Cheese and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Seattle All-Inclusive: Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting: $278
  • NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV: $645
  • 6 Hours Northern VA Wine Tour: $920

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Washington 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 Washington or Arlington in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Arlington. The hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

In July, Washington is generally around the same temperature as Arlington. Temperatures in Washington average around 79°F (26°C), and Arlington stays around 79°F (26°C).

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

In July, Washington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arlington. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Washington 79°F (26°C) 
    Arlington 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Washington or Arlington in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Washington as well as Arlington. Many travelers come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Washington is around the same temperature as Arlington in the autumn. The temperature in Washington is usually 60°F (15°C) in October, and Arlington stays around 60°F (15°C).

In the autumn, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arlington. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 197 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Washington 60°F (15°C) 
    Arlington 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Washington or Arlington in the Winter?

Both Arlington and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Arlington can be very cold during winter. Washington can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Washington is around the same temperature as Arlington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Washington in January are around 35°F (1°C), and Arlington is about 35°F (1°C).

Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arlington during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Washington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arlington. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Washington 35°F (1°C) 
    Arlington 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Washington or Arlington in the Spring?

Both Arlington and Washington during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Washington is generally around the same temperature as Arlington. Temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°C), and Arlington stays around 56°F (14°C).

In Arlington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Washington. In the spring, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arlington. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 228 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Arlington. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Washington 56°F (14°C) 
    Arlington 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Arlington and Washington

Washington Arlington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)


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Washington vs. Arlington Travel Comparison

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