A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Arlington vs. Martha's Vineyard for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Arlington or Martha's Vineyard?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Martha's Vineyard, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Arlington

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

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a coastal, peaceful, and affluent island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

Arlington and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Home to Arlington National Cemetery
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Arlington or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard. Although Arlington and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations, Martha's Vineyard has more sights and attractions for tourists. Martha's Vineyard is very popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Arlington attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Arlington is famous for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Martha's Vineyard is famous for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. It is also well known for the Aquinnah Cliffs.

How is Arlington different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arlington or Martha's Vineyard?

Arlington
Martha's Vineyard

Arlington is a great city for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.


Is the Food Better in Arlington or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arlington
Martha's Vineyard

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Arlington and Martha's Vineyard.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Martha's Vineyard makes for a great culinary experience. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

Is Arlington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Arlington
Martha's Vineyard

Arlington is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Arlington has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Arlington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Arlington
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington is not a resort destination.

Martha's Vineyard offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Arlington is not a resort destination.


Is Arlington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Arlington
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Martha's Vineyard. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is Arlington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Arlington
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard has hiking trails worth exploring. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Martha's Vineyard?

Arlington
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

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 Arlington or Martha's Vineyard More Beautiful?

Arlington
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Arlington is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors from all around. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural beauty.

Arlington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Arlington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Arlington
Martha's Vineyard

Arlington and Martha's Vineyard are both nice destinations for the whole family.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Martha's Vineyard. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Arlington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Arlington
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is terrific for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Martha's Vineyard has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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 Arlington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington
Martha's Vineyard

Arlington is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known 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.

Martha's Vineyard is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Budget options are limited, making this an inconvenient destination for backpackers.

Is Arlington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Students?

Arlington
Martha's Vineyard

Arlington is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Martha's Vineyard is not popular with students.

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.

Martha's Vineyard is not popular with students.

Is Arlington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arlington
Martha's Vineyard

Arlington is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known 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 Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.


Is Arlington or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Arlington
Martha's Vineyard

Arlington is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Arlington Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Arlington and Martha's Vineyard. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Arlington than in Martha's Vineyard. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Arlington, and 1-3 days is enough time in Martha's Vineyard.

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

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

One day in Arlington or Martha's Vineyard?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Arlington, there's plenty to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Even though Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Martha's Vineyard has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arlington or Martha's Vineyard?

With museums and nightlife around the historical city of Arlington, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Arlington or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical destination of Arlington. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Arlington or Martha's Vineyard?

Arlington is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Martha's Vineyard 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Martha's Vineyard or Arlington?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Arlington Prices
    USA Prices
    Martha's Vineyard Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Arlington $323
    Martha's Vineyard $285

The average daily cost (per person) in Arlington is $323, while the average daily cost in Martha's Vineyard is $285. 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 Arlington and Martha's Vineyard in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arlington $131
    Martha's Vineyard $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arlington $262
    Martha's Vineyard $264
Compare Hotels in Arlington and Martha's Vineyard

Looking for a hotel in Arlington or Martha's Vineyard? 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 Arlington


Hotels in Marthas Vineyard


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: Arlington Hotel Prices and Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arlington $49
    Martha's Vineyard $83

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 Arlington or Martha's Vineyard?

Prices for flights to both Martha's Vineyard and Arlington 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
    Arlington $139
    Martha's Vineyard $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arlington $11
    Martha's Vineyard $30

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • Best of Martha's Vineyard 3 hour Full-Island Tour: $65
  • 4 hours Hop-on Hop-off Jawsome Jaws Tour: $120
  • All Island Bus Tour: $75
  • All New Shared Jaws tour Budget Friendly: $130
  • Best 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard shared Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $65
  • Discovering Oak Bluffs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Down Island Tour with One Hour in Edgartown: $65
  • Edgartown Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Martha Vineyard Bus Tour: $60
  • Martha's Vineyard: All Island Tour: $70
  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arlington $17
    Martha's Vineyard $22


When comparing the travel costs between Arlington and Martha's Vineyard, 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 Arlington Expensive? and Is Martha's Vineyard Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Arlington or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Arlington or Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Martha's Vineyard. Many travelers come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Arlington is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the summer. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In Arlington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arlington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard during summer. Arlington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arlington usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arlington 79°F (26°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Martha's Vineyard. Many visitors come to Arlington in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Arlington is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arlington in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Martha's Vineyard. In the autumn, Arlington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Arlington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 211 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets less rain in October than Martha's Vineyard. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arlington 60°F (15°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Arlington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Martha's Vineyard can be very cold. Arlington can be very cold during winter. In January, Arlington is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 35°F (1°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Arlington usually receives less sunshine than Martha's Vineyard during winter. Arlington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Arlington usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arlington 35°F (1°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Arlington during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

Arlington is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the spring. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arlington. In the spring, Arlington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Arlington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 225 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets less rain in April than Martha's Vineyard. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arlington 56°F (14°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Arlington

Arlington Martha's Vineyard
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)