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

Should you visit Arlington or Nantucket?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Nantucket, 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 international, historical, and educational city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Arlington travel costs.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a serene, peaceful, and upscale island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Nantucket attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Nantucket travel costs.

Arlington and Nantucket: 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
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Arlington or Nantucket?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Arlington, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Arlington is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Arlington is well known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse.

How is Arlington different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nantucket 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 Nantucket?

Arlington
Nantucket

Arlington is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

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.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.


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

Arlington
Nantucket

Nantucket 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, Nantucket is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Arlington or Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Arlington
Nantucket

Arlington is a great city for nightlife. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Arlington or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Arlington
Nantucket

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington is not a resort destination.

Nantucket is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Arlington is not a resort destination.


Is Arlington or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Arlington
Nantucket

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nantucket. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is Arlington or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Arlington
Nantucket

Nantucket 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 Nantucket to see the historical old town. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Arlington does not have a historic old town.

Is Arlington or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Arlington
Nantucket

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nantucket. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Nantucket?

Arlington
Nantucket

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket More Beautiful?

Arlington
Nantucket

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Arlington is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Nantucket attracts visitors from all around. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

Arlington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Arlington or Nantucket Better for Families?

Arlington
Nantucket

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nantucket. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. 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 Arlington or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Arlington
Nantucket

Nantucket is terrific for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Nantucket has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local 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 Arlington or Nantucket Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington
Nantucket

Arlington is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantucket is not known 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.

Nantucket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's known for its upscale atmosphere that isn't particularly accommodating for backpackers.

Is Arlington or Nantucket Better for Students?

Arlington
Nantucket

Arlington is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Nantucket is not popular with students.

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

Nantucket is not popular with students.


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

Arlington
Nantucket

Arlington is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.

Arlington has a great public transit system. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Nantucket has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Is Arlington or Nantucket a more walkable city?

Arlington
Nantucket

Arlington and Nantucket are excellent when it comes to 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.

Nantucket is very walkable. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Arlington or Nantucket. In our opinion, Nantucket has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nantucket than Arlington. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Arlington or Nantucket?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Arlington. 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.

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.


A weekend in Arlington or Nantucket?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the educational destination of Arlington. 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.

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Nantucket?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the international city of Arlington. 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.

Nantucket 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. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Arlington or Nantucket?

Arlington 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.

Nantucket 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, Nantucket 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
    Nantucket Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Arlington $323
    Nantucket $409

The average daily cost (per person) in Arlington is $323, while the average daily cost in Nantucket is $409. 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 Nantucket in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arlington $131
    Nantucket $237
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arlington $262
    Nantucket $474
Compare Hotels in Arlington and Nantucket

Looking for a hotel in Arlington or Nantucket? 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 Nantucket


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 Nantucket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arlington $49
    Nantucket $47

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 Nantucket?

Prices for flights to both Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $141

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arlington $11
    Nantucket $34

Tours and Activities in Nantucket

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

  • Beyond the Cobblestones Self Guided Audio Tour of Nantucket: $9.99
  • Beyond the Cobblestones Self Guided Walking Tour of Nantucket: $9.99
  • Discover Nantucket Self-Guided Biking or Driving Tour: $13
  • Historical Tour of Nantucket: $57
  • Nantucket Coast to Coast Self-Guided Biking or Driving Tour: $13
  • Downtown Walking Tour: $120
  • Guided Bike Tour: $160
  • Guided Scenic Island Driving Tour: $160
  • Historical Landmarks Sightseeing Bus Tour: $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arlington $17
    Nantucket $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arlington and Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket is more expensive. And not only is Arlington much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Arlington would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Arlington 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket than you might in Arlington.

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


Which is Bigger, Arlington or Nantucket?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Arlington and Nantucket, 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 Arlington or Nantucket?

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 Nantucket in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Nantucket. Most visitors come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Arlington is a little warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the summer temperatures in Arlington in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Nantucket averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In July, Arlington usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arlington 79°F (26°C) 
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Nantucket in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Nantucket. The autumn months attract visitors to Arlington because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

In October, Arlington is generally a little warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 60°F (15°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Arlington usually gets less rain in October than Nantucket. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arlington 60°F (15°C) 
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Nantucket in the Winter?

Both Nantucket and Arlington 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 Arlington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nantucket. It's quite cold in Arlington in the winter. Arlington is much warmer than Nantucket in the winter. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. In January, Arlington usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arlington 35°F (1°C) 
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Nantucket in the Spring?

Both Nantucket and Arlington during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nantucket in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Arlington is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the spring temperatures in Arlington in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Nantucket averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Arlington usually gets less rain in April than Nantucket. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arlington 56°F (14°C) 
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Arlington

Arlington Nantucket
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)