Should you visit Arlington or Lancaster?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Lancaster, this travel cost comparison can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
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. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Arlington and Lancaster in more detail.
Accommodation
The prices for places to stay in Arlington can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is $105, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $210.
The prices for places to stay in Lancaster can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is $73, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $146.
Food
Food in Arlington costs travelers about $64 per day on average. Restaurants can vary significantly in price, so choose wisely if you're trying to save money. Fast food and street stalls are typically your cheapest options, which sit down restaurants can be significantly more expensive.
On average, meal and food prices in Lancaster cost around $42 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around $17.
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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:
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Private Walking Food Tour in Lancaster:
$48
Local Transportation
Arlington's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $39 per person, per day on transportation in Arlington.
Lancaster's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $55 per person, per day on transportation in Lancaster.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arlington
Also for Arlington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private transfer from or to IAD, DCA, JFK, LGA, EWR airports, MD, WDC, and NY:
$700
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Private transfer from DCA airport to Washington DC:
$250
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Round trip transfer in private minivan from-to Ronald R Airport in Washington DC:
$160
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Private Transfer from Washington Reagan Airport to Washington DC by Luxury SUV:
$154
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Round trip transfer in private car from-to Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington:
$128
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Washington, DC: Private Airport Transfer: To or From: (DCA) Reagan National:
$127
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Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$122
-
Washington Airport Transfers: National Airport DCA to Washington in Luxury Car:
$106
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Arrival Private Transfer Ronald Reagan Airport DCA to Washington DC by SUV:
$104
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Private Washington DC Transfer: DCA Airport to Hotel:
$103
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Washington Airport Transfers: National Airport DCA to Washington in Luxury SUV:
$82
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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:
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Private transfer: Lancaster to Lancaster Airport (LNS):
$622
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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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Arlington can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $8.50 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Lancaster can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $15 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Tours and Activities in Arlington
For Arlington, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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4 Hours Private Chauffeured DC Sight Seeing Tour / SUV & Sedan:
$428
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Arlington Cemetery & American History Museum Guided Combo Tour - Private Tour:
$143
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Arlington Cemetery & American History Museum Guided Tour - 8ppl Max:
$143
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Arlington Cemetery Private Tour:
$359
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Arlington National Cemetery Guided Walking Tour:
$36
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Arlington National Cemetery Guided Walking Tour - 8ppl Max:
$73
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Arlington National Cemetery Guided Walking Tour - Private Tour:
$73
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Arlington National Cemetery Hop-On Hop-Off Tour:
$15
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Arlington National Cemetery Private Walking Tour:
$360
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Stuck at the Airport Washington DC Tour:
$450
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Tasting & Tour:
$8.78
Tours and Activities in Lancaster
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lancaster.
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Authentic Tour & Meal with an Amish Family!:
$65
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Ghost Tour of Lancaster:
$18
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Lancaster City VIP Restaurant Tour:
$75
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Lancaster County: National Toy Train Museum Admission Ticket:
$7.50
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Downtown & Amish Country Authentic Lancaster Tour:
$65
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Evening Ghost Tour by Candlelight:
$18
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Premium Amish Country Tour including Amish Farm and House:
$32
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Sweet & Savory Tour of Lancaster City!:
$60
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Truly Authentic Lancaster Experience!:
$59
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Arlington spend on average $13 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Lancaster, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $9.14.
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.
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