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

Should you visit Cherokee or Arlington?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee or Arlington, 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.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a fascinating, cultural, and genuine town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Cherokee travel costs.

Arlington

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

Cherokee and Arlington: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Cherokee or Arlington?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Arlington than Cherokee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Arlington is better known for its museums and attractions, food, and nightlife, while Cherokee is more popular for its hiking. Arlington is more touristy than Cherokee and is popular for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Also, Arlington is famous for Arlington National Cemetery. Cherokee is well known for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Cherokee different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cherokee
Arlington

Arlington is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Arlington can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Cherokee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.


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

Cherokee
Arlington

Arlington is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Cherokee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Is Cherokee or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

Cherokee
Arlington

Arlington is notable for nightlife. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Arlington has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Is Cherokee or Arlington Better for Hiking?

Cherokee
Arlington

Cherokee 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 Cherokee. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cherokee or Arlington?

Cherokee
Arlington

Both Cherokee and Arlington are notable shopping destinations.

Cherokee is a great destination for shopping. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Arlington. 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 Cherokee or Arlington Better for Families?

Cherokee
Arlington

Cherokee 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 Cherokee. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

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 Cherokee or Arlington Better for Couples?

Cherokee
Arlington

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

Cherokee makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

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 Cherokee or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cherokee
Arlington

Arlington is notable for backpackers. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Cherokee is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

Is Cherokee or Arlington Better for Students?

Cherokee
Arlington

Arlington is notable for students. However, Cherokee is not popular with students.

Arlington is a great city to visit as a student. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Cherokee is not popular with students.

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

Cherokee
Arlington

Arlington is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town 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 Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.


Is Cherokee or Arlington a more walkable city?

Cherokee
Arlington

Arlington is notable for its walkability. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for its high level of walkability.

Arlington is very walkable. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

Cherokee is generally not a very walkable town. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or Arlington?

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

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

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

One day in Cherokee or Arlington?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Cherokee. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

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 Cherokee or Arlington?

You'll find museums and food around the cultural destination of Cherokee. 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 town has to offer. This town 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 Cherokee or Arlington?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fascinating town of Cherokee. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Cherokee or Arlington?

Cherokee is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Arlington or Cherokee?

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

  • Cherokee Prices
    USA Prices
    Arlington Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cherokee $186
    Arlington $323

The average daily cost (per person) in Cherokee is $186, while the average daily cost in Arlington is $323. 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 Cherokee and Arlington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cherokee $158
    Arlington $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cherokee $316
    Arlington $262
Compare Hotels in Cherokee and Arlington

Looking for a hotel in Cherokee 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 Cherokee


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: Cherokee Hotel Prices and Arlington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cherokee -
    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 Cherokee or Arlington?

Prices for flights to both Arlington and Cherokee 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
    Cherokee $27
    Arlington $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cherokee -
    Arlington $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cherokee -
    Arlington $17


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Arlington?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee or Arlington in the Summer?

Both Arlington and Cherokee during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arlington this time of year.

In July, Cherokee is generally around the same temperature as Arlington. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 81°F (27°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 Cherokee. In the summer, Cherokee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arlington. Cherokee gets 294 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 Cherokee. Cherokee usually gets more rain in July than Arlington. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cherokee 81°F (27°C) 
    Arlington 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Arlington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Arlington. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cherokee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arlington for the shopping scene.

Cherokee is a little warmer than Arlington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Arlington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In Cherokee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cherokee usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during autumn. Cherokee gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cherokee usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arlington. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cherokee 63°F (17°C) 
    Arlington 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Arlington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Arlington. Many travelers come to Cherokee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Arlington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Arlington can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cherokee. In the winter, Cherokee is much warmer than Arlington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cherokee in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Arlington averages at about 35°F (1°C).

In the winter, Cherokee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arlington. Cherokee gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 139 hours of full sun.

Cherokee receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cherokee usually gets more rain in January than Arlington. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cherokee 40°F (5°C) 
    Arlington 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Arlington in the Spring?

Both Arlington and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Cherokee is generally a little warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 62°F (17°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 Cherokee. Cherokee usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during spring. Cherokee gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Arlington. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cherokee 62°F (17°C) 
    Arlington 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Arlington and Cherokee

Cherokee Arlington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)