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

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Should you visit Arlington or Lancaster?

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

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

Where Should I go: Arlington or Lancaster?

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.

Lancaster

The largest city in Pennsylvania's Dutch Country, Lancaster is surrounded by scenic landscape and a unique culture. The area is predominately agricultural in nature and you will find lush farms growing crops and produce most seasons. The Amish communities are spread throughout the area and although they remain relatively isolated, they are acknowledged by fellow community members and their customs are respected. The Amish community prides themselves on minimalist living. They do not use electricity and travel around in horse and buggy, a sight which you will grow accustomed to while you're in the area. They are excellent farmers and craftsmen and you can find shops that proudly sell Amish made goods. Their close are old fashion in nature. Women generally wear long dresses and bonnets while men wear black suits and hats. The Amish community has their own churches and their own schools. There are a handful of places where you can learn more about the Amish community in the area. The Amish Experience F/X Theater offers shows and the People's Place Quilt Museum shows some handicrafts. It is possible to take an Amish Country tour or visit the Mennonite Information Center for more information.

Which city is cheaper, Lancaster or Arlington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Arlington is $211, while the average daily cost in Lancaster is $146. 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 Arlington and Lancaster in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arlington $105
    Lancaster $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arlington $210
    Lancaster $146
Compare Hotels in Arlington and Lancaster

Looking for a hotel in Arlington or Lancaster? 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 Lancaster


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 Lancaster Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arlington $39
    Lancaster $55

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lancaster

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

  • Private transfer: Lancaster to Lancaster Airport (LNS): $622
  • Private Transfer from Lancaster to Manchester Airport (MAN): $183

Is it cheaper to fly into Arlington or Lancaster?

Prices for flights to both Lancaster 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 $64
    Lancaster $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster

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

  • Private Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arlington $8.50
    Lancaster $15

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

Tours and Activities in Lancaster

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

  • Authentic Tour & Meal with an Amish Family!: $65
  • Ghost Tour of Lancaster: $18
  • Lancaster City VIP Restaurant Tour: $75
  • Lancaster County: National Toy Train Museum Admission Ticket: $7.50
  • Lancaster County: Tour and Meal with an Amish Family: $75
  • Amish Experience Visit-in-Person Tour of 3 Farms: $60
  • Evening Ghost Tour by Candlelight: $18
  • Premium Amish Country Tour including Amish Farm and House: $32
  • Sweet & Savory Tour of Lancaster City!: $60
  • Truly Authentic Lancaster Experience!: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arlington $13
    Lancaster $9.14

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Arlington or Lancaster?

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 Lancaster in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Lancaster.

Arlington is around the same temperature as Lancaster in the summer. The temperature in Arlington is usually 79°F (26°C) in July, and Lancaster stays around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lancaster this time of the year. In Arlington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arlington usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during summer. Arlington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arlington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lancaster. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arlington 79°F (26°C) 
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Lancaster in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Lancaster.

In the autumn, Arlington is a little warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arlington in October are around 60°F (15°C), and Lancaster is about 56°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Arlington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster. Arlington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lancaster. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arlington 60°F (15°C) 
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Lancaster in the Winter?

Both Lancaster and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Lancaster can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Arlington. In January, Arlington is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Temperatures in Arlington average around 35°F (1°C), and Lancaster stays around 30°F (-1°C).

Arlington usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during winter. Arlington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Arlington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lancaster. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arlington 35°F (1°C) 
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Lancaster in the Spring?

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

Arlington is a little warmer than Lancaster in the spring. The temperature in Arlington is usually 56°F (14°C) in April, and Lancaster stays around 53°F (12°C).

In Lancaster, 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 Lancaster. Arlington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets less rain in April than Lancaster. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arlington 56°F (14°C) 
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Arlington

Arlington Lancaster
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)


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Arlington vs. Lancaster Travel Comparison

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